Christa is the new voice of business
Meet the new Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ZCCI) Manager, Christa van der Walt.
THE Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ZCCI) newly appointed Manager, Christa van der Walt, is geared up to lead the ‘voice of business’ towards a flourishing future.
Having sewn ties with the chamber since 1993 as a former public relations officer, journalist and editor, Van der Walt is no stranger to the business of big business and local SMMEs.
‘I am very excited about the new challenges that the position offers and look forward to being involved in the midst of economic development of the area,’ she says.
Her first goal is to help facilitate entrepreneurial growth in the area.
‘We would like to see further expansion of the Zululand business community, as well as open lines of communication between business sectors and the three tiers of government.
‘The economic climate this year is very tough and businesses are forced to take a hard look at themselves.
‘I hope to see businesses rally and get through this period to move forward into a growth cycle.’
To help smooth the road for enterprises and corporates to overcome these economic obstacles, she said the chamber will host problem solving sessions and informative presentations to equip businesses with all the right tricks of the trade.
‘ZCCI offers numerous services, ranging from practical ideas and tips for young entrepreneurs to hosting discussion forums for employers throughout the region on shared issues such as human resources, environmental issues, company and VAT registrations as well as income tax and UIF registrations.
‘There is strength in unity and when business owners share their concerns and successes, the region stand to benefit.’
On a positive note, she added Zululand remains an economic powerhouse in South Africa.
‘The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) has major plans to materialise over the next few years with exciting prospects for big, medium and small businesses.
‘We encourage all business owners and employers to tighten their budgets, but to nevertheless look forward to a business upswing that should follow the current recession,’ said Van der Walt.
