With the legendary current PSASA President, Dr Billy Selekane (CSP), and award-winning thought leader Willem Gous on stage, the Pretoria Chapter meeting on 28 May promised a standout experience. Members and guests agree that it delivered on that promise.
As part of the Pretoria Chapter’s commitment to supporting members’ growth as professional speakers, guest speakers in May tackled the challenge of becoming a Million Dollar Speaker. As guest speaker Willem Gous put it, his presentation addressed this with a focus on the person, while Association President Dr Billy Selekane (CSP) illuminated the process.
The guest speakers were clearly a drawcard, with visitors outnumbering Chapter members. And they did not disappoint; every member of the audience was clearly spellbound throughout the presentations.
Outside the sessions, both members and guests used the opportunity to meet and mingle. With so many newcomers present, this was especially enriching for all those present.
Enthusiastic audience members returned from the refreshment break for the fireside chat armed with hot chocolate and decadent trimmings. Their stimulating questions on the speaking business allowed both guest speakers to demonstrate their respective expertise.
Another highlight of the evening was the presence of two special guests from the Pretoria Chapter’s venue hosts, Eduvos Pretoria Campus. Programme Convenors Bonolo Mahlatsi and Melandra Naicker brought their academic perspective to the conversation while discovering the culture of this vibrant PSASA Chapter.
As a conclusion to the evening, the Pretoria Chapter leadership team gathered on stage to share the Purpose Statement from their Team Charter. The team developed this during a recent one-day retreat with guidance from leadership authority Ian Hatton, PSASA Southern African Educators Hall of Fame inductee, two-time past Virtual Chapter President and current Membership Ambassador for Pretoria. Eager applause from the audience showed that this Purpose Statement struck a chord:
“We, the PSASA Pretoria Chapter Leadership Team, exist to equip and inspire our members to unleash a culture of professional excellence, ethical practice and vibrant community, in order to open doors to the opportunities, impact and income they desire and deserve.”
In his letter of thanks to the Chapter leadership, current PSASA President Dr Billy Selekane (CSP) wrote: “The event reflected the passion and commitment your chapter brings to serving our members and creating meaningful experiences.”
“Personally, I am empowered by what I heard yesterday from both speakers, true legends of the field,” commented Pretoria Chapter Deputy President Anthony Ntobeko Peter.
Pretoria Chapter Speaker Liaison Claire De Meulenaere reflected: “After last night my two new favourite sayings are: ‘Don’t buy a bus!’ (Willem Gous) and ‘Decide if you want to be a BMW 3 class or an Aston Martin Speaker!’ (Dr Billy Selekane). The type of ‘car’ you want to be will determine the ‘road/s’ you travel on your way to the destination you have envisioned for yourself.”
This wildly successful meeting sets the stage for June, when Pretoria Chapter will celebrate Youth Month with an exciting new initiative. To be sure to receive updates on future events, sign up for the Pretoria Chapter newsletter on the PSASA website home page at https://www.psasouthernafrica.co.za.
