Chamber boasts productive business year
Zululand Chamber reports on its past and future in Richards Bay.
AFTER a busy year hosting numerous presentations, seminars and forums to liberate the local business fraternity, the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) confirmed it maintains a steady hand on the tiller.
Speaking at the ZCCI annual general meeting in Richards Bay on Wednesday evening, Chamber President, Judith Nzimande, said they have been actively engaging with various influential stakeholders to raise the voice of businesses in Zululand.
‘We have so far this year advocated the Premier’s New Age Business Briefing; an executive liaison meeting with the KZN Premier, Senzo Mchunu, the launch of Operation Phakisa with State President, Jacob Zuma and the Budget Policy Speech Presentation for the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs among many others,’ said Nzimande.
A strategic session held in July also produced both short and long term objectives for the chamber.
‘Our immediate goals are to market the chamber, create more visibility, revitalise the CEO’s (Chief Executive Officers) forum, grow our existing membership database as well as arranging quarterly visits with our mayors,’ Nzimande said.
‘Over the long term, we wish to collaborate with other organisations on events and projects, grow the brand, establish new divisions in other areas and strengthen international ties and host delegations.’
However, the ZCCI has also faced its challenges.
According to Nzimande, the chamber has lost contact with CEOs and influence with local government.
It has also seen a 16% drop in membership fees and encountered probable government issues.
The chamber hopes to double membership numbers by the end of this year.
Ending her presentation, Nzimande quoted American statesman, Colin Powell, for saying: ‘There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.’
