GBF Committee

Richard Gaybba will be chairing the Management Committee for the next two years.

Richard’s vision for the GBF is to build the organisation’s membership and build on the relationship between Makana and the GBF.

Steven van der Merwe fills the position of Vice-Chair and will also be heading the Clean and Safe Sub-Committee.

Steven is passionate about Grahamstown and is keen to see the CBD develop such that both new business and customers find it attractive and safe.

To ensure continuity, Trevor Davies will stay on the committee in an ex-officio position of ex-chair in which his primary involvement will centre on municipal engagement.

Trevor believes that constructive engagement with local and provincial government is the key to ensuring effective governance and service delivery.

Markus Mostert has been re-appointed in the dual role of secretary/treasurer so as to ensure continuity in these important administrative functions.

Markus is passionate about the potential of small business to address the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality in our City.

Marlene Mitchener will be continuing fulfilling her function as GBF Administrator, but will also take up the chair of the Membership Sub-Committee of which the purpose is to grow our membership base.

Marlene is keen to raise awareness of the important work done by the Grahamstown Business Forum and to encourage business and private individuals to join the Forum. Together we can create and sustain a supportive and enabling business environment in Grahamstown and the surrounding areas.

Maso Nduna serves on the Management Committee as an Additional Member tasked with Business Development.

Maso is passionate about instilling a culture of saving in Grahamstown at large because of the potential impact it will have on future generations. In addition, he is interested in involving unemployed youth in small businesses.

The Business Development Sub-Committee will be headed by Monde Mafani.

Monde is passionate about community work and is currently running an NGO called Way to Go Science and Technology, helping schools around the Eastern Cape and inspiring learners to engage in Science and Technology. He loves Grahamstown and is here to stay and make a difference in this beautiful township.

A founder member of the GBF Eugene Repinz chairs the Hospitality Committee which is primarily interested in creating collaboration amongst members involved in tourism and restaurant industry.

Eugene’s primary interest in establishing the Grahamstown Business Forum was to create a conducive business environment in which both workers and customers feel safe.