The MANCOSA Business Breakfast in Johannesburg was hosted at the Michelangelo Hotel in Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton on Thursday, 3 September 2014.
There were 30 people in attendance at this event and 40 guests confirmed their attendance. Guests comprised business leaders, alumni, MBA students, academics and other MANCOSA staff members.
The aim of breakfast was networking among stakeholders to tout for future collaboration and also engagement to be informed of topical issues.
Guests certainly chose the opportunity to network and had an enjoyable time.
The keynote speaker, Avril Williamson, the Deputy Director of the Department of Home Affairs had spoken on leadership and the empowerment of women which was well received and sparked discussion among guests.
The venue was stunning and appropriate to host a high end event that drew guests. The catering was good and the set up and service we received was good.
It is advisable to make this an annual event in Johannesburg. Perhaps next year it can be hosted in the first half of the year.
The Namibia Business Breakfast
This event was hosted on Thursday, 4 September at the Kalarhari Sands Hotel in the Marunga Rooftop venue.
It was the first time a business breakfast was hosted by MANCOSA in Windhoek. It was a well-received event that drew about 26 guests. We were expecting 30 guests.
The keynote speaker was the Managing Director of Old Mutual Africa Operations, Mr Johannes Gawaxab. He proved to be a dynamic speaker who spoke on the skills development and how private higher education institutions were responding to this. As a guest speaker he was a draw card and attracted many high profile guests and the media. Two newspaper journalists and a TV station were present.
There were many training and development personnel present who learnt that MANCOSA is an option when looking for a training service provider. I’ve exchanged cards with some people and forwarded the details to Executive Education.
The venue was good, however perhaps we could try the Hilton next year which costs the same.
The business breakfast is an excellent platform for MANCOSA to promote itself and should be repeated in Namibia.