Ward 135, EFF PR Councillor, Lawrence Baloyi hosted a luncheon where ten local business owners were honoured for their diligent work in making a difference within their community on February 28 at Protea Glen.
The luncheon was held at Joe Gqabi Social Development Centre where elderly citizens were also invited to be part of the remarkable celebration.
According to Councillor Baloyi, it is crucial to express gratitude to local business owners who support the community mainly because this is how they let them know that their amazing work is appreciated and that they deserve to be recognised.
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“I decided to create and present certificates of appreciation to local business owners who have significantly contributed to the betterment of the community.
“Since the elderly are typically the ones who gain from these individuals, I also invited them and prepared lunch for them alongside local business owners in an effort to motivate the change makers,” said Baloyi.
Baloyi added that he finds it concerning that there are still some local businesses who continue to refuse to work toward bettering the community, even though they are well aware of how impoverished Ward 135 is and how the community’s CPF patrollers rely on its citizens for their daily needs.
If all businesses can take time and assist the community, a significant impact could be achieved.
All honoured businesses were acknowledged for their significant contribution to job creation, feeding families in need, and in some cases, building homes for those whose homes were destroyed by fire due to load shedding.
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One of the business owners who was awarded with a certificate, Thihanedzwi Mashapha said knowing that his contribution to the community is acknowledged does motivate him to continue supporting the community even more.
“I am happy that the work I do to support residents of this community is acknowledged. I hope that by doing this, I will encourage other businesses that are not currently involved to get involved so that we can create a culture of mutual aid.
“Usually, what I do for the community seems insignificant, but I am unaware of the significant impact it has on people’s lives,” said Mashapha.
Counsellor Baloyi has committed to holding these events every February to keep motivating those who significantly contribute to the betterment of the community
