iLembe Chamber gala dinner hails success of Entrepreneur programme
The Airports Company South Africa has asked for the Chamber's assistance to launch similar entrepreneur programmes in George this year and Bloemfontein next year.
The annual iLembe Chamber of Commerce gala dinner celebrated business owners and entrepreneurs who are trailblazing a bold future for South Africa.
Speaking to a packed audience at the Capital Zimbali last Thursday, Chamber president Andy Horton said the success of The Entrepreneur programme was testament to this.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has asked for the Chamber’s assistance to launch similar entrepreneur programmes in George this year and Bloemfontein next year.
Horton said this was a huge nod of approval to the success of the programme, of which ACSA was a major partner.
“Can you imagine if there was a similar programme in each of the 268 municipalities across the country? What amazing gems might we uncover in those other communities,” said Horton.
Despite challenges, including the prolonged closure of the M4 bridge owing to flood damage in April last year, Horton remained optimistic about the ability of business to thrive under pressure.
However, government needed to step up its support of the business sector, he said.
“Despite the Herculean efforts of our CEO Cobus Oelofse with regard to the reopening of the damaged bridge on the M4, it has taken since the floods to hopefully reach a target date of December 19 this year for that to happen. Juxtapose this with a bridge damaged in recent floods near Montague in the Cape which was repaired within three weeks. Certainly food for thought with the upcoming provincial and national elections in 2024.”
Horton shared insights from Ann Bernstein, executive director of the Centre for Development and Enterprise, who said there were three urgent priorities for the South African government – improving security and the rule of law, addressing the energy and logistics crisis, and stabilising public finances.
Horton emphasised the transformative impact these priorities could have on the country.
Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news
WhatsApp Broadcast Service: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BdGZsGJEAf04AXZ2yLWi8T
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
