Local development initiatives took centre stage on Friday, 7 November 2025, when Our Town Fochville (OTF) welcomed business leaders and community stakeholders to a Business Breakfast at Losberg Lodge. Held in the scenic Losberg mountains, the event provided an opportunity to share OTF’s recent achievements, strengthen partnerships, and outline future plans aimed at fostering long-term growth in Fochville.

A Gathering with Purpose in a Scenic Setting

Losberg Lodge, made available by Henning and Rentia Pretorius, created an inviting atmosphere for the morning programme. The venue was arranged by OTF organisers Hannelie Schoonraad, Nina van Heerden, Marinda Bosman, Christelle de Beer, and Rentia Pretorius. Final touches, including banners, sound, and layout, were completed by the OTF men’s team: Ian, Johan, Hein, and George.

A total of 55 guests attended the breakfast, representing various sectors of the local community.

Programme and Presentations

OTF Chairman Jan Schoonraad opened the morning by welcoming attendees and presenting the organisation’s vision. His address outlined completed projects as well as ongoing and upcoming initiatives intended to uplift Fochville through collaboration, volunteer efforts, and strategic partnerships.

The programme also included a message and prayer by Ps. Hennie Eksteen, who set a reflective tone for the event.

Following the opening session, guests heard from a panel of contributors offering different perspectives on community development:

• Jasper Cloete, founder of GIG Bank and the CCC Trust

• Colonel Jan Malan, representing Streetsafe

• Christiaan de Jager, from Merafong Municipality

The speakers highlighted a range of topics, including leadership, partnerships between civil society and municipal structures, and innovative strategies to support sustainable development in Fochville.

Launch of Inspire Magazine and New OTF Website

After breakfast, attendees were introduced to two new communication platforms designed to strengthen engagement between OTF and the community.

Representatives from the NRC Office, Ronel Potgieter and Nico van Rensburg, presented:

• Inspire – Our Town Fochville Magazine

• The new OTF website

The bi-monthly Inspire magazine will be made available free of charge, offering updates on local initiatives, profiles of community projects, and opportunities for businesses and residents to participate in OTF programmes.

Community Response and Looking Forward

According to feedback from those who attended, the event was well received, generating renewed enthusiasm for collaborative development in Fochville. The morning provided a platform for local businesses to engage with OTF leadership and explore new avenues for partnership.

OTF extended an invitation to residents, business owners, and community organisations to join the movement, contribute to upcoming projects, and support ongoing efforts to restore and uplift the town.

Final Thoughts

The Business Breakfast at Losberg Lodge served as both a reflection on progress and a strategic step toward expanding community involvement in Our Town Fochville’s development goals. With new initiatives launched and strengthened partnerships emerging, OTF aims to build on the momentum generated at the event to continue improving the town one project at a time.

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