Building Momentum: Notes from Our Annual Business Breakfast
Despite the crisp morning air on the 13th of June, the Mugg & Bean at Chelsea Village was abuzz with warmth, coffee, and conversation as 54 local business leaders gathered to forge a brighter future for Somerset West.
The Village Collective hosted its second annual business breakfast – a moment to sit down and share our vision with local business owners, inviting them to be part of a movement to reawaken the heart of the town and shape the future of the region. Founding partners and key local stakeholders shared their passion and ideas for revitalising the village centre – making it a place to live, work, connect, and thrive.
Cape Town councillor Neil de Beer reminded attendees of the power of collaboration:
“Stop working in silos. Let’s work together, let’s stand together.”
Duncan Theron, founder of GraySwan and long-time local resident, echoed the call to action:
“We love this community. We’re a business that cares about this town. Think about what you can bring – time, money, ideas, passion. Why should we always drive to Stellenbosch for a good meal or a good school? Let’s make Somerset West that place.”
Bertus de Waal from Dewvest noted the momentum already building:
“It’s great to see real change happening. Much more involvement, much more energy – and we look forward to what comes next.”
Janine Fourie of KwikSpar reminded us that for a community to thrive, it takes many hands:
“The Village Collective is nothing without the community and local businesses. Four founding partners can’t do it alone – we need more of us joining hands.”
From community upliftment to public safety, Jean Lourens of the Somerset West CID gave insight into the on-the-ground work already being done to keep Somerset West clean and safe, bringing dignity to many and order in the CBD.
And finally, Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold, founder of Destinate and head of the Village Collective, summed it up powerfully:
“We invite you to help us reawaken the heart of this town. Without a healthy heart, the rest can’t flourish. What we need now is momentum – because time is of the essence.”
The morning was more than just a breakfast – it was a bold invitation to join a growing movement. One where businesses, residents, and change-makers are coming together not just to imagine, but to build, a thriving Somerset West.
Interested in joining the Village Collective movement?
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