On Set Images, Newsletter June

by
Rev. Jonathan Dreyer
chair, HBBOF

The Hout Bay Business Opportunities Forum (HBBOF), a member of The Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum (WECBOF), was established a year ago to afford previously disadvantaged economic role players in Hout Bay a Forum to become actively involved in the mainstream economy of Hout Bay and the region as a whole. HBBOF therefore represents the interests of the Black Business Community in Hout Bay, which specialises in Fishing, Tourism, Construction, Events Management, Retail, Transport, Hospitality, Property Development, and Manufacturing.

Our Mission is to contribute effectively to the economic and social development of the Hout Bay region in its area of interest by:

Co-ordinating business relationships amongst its members
Identifying business opportunities
Facilitating the development of local capital
Promoting the development of technology in the region
Striving to effect changes beneficial to Black Business people and for the development of the previously disadvantaged community in Hout Bay
Assisting people with skills desiring the establishment of their own business through amongst others a Training Programme
Seeking contracts and investment opportunities from and establishing relationships with prospective business associates
Developing and propagating a strong code of business conduct which will be guided by the principles of non-racialism, non-sexism and democracy, and a sustained sense of social responsibility

The past 12 months, which is also our first, I must admit has been very challenging for HB BOF, but is has produced some satisfactory results. Today I can look back with lots of emotion and see the tireless efforts of committed entrepreneurs who displayed, during the course of this year, a hunger to succeed. We started off well with premises to operate from, granted to us by one of the Patrons. However it was not long when these premises were drawn from under our feet, like a carpet. This curtailed the whole operation and its goals. Be that as it may a few of us decided not to let this minor setback stop us because we still believe in our motto in the years of being disadvantaged, “ALUTUWA CONTINUWA”, forward we shall go.

Here are some of the highlights:

The “BIG” Launch
Southern Ambition being the first black owned company to be granted a boating permit in Hout Bay
The partnership between Southern Ambition and CUE
The partnership between CUE and Nauticat
The partnership between CUE and Mariner’s Wharf
Members of the Forum who through the Tender workshops, organised by HBBOF and The Hout Bay Civic Association, had the know how to obtained some tenders
Assistance given to companies that applied for Long Term Fishing Rights our congratulations to those who were successful and holding thumbs for those who are awaiting the announcement of the successful appellants
International Business Assistance from the one and only Hans Brugmans from Holland
Catering and Cleaning Opportunities
Tourism Workshops

This to mention only but a few.

Yes I am aware that there is a lot of hard work ahead for us, but I do believe that we need to make a concerted effort to enhance growth by tapping into opportunities to gain access to markets. I know there is enormous potential out there but we are also cognisant of the lack of resources, business partners and access to finance.

This Forum will further explore measures to enhance access to finance and other business opportunities for its members. We will seriously have to look at a better relationship between ourselves and Capital Financiers to address the difficulty our people have to gain access to finance for their businesses.

A key Building Block underpinning our Vision is a desire to foster a culture of continuous improvement as a way of building a World Class Forum with the assistance of The Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum. Believe me that this Forum will remain focussed on efficiency gains in order to improve business performances, which will in turn lead to enhance profitability.

Access to information, Markets, Finance, Technology, Skills and nurturing entrepreneurs and introducing new entrepreneurs will be our aim in the coming years of success.

All that remain is for me to first of all thank Almighty God for the strength and courage He has granted also thank you to Aunty Maria, Noxolo, Mavis, Gregg, Johnny, Stanley, Crosby, Trevor, Lesley Africa, Patrick Parring, Richard, Dicky Meter and also last to Timothy Jacobs and his family for accommodating HB BOF at their home and for the use of his telephone and equipment. Without the dedication and commitment of the above-mentioned people, we would never have been able to achieve what we have today looking back a year later. Also during this period Timothy and family had lost their mother and I pay tribute to this Woman Of Worth.

I also wish to express my sincerest appreciation to Unitrade, Palash Moodley, Roy Cohen of Dirty Dicks and other businesses that contributed so generously. My sincerest appreciation also goes to Cape Coast Foods for the smoked snoek donated and to South African Sea Products for their contribution.

A big thank you to my lovely wife Ray and our Children for the continuous support and love without which I would never have got thus far.

Should you desire to become a member of the Forum then please do not hesitate to contact Timothy at 083 390 4966.

I have never met any financial institution like NEDBANK who made this event possible with their financial sponsorship. Thank you Farieda. May our relationship which is held in the highest regard be mutually beneficial.

The secret of success is not to give up or rest until good is better and better is best.

Yours in creating business opportunities for previously disadvantaged businesses.

May God bless you in all your endeavours.