Witnessed by some of Mbombela’s most distinguished individuals, Prof David Mabunda was inaugurated as the new president of the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT).

The inauguration took place at Emnotweni Arena on June 20, and members of the KLCBT gave Mabunda a warm welcome.

Mabunda, of Nselenduna Consulting, is Sandra Jacob’s successor, and will be president for these next two years.

Steering the special occasion as the MC, Linda Grimbeek, the KLCBT’s COO, announced the new board members and a new special portfolio.

She said Mabunda was elected by the new board, which includes Johan Barnard, Ferdi Bijzet, Anne Briggs, Melissa Brockman, Eddie de Lange, Dr Norah Fakude-Nkuna, Denis Goffinet, Reyneck Khoza, Oscar Mthimkhulu, Oupa Pilane, Buyi Shongwe, Hugo Stroud, Sakkie van Rooyen, and then Jacobs and Mabunda.

She also announced Pilane as a special attaché for tourism development and transformation, and Hendrik Janse van Rensburg as a special attaché for skills development.

“Deploying these members is an initiative implemented for the first time this year. These two are the ones who will be on the ground all the time, to tackle all that is required,” Grimbeek said.

Mabunda said he would hit the ground running and be ready to put in the work. He said wanted to make an impact in the community the KLCBT serves.

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“I have been a member of the KLCBT for a long time and implemented some successful projects. We need to create more spaces for growth for local businesses and youth development. There are a number of key areas we need to look into that will bring our cities to an incredible state.”

Some of the issues he outlined during his speech that he believes needed attention include safety and security at national parks, illegal dumping and the state of the road infrastructure.

The outgoing president, Jacobs, said she is passing the baton to Mabunda to continue with the race and implement successful projects, some of which are already in progress.

“I was a president during a difficult time for businesses. However, we as the KLCBT created opportunities for growth, despite challenges. We formed successful relationships and private/public growth partnerships. We will continue to do so and show great support to my successor. I wish him all the best as the new president.”

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Pilane, the co-chairperson of the board committee of the South African Tourism Services Association, took to stage and welcomed Mabunda.

“He was the perfect candidate for the presidential seat, and I believe he will do a magnificent job during his time. We are yet to witness more of his greatness from what he has started as a member of the KLCBT,” he said.