Businesses and community organisations connect at Kliprivierberg #Hike4MyBusiness
The outdoor networking initiative brought business owners, entrepreneurs and government representatives together to strengthen local business and community connections.
Businesses, community organisations and government representatives came together at Kliprivierberg Nature Reserve for the recent #Hike4MyBusiness initiative, an outdoor networking event aimed at strengthening relationships between businesses and the communities they serve.
The initiative allowed business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and government representatives to share information and make connections.
Walking towards stronger business connections
The chairperson of WOMan NPO, Theophellous Chabalala, said the event was about creating stronger links between businesses and their local communities.
“Hike4MyBusiness aims at local businesses trading and supporting each other. Businesses need to work together, business to business.”
WOMan NPO worked with the City of Joburg’s Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation to help organise and promote the initiative.
The event also raised awareness of WOMan NPO’s second annual charity fundraiser, scheduled for Rietvlei Zoo Farm on October 31.
The hike offered a different approach to traditional business networking. Participants could build relationships while doing a physical activity.
“It’s all about walking and talking,” said Chabalala. “Hiking is an activity meant to push limits and build teams. It also reminds people that everything starts with a single step. In business, to move forward, you need to take that step.”
Participants could choose a general 7.5km route, while senior citizens took a 2km route. The shorter hike was cut short because of drizzle, after which the senior citizens returned to the hall for aerobics and further engagement with participating businesses.
A range of businesses and organisations supported the event, including JMPD, EMS, Protégé Brands, Matla Insurance, Discovery Insurance, Pam Golding, The Healing Journey, SECHABA FC, Queens Haven Club, LISA Properties and Fine Home Elegance. Government representatives from the City of Joburg and Gauteng Provincial Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation also participated.
Building safer communities
Chabalala said the initiative was also about building safer and more connected communities.
“I can have my neighbour produce toilet rolls and I don’t know about it. That was the whole point behind Hike4MyBusiness.”
Chabalala summed up the event: “Alone you can go fast, but together we can go far.”
