KROONSTAD – A bold step has been taken to rebuild the Free State town of Kroonstad with the establishment of the town’s first Christian Business Chamber (CBC).
In a decisive move to confront deepening municipal challenges and restore confidence in the town’s future, business and faith leaders have united in what is widely regarded as a turning point for local renewal.
The chamber was launched on Friday 20 March, at a business breakfast hosted by the Ignite and Revive organisation. Business leaders, church representatives and community stakeholders gathered to address the urgent need for coordinated action in response to the ongoing decline within the Moqhaka Municipality.
A structured way forward
Guest speaker Sidney Pittaway delivered a stark assessment of the municipality’s condition, warning that it was sinking deeper into financial distress, with escalating debt and deteriorating service delivery. His address reinforced the call for immediate and decisive community-led intervention.
André van Pletzen of Ignite and Revive asserted that the four-pillar framework stemmed from what he described as a divinely inspired vision, which he believes sets out a structured way forward for communities in crisis. He noted it was firmly rooted in the principles of Nehemiah in the Bible, emphasising restoration, unity and accountable leadership.
Ignite and Revive has indicated its intention to expand the initiative and set an example for other groups across South Africa, despite acknowledging the challenges of long-term sustainability as more communities are expected to adopt the model.
“Through these four pillars, we will ensure that communities are able to implement sustainable and lasting change,” said Van Pletzen.
Driving meaningful change
Charl Marais outlined a clear and structured vision for the CBC, built on the four strategic pillars aimed at driving meaningful change.
The first calls for unity among church leaders across denominations, urging them to set aside differences and work together for the common good. The second pillar focuses on establishing neighbourhood committees, empowering residents to take ownership of their communities and actively contribute to their restoration. The third pillar introduces a community watch forum designed to hold local government accountable and apply sustained pressure to ensure transparency and effective governance. The fourth and central pillar is the CBC itself, through which business leaders will serve as a strong, organised voice representing the interests of Kroonstad in engagements with local authorities.
Stepping forward
A call to action was issued to those in attendance, and 11 businessmen and women stepped forward, committing themselves to the chamber and to the responsibility of driving the initiative forward on behalf of the broader community. Tommie Hugo, former manager of the Netcare Kroon Hospital, was elected president; with Dave Müller as vice-president.
Hugo expressed confidence in the chamber’s potential, describing it as a turning point. Marais added that all those who gathered share a purpose: to rebuild Kroonstad.
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