MASS MAIL 17 FEBRUARY 2005 - ACCESS TO FINANCE

FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA
"Participation Builds Unity"

"MADE IN AFRICA - FOR AFRICA"

FDA NEWSLETTER

MASS MAIL
17 FEBRUARY 2005
ACCESS TO FINANCE - SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT
(All)

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The FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA proudly presents you with the following information that may add value to Africa's development. Please direct any correspondence to: info@isupportafrica.com

ACCESS TO FINANCE - SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT

Not only am I ever so slightly 'over-extended' with my workload - I am also somewhat 'despondent' at the lack of sponsorship support for next FDA 'FORMAL' NETWORKING FUNCTION, entitled "ACCESS TO FINANCE"

As at 11H30 this morning (17 February 2005) we had received some 75 RSVP's for this event.

Most interesting is the fact that the majority of these RSVP's are from "financial service providers" including accountants; financial planners; development consultants; capital managers; investment agencies; securities; etc. all willing to serve our people!

Most unusual - is the fact that we have not received one RSVP from any of the "top" banks here in South Africa - ABSA; DBSA; FNB; IDC; Investec; Nedbank; Standard Bank; and others. (See detail on access to guest list below)

Most of our "top" banks declined to participate as a sponsor - very sad!

With three weeks to go before this "ACCESS TO FINANCE" event, we are 'in' for a 'full-house' - however this time I will need to find a sponsor!

Two years ago I made a statement that finding sponsorship is not about what you want to do with the money - it is all about who you know - and I thought I had some good contacts!

PLEASE HELP:
If you are in any position to participate as a sponsor or should you know someone who may benefit from this event - as a sponsor - please make contact:
peter@isupportafrica.com

Opportunities for sponsorship are available from as little as ZAR2,000.00 (around US$333.00)

You are also welcome to visit our website for more information on sponsorship opportunities:
http://www.foundation-development-africa.org/africa_networking/formal/sponsorship_options.htm

As you may well know the FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA receives no grant funding or government subsidies - we only rely on the support we receive from our FDA SUPPORTERS, our FDA PARTNERS and the profit (if any) from sponsorship contributions.

Would you like to attend this "ACCESS TO FINANCE" FDA NETWORKING FUNCTION ? - Please send us your RSVP with relevant details - Name; Company; Contact detail:
rsvp@isupportafrica.com

Our guest speaker is Mr.Cas COOVADIA (Senior General Manager) The Banking Council of South Africa!

The ever-popular FDA NETWORKING SESSION will follow the presentation!

You are welcome to access the guest list for this event.

To gain access to the guest list you will need a code: 2345
http://www.foundation-development-africa.org/africa_networking/formal/next_function.htm

For once I need your help!

COMMENTS RECEIVED

19 February 2005
Hi P, hope you are in good spirits. As far as sponsorship, we know it is always difficult to get, and the only suggestion that I come back to, is to charge a minimal amount as an entrance fee, to cover the costs that you need.
Sorry I cant be of more help right now.
GB
A
Addi LANG
Return to Roots
South Africa

18 February 2005
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your response as I know you have so many requests to get through.
I fully understand the situation, I have approached ECI Africa for sponsorship for the evening along with some of the other Business Advisors from Sizanani to try and make some kind of a contribution.
I'll keep you updated with their response.
All the best, I'll gladly help where I can.
Regards
Sonja.
Sonja Heyl
Accredited Business Advisor
Sizanani Advisory Services

17 February 2005
Dear Peter
You make the (most valid) point below that " Most of our "top" banks declined to participate as a sponsor - very sad!"
We, the ones who are looking for the finance for our projects etc, also go to these self-same "top banks", and we get the self-same reply that you are reporting. And we wonder why a networking function such as this one does not / cannot find support from our "top banks"!!!
Perhaps we should remember that, in our beautiful English language, we have these various (bad) words that we call "4-letter" words i.e swear-words and the like. Have you ever considered the thought that the word "BANK" is also a "4-letter word"? and perhaps with good reason?? Especially South African banks??
Perhaps we might also consider that, because of the (non)-reaction from our "top" banks to your request, that none of them are actually / really interested in our (new) business which might eventuate from your networking function. Surely this is sheer arrogance on their part??
With kind regards
Mike Saner
Michael G SANER
Consultant - Minerals Industry
South Africa

17 February 2005
Dear Peter
Thank you for the transparent email below concerning the likened emotions not only you experience. I am intrigued at the highlighted points in you email re people willing to serve people, banks not willing to even partake in the event, it's who you know..... etcetera.
The result in the rapid response to the "Access to Finance" meeting, is that you have the attendance as seen yet no contribution, because of the topic that intrigues everybody. It saddens me to see larger companies that would not be willing to contribute to such successful events, companies we contribute to daily, hourly. We realise the "willingness to serve people" is there, however so the greed to more and more finance is also there. To put it bluntly, without the use of pacifying idioms, you HAVE to give in order to get. Unfortunately this is long forgotten in many business ethics and the concentration on getting without risk if far prevalent than the former. Hence nothing is for free!!
Your work and efforts are greatly appreciated, and yes we may not be at the capacity of hosting such an event by means of sponsorship yet, we certainly know that we follow the ethics in gearing that way. Sorry that we are unable to assist at this point in time and truly hope the event will be a considerable success.
Kind regards
Ron
Ron RICHARDSON
Humdeyn Marketing cc
South Africa

17 February 2005
(Shortened)
Dear Peter
I am passionate about the building of South africa and have met some wonderful people whom have similar concepts as myself. I am a simple curio manufacturer and distributor, and educated to the degree that most individuals in this field are.
That is probably why I am hesitant to come to most meetings.
I love what you are doing.
Kind regards
Carol Starkey
Gala Star cc
South Africa

17 February 2005
Dear Peter,
rather ironic that none of those finance providers want to sponsor yr event, not only sad but incredibly selfish.
I hope you have more luck in the next days
Franz Rolinck
LIVING GOLF
South Africa

17 February 2005
Dear Peter,
I am afraid that we are in no position to help financially but we have posted your request for sponsorship onto our HOME page at www.gardeningeden.co.za - I hope you find the sponsorship you need.
Kind regards,
Ashley McLeod
gardeningeden.co.za
South Africa

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