Byron Bjorseth is ready to lead the Ncandu 86 Round Table.
From Newcastle to New Zealand and back again… home will always be where the heart is for Byron Bjorseth.
The 27-year-old dynamo was recently inducted as chairman of the Ncandu 86 Round Table, and believes quality over quantity is the key to success.
“This year is about getting the name of Ncandu 86 Round Table out there to the public; not just the community, but business as well. We aim to get them more involved,” revealed Byron, in an exclusive interview with the Newcastle Advertiser.
Energy and a commitment to change in the community are ideals the organisation holds dear.
“At the moment, I am extremely happy with our current amount of members. In terms of membership, while we may not have the quantity, we surely have the quality, which is vital to any organisation.”
Byron is committed to making a difference in the community.
Q: What are some of your responsibilities as chairman of the Ncandu 86 Round Table?
Byron: “To make sure our meetings are run with protocol and the code of conduct is respected. I also make sure all formalities are adhered to. My main responsibility is to listen to my fellow Tablers. Some of our members hold a portfolio and are part of the council, so I need to make sure they are on track and motivated. Fellowship is of great importance.”
Prior to his induction, Byron actively participated in ‘raids’ around the area, attended several annual general meetings of various Round Tables, and attended three ARTSA (Association of Round Tables in Southern Africa) meetings across the country. This year’s meeting, which will take place in April in Sabi, has also been added to his diary.
Vernon van der Merwe vacates the head of the table and sashes a new chairman – Byron Bjorseth.
Q: What is a raid?
Byron: “Raiding is going to another Round Table’s meeting or AGM, or attending one of their projects. Raiding, to me, is essential because it is like visiting another part of your family. Going to another Table, you learn so much and get new ideas. Fellow Tablers are always there to give you a helping hand and support.”
Ncandu 86 is part of the Drakensberg area, and includes the following Round Tables:
– Ncandu 86
– Vryheid 129
– Dundee 94
– Tugela 202
– Estcourt 74
– Hilton 242
– PMB 12
“I could not have been involved to the extent I have, without the support of my fellow Tablers,” said Byron. “My aim, with the guidance of my predecessors, is to improve and grow the organisation. Tablers, in general, inspire me. It does not matter which city or country you are in – a Round Table member will always be there for you and your family.”
This ethos of family resonates on a personal level for Byron, who grew up in Newcastle and describes the town as a ‘small, friendly community’.
“I was born in Newcastle and went to Huttenpark Primary School. I completed my schooling at St Dominics Newcastle, and then went to Majuba College while working part-time at Avalon Guest Manor. After that, I was privileged enough to further my studies in Auckland, New Zealand at NZMA (New Zealand Management Academy). I finished my studies and stayed for a while, working part-time, before returning to South Africa.”
His journey back home involved a few pit stops, including a stint in Ballito.
“I came back to Newcastle though, and joined the family business [Index Electrical]. Since then, I have grown within the company and currently hold the position of sales manager.”
A small community, he said in conclusion, could make a huge difference in the lives of others.
“Ncandu 86 Round Table needs your support – help us, so we may help others.”
