JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Richard Bennett (SOJO chairperson and director) noted apologies and proxies and then Andrew Barker (KlipSA chairperson) presented SOJO’s new focus shift.
“SOJO is a voluntary non-profit organisation established in 1998 and is committed to rejuvenation and upliftment of business areas in the south, provision of secure employment in pleasant surroundings, development of promotion of tourism and related services and businesses and promotion of sustainable business practices.
“The mission is to create City Improvement Districts (CID) in a defined area where property owners will agree to pay for supplementary and complimentary services,” said Barker.
SOJO has created a development trail as well as initiatives and projects and its vision is to establish and maintain the South of Johannesburg as the premier locale for investment activity and through the creation of CID’s they aim to provide a new and positive identity from which to launch a concerted effort to maintain and enhance the asset base thus attracting continued investment and development for the South of Johannesburg.
Financial Director for SOJO, Peter Soester, presented the annual financial accounts, adding revenue had dropped from the previous year and costs had increased by four per cent. “Some members didn’t pay their dues on time and even though it is a voluntary contribution we do rely on it. We now no longer have reserves to fall back on. On the bright side, we are totally clear with our tax clearance.”
Bennet spoke about emerging markets which is the result for devaluation of the Rand and said some members had struggled to keep up with the rapidly changing economy. “Turffontein and Wemmer Pan are looking at a Linear Park, which will be the first in the country and this is great news for the South.”
Nicky welcomed Jeannine Du Toit who has joined the SOJO team as office manager and went on to say they have hosted some charity events this year which have been very successful.
The AGM ended with a light dinner which had been arranged by Hannes Venter from Nasrec Precinct.
