In a year affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the July unrest and consequent closure of North Coast beaches, the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism has found efficiencies in increased interdependence.

This was highlighted at the chamber’s annual general meeting (AGM) on Monday, where an unqualified audit was again received for the 2021 financial year.

While Covid maintained a continued presence throughout 2021, the July unrest across the iLembe district had the most profound impact on local business.

“It demanded the fixing of the fraying trust between business, government and our communities,” said chamber president, Lesa Bradshaw.

As contributors to the Greater Ballito Operations Committee, which centralised the local unrest response, the chamber saw firsthand the advantages of effective community collaboration, said Bradshaw.

“The benefits are recognised and will be cultivated as part of the iLembe Chamber’s intentions to better serve and lead our primary economic nodes by establishing a physical presence,” she said.

A significant part of this has been through the chamber’s custodianship of the iLembe District Covid-19 Consolidated Economic Recovery Strategy and Implementation Plan, a strong focus of which is the Isithebe Industrial Park in Mandeni.

Added to this is the potential for physical offices in KwaDukuza town, with plans already under way.

In terms of financial performance, the chamber has seen a generally positive trend since 2019, which is a fairer benchmark than the global economic slump of 2020.

Notably, the turnover saw a positive increase of 8% up on the 2019 revenue figure.

In its third year of operation, the International Trade Desk – which largely offers certificates of origin – increased by 17%, representing a significant 8% of total revenue.

Retained earnings after interest saw a drop of 7%, while the cash position increased by 60%, with much already earmarked for upcoming projects.

“With the sluggish economy and the pandemic impacting on discretionary spending, and the public sector’s ever-increasing demand for private sector funded initiatives and contributions, it needs to be acknowledged that the chamber will have its work cut out to ensure that a sustainable and realistic business model is carved out over the medium term,” said Bradshaw.

On a more worrying note, although membership figures were up 11% from 2020, it only represented a 2% growth from 2019.

Nevertheless, the board believes that despite many challenges, the chamber has performed well in spite of the frustrations which often underlined many of the situations faced.

To continue this performance and accountability, the chamber has also switched its alliance from the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) to the newly formed Association of South African Chambers.

This is because of concerns over SACCI’s failure to address negative perceptions around financial control, procurement and corporate governance issues, Bradshaw said.

For breaking news follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Join our Telegram Broadcast Service at: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0

Join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Simply add 082 792 9405 (North Coast Courier) as a contact to your phone, and WhatsApp your name and surname to the same number to be added.