BNI Free State - South Africa

22/06/2026

264. Celebrating Giving Champions: 2025 President of the Year

Some people hold a position.
Others elevate an entire chapter.

Today we celebrate Werner van der Walt, recipient of the BNI Free State President of the Year 2025 Award for his leadership of BNI Prosperitas.

A BNI member since 2019, Werner currently serves as Vice President of BNI Prosperitas, BNI Free State Ambassador, and BNI Riferimento Chapter Ambassador, while leading his business, Budget Fin Debt Counselling.

Through consistent leadership, service, encouragement, and commitment to the BNI values, Werner has helped cultivate the relationship-first, Givers Gain culture that continues to distinguish BNI Prosperitas.

Congratulations, Werner, on this well-deserved recognition.

A testament to the power of servant leadership, contribution, and living the BNI values every day.



[Story captured, written, and published by Werner StorySchmidt, Director-Consultant of Success Stories, BNI Free State]

18/06/2026

263. A Cornerstone Value: Relationships Create Extraordinary Outcomes

In BNI, the referral is often only the beginning of the story.

Today we celebrate insights shared by Dr Melonie Cromhout Gobel of Border Kei, highlighting the remarkable outcomes that emerge when members commit to building long-term relationships.

One BNI member meticulously tracked every referral received and discovered that BNI had generated more than **R25 million** in business over five years.

Another group of five BNI members took relationship-building even further. Through years of growing trust, credibility, and friendship, they formed a business consortium and acquired **46 properties together**.

The lesson is simple.

People do business with people they know, like, and trust.

When relationships deepen, opportunities expand far beyond the referral itself.

A testament to the power of connection, consistency, and building relationships that create lasting value.



[Story captured, written, and published by Werner StorySchmidt, Director Consultant of Success Stories, BNI Free State]

13/06/2026

❤️ In Loving Memory of IHann Van Jaarsveld ❤️

It is with deep sadness that we bid farewell to a remarkable member of the BNI Free State family, IHann Van Jaarsveld.

IHann was the owner of The Fat Chef and a highly respected and much-loved member of BNI Oliewenhuis. His sudden passing has left a void that will be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

IHann embodied the spirit of BNI. He was caring, respectful and always willing to lend a helping hand. His kindness was genuine, his heart was pure and his willingness to support others never went unnoticed. Whether in business or friendship, he treated everyone with warmth, dignity and sincerity.

We do not only mourn the loss of a fellow member, we honour a man whose legacy will live on in the relationships he built, the lives he touched and the example he set for all of us.

Our heartfelt condolences go to IHann's family, friends, colleagues, and fellow BNI members during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories shared and in knowing that his impact will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, IHann. Thank you for your friendship, your generosity and the difference you made in the lives of so many.

🕊 Forever part of the BNI Free State family 🕊

12/06/2026

262. Cornerstone BNI Wisdom: Specific Is Terrific

The more specific the ask, the more powerful the opportunity.

Today we celebrate Tamsin, founder of Digital Happiness, newly appointed Executive Director of BNI Northern Cape, for demonstrating the power of leading by example.

After eight years of building her business through referral partnerships, Tamsin decided to challenge herself. Rather than making broad requests, she identified a specific business owner she wanted to meet and asked for that introduction at her chapter meeting. The chapter being Visionaires.

Before the meeting ended, the connection had been made.

The original business opportunity had changed. The business had been sold. Yet the relationship opened an even bigger door: a new franchise venture perfectly aligned with Tamsin's depth of franchise marketing experience.

A powerful reminder that in BNI, as in life, specificity creates opportunity, relationships create momentum, and action creates results.

A testament to the power of asking clearly, leading courageously, and trusting the process.



[Story captured, written, and published by Werner StorySchmidt, Director-Consultant of Success Stories, BNI Free State]

08/06/2026

261. Celebrating Giving Champions: Ambassador of the Year

Some people build their businesses. Others also build communities.

Today we celebrate Wilma Prinsloo, founder of paintherapy.co.za, recipient of the BNI Free State Ambassador of the Year Award.

As Vice President of BNI Rectiora, BNI Free State Ambassador, BNI Rectiora Member, and BNI Prosperitas - Bloemfontein, FS, South Africa Chapter Ambassador, Wilma consistently demonstrates what Givers Gain looks like in action.

Through her leadership, encouragement, relationship-building, and service to others, she helps members, chapters, and the wider BNI community grow stronger together.

Congratulations, Wilma, on this well-deserved recognition.

A testament to the power of servant leadership, contribution, and living the BNI values every day.



[Story captured, written, and published by Werner StorySchmidt, Director Consultant of Success Stories, BNI Free State]

[Photography by TruReflection Photography Studio]

08/06/2026

🪑 Your seat is still open, but with only one seat per category available, this is your chance to secure your place at the table before it's gone.

Scaling your business shouldn't be a guessing game when a proven framework can connect you with high-calibre professionals acting as an extended sales force for your brand.

By offering exclusive profession seats for everything from tradespeople to corporate specialists, we ensure you completely lock out the competition so all relevant referrals are directed solely to you. 🔒

Position your business for success and claim your open seat at the table by visiting a BNI Free State Chapter today!

For more information visit: https://grow.bni-freestate.co.za/

Join BNI Free State to grow your business through referrals, connect with professionals, and generate consistent opportunities through structured networking.

05/06/2026

260. BNI Free State excelled at the BNI South Africa National Awards 2026.

At BNI, success is never a solo sprint. It grows through Givers Gain in action, weekly visibility, credibility built over time, and business relationships that keep moving from conversation to referral to measurable results.

This national recognition tells a strong Free State story:

Most First-time Visitors Successfully Invited:
Winner, Werner Schmidt, BNI Octane, 46 first-time visitors successfully invited.

Most Sponsorships of New Members:
Nominee, Sylvia Herselman, BNI Veritas, Free State, 6 new members sponsored.

Most Percentage Growth in Chapter Size:
Nominee, BNI Octane, Free State, 50% growth.

Grow Beyond Global Competition, The +1 Challenge:
Runner-up, Free State, BNI Octane.

5 Year Membership, Director Consultant Category:
Christo Van Vuuren, BNI Free State Director-Consultant and Master Connector.

Hall of Fame, Platinum Chapter:
Chris Dednam, Executive Director of BNI Free State, BNI Rectiora.

Congratulations to every member, chapter, leader and visitor host who helped carry BNI Free State into this national spotlight.

This is structured referral marketing at work.
This is chapter culture in motion.
This is visibility becoming credibility, and credibility becoming profitability.

BNI Free State is growing.
BNI Free State is contributing.
BNI Free State is accelerating.



[Success Story captured by Werner StorySchmidt, BNI Director Consultant for Success Stories]

31/05/2026

We had a wonderful annual Regional Potjiekos Competition.

Congrats to BNI Veritas - Bloemfontein, FS, South Africa for taking the trophy for 2026.

Great to meet and get to know the members' families as well.


BNI Octane - Bloemfontein, FS, South Africa
BNI Rectiora - Bloemfontein, FS, South Africa
BNI Prosperitas - Bloemfontein, FS, South Africa
BNI Riferimento - Bloemfontein, FS, South Africa
BNI Oliewenhuis - Bloemfontein, FS, South Africa

28/05/2026

258 Staying can have Immense Power!

From struggling first-year member, ready to leave… to leading 4 300+ businesses and NPOs as a BNI Executive Director in the USA.

At the BNI South Africa National Conference 2026, Roberts shared a story far bigger than networking.

He shared the story of staying.

Staying when he received zero referrals in his first year.
Staying when quitting seemed easier.
Staying long enough to discover the power of disciplined relationship-building, strategic visibility, and consistent contribution.

Today, the same man who once wanted to leave BNI helps thousands of businesses grow through referral strategy optimisation with extraordinary clarity and intentionality.

Yet perhaps the most powerful leadership moment came after the conference session ended.

Tim left South Africa early… not for another boardroom, deal, or stage. He left to attend his daughter’s recital back home in the United States.

True leadership is not only measured by the scale you build.
It is also measured by the moments you refuse to miss.

Strategy with heart.
Growth with grounding.
Building relationships - in public, professionally, AND personally.

That is leadership worth accelerating.



(Story captured, written, and published by Werner StorySchmidt, Director Consultant of Success Stories, BNI Free State)