SOJO Business and Tourism held its AGM on August 29 at Nasrec Expo Centre.
Chairperson Richard Bennet welcomed all the attendees and said it was good to see people committed who wish to see the South grow.
“Living in South Africa is for the bold and the brave and if it wasn’t for the bold and the press the corruption which continues to sweep through our country would go unaddressed,” Bennet said as he opened the meeting.
He went on to say, at the business network breakfasts which SOJO hosts a few times a year, “The people who attend are committed to making business work in the South and we’ve hosted some super guest speakers. It’s encouraging to see our communities coming together and we’ve been involved in some amazing drives this past year. Nicky, you and your team are amazing and it’s a pleasure to see the areas so clean where SOJO is active.
“SOJO continues to run on a very limited budget and without our members’ contributions, we would really struggle to maintain the business. Thank you to the members who willingly give extra money to assist us, it’s very valued. We walk and work together and there are some rapidly growing businesses in the South,” he said.
“It’s been a tough year and we thank all our members. We are confident the year ahead will bring new business to the South and we’ve absolutely no problem with business ventures moving from the north to the South.”
Nicky Vakaloudis (CEO of SOJO) shared the activities and fund-raising projects over the past year with the attendees. “We held a Charity Race Day last year, as well as other drives and this year we’ve worked with Rotary collecting blankets for the homeless, enjoyed a Mandela Day Drive with local businesses, and in July held our Christmas in July at Gold Reef City with money raised going to Josh.
“Our next business breakfast is on September 28, and we welcome residents who are keen to network with business owners. We are hosting a golf day at Glenvista Country Club on November 2 and at the end of November, we have been offered at an extremely good price, a week of prime space, for our members, at Mall of the South. Thank you to you all for attending,” said Nicky.
Peter Soester (finance SOJO) said there has been an increase in subscriptions by 20 per cent and the balance sheet has improved.
“The annual fund-raisers continue to bring in much-needed funds but we are continually looking for ways to increase our cash flow. If our members fall behind with their subscriptions it does affect us.
“Grateful thanks to Richard and our exco team and to Nicky and her team, as well as to Grace Hughes and Associates, our auditors,” Peter added.
Also Read:
Annual general meetings for SOJO and KlipSA
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
Get regular news updates sent directly to your inbox: Newsletter-Signup
