The City of Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi has expressed shock and sadness at the death of Chris van Biljon, local businessperson and founder of the Ekurhuleni Business Initiative, which was later re-branded as the Ekurhuleni Business Network (EBN).
The 72-year-old died in his sleep in Kempton Park on Saturday.
“This is a very sad day for the people of Ekurhuleni, especially the business community. Van Biljon was a dedicated and a hardworking individual who was passionate about the success of small businesses in the region,” said Dr Mashazi.
The city had formed a formidable partnership with Van Biljon’s EBN because they shared a similar vision in terms of ensuring that Ekurhuleni’s economy remained vibrant and advocated for the success of local business regardless of the size.
“Van Biljon initiated the business organisation over 15 years ago to serve the interests of corporates and small, medium and micro-sized enterprises throughout Ekurhuleni.
“He always believed in pushing the envelope in order to put businesses on the map and see them grow and prosper. His passion for growing small businesses over all cultures will always be remembered. We hope that in his absence the EBN will continue with his vision to empower all enterprises so that they thrive and achieve profitability and success within the current unprecedented economic environment,” said Dr Mashazi.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she concluded.
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