Written by: Mahlodi Kgatle
July’s PSASA Pretoria Chapter meeting was nothing short of transformative. Our speaker line-up included two seasoned experts: Juanita Vorster, a successful business owner, certified director, and ethics officer, as well as Fairbridge Mitchell, a businessman, motivational speaker, radio presenter, and MC.
We took a deep dive into how to simplify our speaking approach, build a clear business plan, and take bold action.
Juanita Vorster—The simplest speaking business plan ever
Kicking off the evening was Juanita Vorster, who delivered a high-impact talk on the three essential pillars every business must master: strategy, sales, and systems.
This talk offered a refreshingly simple way to bring clarity and renewed focus to the business of speaking, helping us stay connected to the purpose, audience, and direction.
She challenged us to evaluate our businesses through six key questions:
1. What are you offering?
2. Who are you serving?
3. Why are you doing it?
4. When should things happen?
5. Where will you deliver value?
6. How will you make it work?
Her practical approach inspired attendees to take a fresh look at their business foundations—reminding us that clarity is the first step to growth.
“Juanita’s insight as a new business owner struck a chord with me. It’s inspired me to go back and refine every area of my business.” – Natasha Malan
Fairbridge Mitchell – Move into Action
Next, Fairbridge Mitchell shook us out of our comfort zones with a talk that many described as a wake-up call.
Opening with, “What got you here won’t get you there,” Fairbridge challenged us to confront the one thing we keep delaying—the task that could change everything.
He reminded us:
“You must make the Choice to take the Chance if you want anything in your life to Change.”
And left us with a powerful mantra:
Wake up with purpose. Go to bed with progress.
Fairbridge’s message was a rally against procrastination and a call to courageous, consistent action.
A Night That Shifted Something
There was something undeniably special about this meeting. The kind of evening where every message seems personally tailored to your situation.
Pieter Roos, a first-time attendee and new PSASA member, reflected:
“What a fabulous experience my first meeting at the PSASA Pretoria chapter was! I instantly felt at home, met a number of people I would like to keep in touch with, and had all my questions as a new member answered—between the evening’s speakers and fellow members’ feedback.”
For Basani Mathye—a first-time guest—attending was a turning point after a difficult week:
“After a week of feeling sorry for myself and having a pity party, a friend sent me an invite to attend the meeting the night before. I wasn’t even sure what the meeting format would be like or what to expect, but I went anyway. I needed to put myself out there and build connections.
I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived. The reception was warm, and the presentations blew me away. I was at the right place at the right time. It was as if every word spoken was directed at me. I left there inspired, ready to act, and looking forward to the next meeting. I got about five new contacts, something I wouldn’t have achieved had I chosen to stay home, in my small corner, dreaming, feeling sorry for myself.”
Dithebe added:
“This was a wonderful first-time experience for me. Thank you for the awesome evening.”
Final Reflections
This gathering was a bold reminder that sometimes, showing up is the hardest—and most important—step. The July meeting reignited courage, clarified vision, and sparked action.
Whether you were there to connect, to grow, or to be reminded of your power, you were in the right room.
We’re already looking forward to what August will bring. Until then—keep showing up, speaking up, and moving into action.
