GEORGE BUSINESS NEWS - "The broader business community of George should follow the example of the Springboks and unite in their own diversity to ensure that we have an integrated focus to address the socioeconomic challenges we are facing."
So says Dr Dennis Farrel, chairperson of the George Business Chamber in reaction to the outcome of the Rugby World Cup final, where South Africa beat England convincingly.
Farrel told the George Herald it was special game. "But even more inspiring is how our captain, Siya Kolisi, and other leaders in the Springbok team were able to unite the team and to throughout the campaign live the Springbok slogan 'Stronger Together'."
Farrel says his comments should be seen against the background of the dire socioeconomic position that South Africa finds itself in. "This World Cup victory has a bigger significance for the country than even the 1995 victory."
During the year, George Business Chamber has initiated discussions with other emerging business community chambers in the George municipal area in an attempt to create a platform for socioeconomic-focused organisations to meet to align their efforts in addressing issues such as job creation, safety, socioeconomic stability and environmental sustainability.
Although the discussions to date have not been completely successful in the creation of an overarching forum, Farrell is confident that the interest shown by various organisations is growing, and that these engagements could lead to creating a "George Socioeconomic Partnership" with individual participating entities still retaining their own identity.
Farrell points out that, at the outset of the 2019 Rugby World Cup tournament, the odds were stacked against the now victorious Springboks. Like the Boks, he says, George should embrace the strength in our diversity and unite in a "George Socioeconomic Partnership" to build a thriving and sustainable inclusive economy for all in George.
"From George Business Chamber we shall be engaging with related bodies to convene a follow-up meeting in order to establish the 'George Socioeconomic Partnership'. We salute Rassie, Siya and the team for their example, dedication and hard work. Let us follow suit."
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