GALLERY: SOJO hosts business network breakfast

“We were excited and pleased to have been able to host you after a very long lockdown period, and to welcome all the new members in person,” said Nicky Vakaloudis, CEO of South of Joburg Business and Tourism (SOJO).

SOJO celebrate their significant membership growth by 14 new businesses during 2020 and early 2021, at a time when the whole world was almost at a complete standstill.

“We felt the energy and enthusiasm in the room as everyone gathered to take their seats and prepared themselves to listen to eight brand new SOJO members introduce their business and speak about how they survived or thrived during the pandemic stages.”

The dynamic entrepreneurs who presented were: Lee Brennon from Leek Plumbing, Ann Brennon from Aircon At Cost, Frank Diener from Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve Association, Anele Veltman from Tiger Consultants, Payroll Bureau, Marco Petersen from Tiger Consultants, The Alternative Board, Craig Johnson from New Star Networks, Simple IT, Brendan Sullivan from Shamrock SA and Astrid Harrison from Travel Counsellors.

“These events are proving to be the ultimate opportunity to network, meet and connect with the local business community and other SMMEs, business leaders, investors, funders and potential partners through established trust and loyalty.

“Our surprise guest speaker was a young and vibrant 16-year-old learner from Marist Brothers Arianna Arnachillam, who has been selected to attend the International Modelling Talent Association in New York in July. Her passion is to empower the youth through social, business and community awareness and entrepreneurship. We include her portfolio and fund-raising initiatives to get her to New York and be the youth brand ambassador for South Africa,” said Vakaloudis.

Mobi-Med SA was the official Covid-19 screening partner who ensured all protocols were followed at the event and gave away a lucky draw prize to Tersia Burger from Stepping Stone Hospice.

All SOJO speakers received a gift voucher to the value of R100 each, proudly sponsored by www.rnaprintcloud.co.za and the ice-breaker prize, sponsored by Icarus Media, went to Percy Padayachy from Percy Stainless Steel and Aluminium for introducing Geoffrey Chingwaru from Howden Africa.