Chamber weathers 2015 economic storm

The Ilembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (ICCIT) AGM and annual report 2015 showed that it has remained profitable for the second year in a row.

While the Chamber president, Dominic Collett was proud to announce a retained income of R81 000, he said 2015 was a challenging year.

“The perfect economic storm was propelled by a depressed global trade, damaging policy and other decisions at national level that battered the value of our currency, and the worst drought in a century in our district,” said Collett.

He said Exco’s vision and the CEO’s mandate to pursue a multi-faceted and sustainable growth business model remain valid.

“The ICCIT needs to transition and reposition itself to more effectively serve the needs of the Ilembe business community in its widest possible definition and, most importantly, take advantage of the viable revenue opportunities that this transition might offer.”

He emphasised the Chamber’s financial viability remains largely dependent on grant funding, sponsorship and alternative revenue sources – with business membership fees contribution 27% of the Chamber’s 2015 operating expenses. He said the Business Support Centre saw a drop in sponsorship of R97 000 (37%) from 2014.

Among the highlights of the Chamber’s efforts last year was the Drought Summit, which it hosted.

“The summit aimed at sharing the extent and impact of the drought on the agricultural sectors and explored ways in which the wider financial sector can get involved and assist with alleviating this impact.”

The Chamber also engaged with the office of the Minister of Water Affairs, Nomvula Mokonyane, to escalate the impact of the water tariff increases proposed by Umgeni Water on businesses in the district.

Chamber policy input during 2015 was diverse and included the KDM Telemast Policy, ongoing engagement regarding the Ballito Taxi Rank, public advertising by-laws, the Development Charges Policy, the Ilembe District Growth and Development Plan, KDM City Development Strategy and the KDM Green Building Guidelines.

Three new business member representatives joined EXCO namely IFA Hotels & Resorts executive director and senior vice president Phillip de Sylva, Tongaat Hulett development manager Xoli Mpumela and Cappeny Estates owner and CEO Xolani Gumede.

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