MOSSEL BAY NEWS - "There is enough in the world for everyone, but not enough for everyone’s greed" according to Jannie Mouton, guest speaker at the gala function of the Mossel Bay Business Chamber which was held at the Diaz Strand Hotel recently. Mouton is the writer of the highly successful book "And then they fired me" which tells the story of how he was fired from his own company as managing director at the age of 48 and how he rebuilt his life and turned this feat into one of the greatest success stories of the South African economy.

Straight-talking Mouton told the inside story of how he started the financial services company PSG, turning it into a triumphant success in only 15 years. Today, the companies he is involved in have a market capitalisation of R61 billion.

He emphasised that one must take the time and opportunity to get to know your inner self after getting the boot. "Read, read and read everything about business, motivation and the current matters to equip yourself for your new venture" he said, and added that if it had not been for his dreams after he had been fired, he would not have been able to rebuild his life.

Way back in 1995 he had already decided that he wanted to head a national company, that he wanted to work together with his children and he wanted to work smarter, not harder.

"You need to think more and do less" he said. He also realised that titles mean nothing, it is all about your attitude and interest in people. "The greatest mistake a boss a can make is not to say; well-done!" He added that although people do not really want to be around him, he had succeeded in surrounding himself with capable people that helped him to fulfil his dreams.

Today PSG is his life and he reached his dream of heading up a national company noted on the stock exchange.

Awards
Later in the evening several awards were made to deserving businesses in town. Two Icon Awards went to the ATKV and the Garden Route Casino. They were praised for their contribution to building tourism in this area.

The award for Entrepreneur of the Year went to Nico and Sandra van Rensburg of Tiger Wheel and Tyre. During 2010, and only a few months after the Van Rensburg’s took over the local business, they were also nominated for this award.
In the category Business of the Year - Category B; M-Sec came out tops.

The top award of Business of the Year Category A went to JTA Properties, owners of the Mossel Bay Mall. The other nominations in that category were Afro Fishing and Tuinroete Agri.

JTA was praised for their vision and confidence in Mossel Bay to extend the Mall. JTA took over the Mall in April 2001. At that stage they were trading with 10 000 square metres. In 2010 they added another 5 000 squares and it is envisaged that another 5 000 will be added during 2012. They have succeeded in attracting major national brands to Mossel Bay. More than 500 people work at the Mall and they aveage an annual foot count of more than 2,5 million.

Tuinroete Agri has been going strong for 80 years. The head office is in Mossel Bay and 91 of the company’s more than 400 employees work in Mossel Bay. They carry a wide range of products from agricultural belongings to household items. A new fuel outlet is currently under construction. The annual turnover of the company is R485 689 000 and their nett profit R17 427 000.

The other finalist, Afro Fishing, started as a vision of the MD, Dewald Lourens, way back in 2002. He was faced with numerous problems and resistance, environmental issues and construction challenges. Construction started in 2006 and today the company is worth R45 million. They used local expertise, contractors and workers and are Proudly Mossel Bay. They provide employment for more than 400 people who earn almost R13 million per annum.

After the initial opposition and animosity from the local community, they succeeded to comply with all environmental requirements. They support local businesses for maintenance to the value of R2,5m. Well-known brands such as Glenryck, Saldanha and Lucky Star - and now also Mossel Bay - are manufactured here. As part of their social responsibility programme they provide food for the homeless and old age homes.

An excellent buffet was served and all the wine was sponsored by Jantjie Jonker from Jakkalsvlei Wines in the Herbertsdale district. The beautiful table arrangements were made by committee member Marika Thomatos.


JTA Properties, the owners of the Mosselbaai Mall, was announced the winner of the Mossel Bay Business Chamber’s Category A. They were praised for their vision and confidence in the town to extend the Mall. Johan Nel (second from right), Tossie Steyn (second from left) and André Nel took over the Mall in April 2001. Johan’s wife, Dulcie (middle) is directly involved in the running of the Mall. Photographed with the proud winners are Chamber chairman Pierre Venter (left) and Marika Thomatos (right).

PHOTOS: DENSIE LLOYD