Business chamber recognises long service stalwarts

At a recent planning meeting for 2025, the South Coast Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) acknowledged the long service of Sbu Blose and Johnny de Wet.

Blose has served on the executive committee for 10 years, and De Wet has a 50-year history with the SCCCI.

The PRO for the organisation, Hilton O’Dwyer, said that the chamber has also been affected by the ongoing strike and lack of services in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.

He added that the chamber is willing to help and that there are remedies for the situation.

The chamber presented its views when Cogta MEC Rev Thulasziwe Buthelezi visited recently. It also acknowledges the contributions from various forums, as most of the problems were already tabled.

However, a well-researched proposal was submitted to the office of the MEC.

He said that therein, the onus of all government departments was highlighted with an offer to assist in a process to improve the rules and regulations of labour disputes of government employees as the protracted strike clearly exposed the flaws in the administration.

“All organs of the State have a primary purpose of complying to the Constitution and to protect the rights of all its citizens. It invalidates any law or action that is in conflict with the Constitution. The three-month strike protected the right of a few to strike at the cost of the majority. The remedy is to improve the administration of labour disputes across the board.”

O’Dwyer added the business sector has been severely hurt, although it is not party to the dispute. “We have a vested interest and necessary expertise to ensure responsible and constructive participation.”

Overall, the chamber has several business breakfasts and events on the cards for 2025. It is on a membership drive and invites business owners to contact them. Queries can be sent to admin@sccci.org.za

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