The Ilembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism hopes to open a local branch in KwaDukuza-Stanger.

The Chamber hosted a well-attended business engagement with the KwaDukuza-Stanger business community on Tuesday, August 27.

Shain Manjoo, a well-known local businessman and Ilembe Chamber board member, explained that galvanising and integrating KwaDukuza-Stanger based businesses has long been a desire and passion of the Ilembe Chamber Board and its management team.

“The Ilembe Chamber is committed to serving KwaDukuza-Stanger based businesses, among others, through membership of a unified business collective,” he said.

Manjoo elaborated that effective and constructive engagement with the Ilembe District, its local municipalities and other levels of government on matters that affect business owners, is central to the Ilembe Chamber’s business advocacy efforts.

Andy Horton, president of the Ilembe Chamber and a lawyer whose legal offices are based in KwaDukuza-Stanger, emphasised that the state of the economy was central to the well-being of our nation.

To maintain the Ilembe district’s economic growth and inclusive transformation, it was essential to consider the economic challenges, business advocacy, and collaboration between the social partners in the district.

Cobus Oelofse, CEO of the Ilembe Chamber, elaborated on the lobbying priorities identified by Ilembe Chamber members.

These included institutional capacity in support of service delivery, and transparency and accountability around funding structures.

Oelofse observed that the recent endorsement by President Ramaphosa’s PPC of a district-based model for development, has put a renewed focus on the government’s partnership with the private sector, specifically in pursuit of local economic development.

The formal presentation was followed by an interactive Q&A session with many local business people expressing an appreciation for joining the iLembe Chamber and thereby unifying the voice of business.

Mr Manjoo encouraged the KwaDukuza-Stanger businesses to join the iLembe Chamber.

“Membership capacitates the Chamber to be an effective advocate for business, making Ilembe a better place to live, work, do business and invest in.”

He further added that he trusts that the level of support from local businesses will allow the Chamber to open a local branch office in KwaDukuza-Stanger.

Any business that would like to join the Ilembe Chamber can make contact on 087 354 6343 or email info@ilembechamber.co.za.

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