Makhado businesses get the SCC nod of approval

The Soutpansberg Chamber of Commerce (SCC) hosted their annual gala award evening at Northgate Lodge in Makhado on Saturday.

Vaughan van Niekerk was the master of ceremonies and a-capella group, Navi Redd provided the entertainment.

Rex Dlamini started the proceedings with a toast to South Africa. “The economy might look bad now, but we believe things will improve,” he said.

This toast was followed with a toast to business by Phillip Olivier who said business played an important role in the growth of Makhado. Van Niekerk followed with a toast to tourism.

Makhado mayor, David Mutavhatsindi, was the keynote speaker of the evening.

Mutavhatsindi was especially impressed with the entertainment and complimented Navi Redd. “I have never come upon music like this before and I am proud to say you are South Africans,” he said.

He spoke about development, business and collaboration in Makhado.

“When I grew up, I thought that black was the opposite of white and white was the opposite of black. Today, while dressing, I realised this was not correct.

“Black and white makes a very good match. All the people here tonight are dressed in black and white and you look good.

“By working together, we can move South Africa forward. We can make Makhado a better place to live in if black and white work together,” he said.

Mutavhatsindi announced that R70 million would be used for development on the corner of Rissik Street and the N1. “Very soon Makhado will be a pothole free town,” he said.

The SCC elected Pieter Els as their new president and thanked Jana Smith, outgoing president, for her dedicated service to the chamber.