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.’
the chamber has made gigantic strides and is visible ever since a woman of high standards and intergrity has taken over, well done Mrs Nzimande your leadership is an inspiration
Witnessed that the chamber has been made more visible. They recently hosted an SMME seminar which was empowered with knowledge, trained on how to get funding and small businesses, given an opportunity to network with big companies. As part of the community we feel that having Mrs Nzimande is now taking the chamber on the right path. Viva coming back of the chamber Viva!
It gives me a great sense of pride to see how noticeable the Chamber has become. The performance of the ZCCI has improved significantly. Their outreach and involvement within the community and projects is remarkable. Mrs Nzimande’s presence has an impact, her ambition and drive is taking the Chamber to higher strides. The future of the Chamber is in great, powerful hands. A definite brighter future!
It has been long over due. Mrs Ndzimande if we can not swallow our pride and judgment to our self. Your words, your voice are the massage that i think we were all waiting for,a voice humbled honest woman from the bottom your her heart, words of hope and faith that we are all capable to do. you! ripped us inside buy remanding us that it is time for a change.
Is time welcome back home ZCCI.
Its nmy first time to visit this page but i think the Chamber is now becoming visible to people and having people of Mr Nzimande’s calibre whom I can see that they are contibuting to the community in all aspects to make life better for all .
Honest true, Chamber is flying higher. Mrs Nzimande brought back hope to everyone out here that the organisation here to work for them. Focus and target is visible
Thanks for the change