theBuzz 2020

DANCING THROUGH
THE DECADES
Johannesburg | by Lerato Rampai & Joey Setlhatlole
‘Dancing through the Decades’ was the theme for the
Jo’burg branch end of year function.
Our end of year functions are known for being hosted in
December before the Christmas break and are intended at
reflecting and celebrating all the years we have worked
together and the challenges we have experienced as a
team.
To quote our manager, ‘we are at work 90 percent of the
time so we have to make sure we make the most of it as
colleagues become our family ’. Therefore, we always try
to ensure that every branch event is something that is
enjoyed by all staff.
Our end of year functions always have an exciting theme
and 2019 was no different. When we received the
invitation, ‘Dancing through the Decades’, we were so
excited as this meant we could be as creative as we
wanted to be, selecting dress-ups and hair styles all the
way through the decades right up to the 2000’s.
Long Service Awards | l-r: Mario Nunes, Paul Symonds, Solly Molatlhegi,
Enver Tootla & Riaz Mohamed with Marc Pillay | Absent- Joseph Maduna
For many of us it brought back great memories of the past
and the fun we’d had. It reminded us just how much things
have changed, from dungarees to ripped jeans…
Everyone arrived looking spectacular. As we entered the
venue, we were handed a ‘welcome drink’ making us all
feel very special indeed.
Our branch manager, Paul Symonds opened the event with
a welcome speech which was followed by the handing out
of Long Service Awards. The following staff members
were acknowledged for their commitment and dedication;
Riaz Mohamed (10-yrs); Enver Tootla (20-yrs);
Mario Nunes (20-yrs); Solly Molatlhegi (20-yrs);
Joseph Maduna (20-yrs) and Paul Symonds (30-yrs).
l-r: Trushar Dhanee, Tarryn Vermaak, Johan Mcculloch
& Seelen Julius
Music began with a low tempo but picked up later with the
DJ wanting people to hit the dance floor. The music was
excellent and a good selection of genres were played.
The branch now have a favourite new song by rapper
Biggy, ‘Dames sê my wat jou naam is’ – this song had us
dancing non-stop!
l-r: Louise Odendaal, Janiera Thompson, Nataasha Leong,
Nadia Najam, Jeunese Jansen, Martha Dlamini,
Brenda Manoko, Bronwyn Griffith & Sagree Ramalu
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theBUZZ | issue #8 | December 2020