KLCBT Welcomes appointment of new Business Chamber Chairman

  • September 9th, 2022

The KLCBT Board congratulates and welcomes the appointment for Mr Ferdi Bijzet from Nelspruit Fasteners as the new Chairman of the Business Chamber.  This follows the     resignation of Pastor TJ Mare from this position and the board.  As former Vice-Chair, Bizjet will take the reigns until the next KLCBT leadership election in 2023.  KLCBT’s top leaders    include the President, Ms     Sandra Jacobs, the Chair for Tourism, Mr Oupa Pilane, the Chair for the Business Chamber, Mr Ferdi Bijzet, the vice chairs are Mr Denis Goffinet for      Tourism and Mr Sakkie van Rooyen for Business Chamber.

We will profile and properly introduce the new chairman as soon as he returns from his overseas trip.  You will then be able to meet him and ask him for comment on his appointment and vision going forward.

MEDIA RELEASE

Issued on behalf of KLCBT President, Ms Sandra Jacobs

The KLCBT Board hereby announces the resignation of Pastor TJ Mare from all his portfolios and associations with the KLCBT.  This includes the position of Chairman of the Chamber of Business.  His resignation came as a result of posts on his private social media profiles, suggesting support of the old South African flag. 

The board accepted his resignation and appreciates that he has done so out of his own accord out of respect for KLCBT’s mandate to promote business and work towards a cohesive and united society.

Pastor Mare also apologized to the KLCBT and all who were negatively affected by his statements:  “This was not done because of hatred or racism at all.  I came to the realization that my posts have caused hurt and for that I am truly sorry and apologise.” Mare said.

At the board meeting Mr Ferdi Bijzet, previously Vice-Chair, was appointed as the interim Business Chamber Chair who will serve until the next KLCBT elections in 2023. 

The top leadership of the KLCBT until then are:

President – Sandra Jacobs

Chairman of Tourism – Oupa Pilane

Chairman of Business Chamber – Ferdi Bijzet

Vice-Chair of Tourism – Denis Goffinet

Vice-Chair of Business Chamber – Sakkie van Rooyen