Chair Report
The Free State Branch of BWA was established on 18 July 2005 at a meeting attended by both the CEO and National Administrator. At this meeting an Interim Committee was elected.
The immediate objective for the committee was to launch a branch. Regular meetings were held and all efforts were put into preparations for the launch. It took three months of hard work and rigorous planning to finally achieve this objective. A branch was launched on 18 October 2005 at an evening event attended by 200 guests. The presence of the President, CEO and National Administrator added essence to the crown.
Meticulous planning and good negotiation skills helped the committee to organise a successful and elegant event at minimal cost. In this way, the branch managed to make some profit. (From L Mokuele?s November report)
Publicity was gained via a photo in the Volksblad on 20 October 2006.
POST LAUNCH
Breakfast Workshop
After the launch, two more meetings were held and a small workshop was held at a breakfast at Ilanga Estate. Doloros Laubscher was an excellent choice and despite the small turnout, really contributed by taking us on a journey of her success.
2006
The Free State first Annual General Meeting was help on 16 March at Nedbank. Michelle attended and the committee was voted as follows:
- Ansa Terblanche (Chairperson)
- Mafedile Moeko (Vice Chair)
- Laura Mokuele
- May Moteane
- Lolo Seiboko
- Alexis Johnstone
- Mercy Motasi
- Christene Beukes
- Lizette du Plessis
- Miriam Tsiu
Vida Booysen from the Volksblad visited the first meeting on 16 March 2006 and again we got publicity in the business section of the Volksblad.
Future Events
Our first event will take place in the Terrace at Oliewenhuis. The guest speaker will Me. Monhla Hlahla. We are aiming for 80 guests. At this stage 4 tables (10 people each) have been booked and we are holding thumbs.
Membership
There were 13 Free State members at the AGM. To my knowledge this has since grown to 20.
Administration
Michelle and I will be conducting interviews on 15 May and hope to find a suitable candidate to assist with the secretarial duties.
So far no Business Woman of the Year nominations have been received, although Ria de Villiers will come back to me by 11 May 2006. She should be a very good candidate.
It has also been suggested that Lesotho be incorporated to the Free State branch.
CONCLUSION
During discussions with committee members, it has come to my attention that there is a need for workshops on various fields such as self motivation, etc. Although a date was not set yet (awaiting the outcome if their will be regional nominations) a workshop at the Botanical gardens in the form of a picnic may be the next event for Bloemfontein.
I hope and trust that the event on the 12th will add to our number of members in the Free State & Lesotho.
Ansa Terblanche
Free State Chairperson