CAPE TOWN - In a statement, she said the 10 people on the first EDP board had an array of experience which would serve well in building collaborative business relationships.

"The EDP is an innovative organisation, beyond politics: it's about good people coming together to do good work and make a real difference to the economic future of the Western Cape, and to the country as a whole."

The other members of the board are: Ashoek Adhikari, Blum Khan, Carli Bunding-Venter, Dhiresh Ramklass, Jenny Cargill, Julian May, Kashif Wicomb, Pieter Lodder, Vuyiseka Dubula and Xoliswa Daku.

The EDP is an independent organisation set up in April to facilitate economic development. It has already garnered over 100 member organisations in different regional sectors.

The board will hold its first meeting at the end of the month.