Region A Economic Forum officially launched in Waterfall

WATERFALL – The Region A Economic Forum is a partnership between the City and JCCI aimed at supporting businesses and encouraging economic growth in the city.

August 30, 2018

Robyn Kirk 1 minute read

Abigail Ndlovu of the City of Joburg and Jacki Luthuli, chairperson of the JCCI Region A committee, sign a memorandum of understanding at the launch. Photo: Robyn Kirk

The City and business are working together to create a better Johannesburg for all.

The Region A Economic Forum, which is a partnership between the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and the City of Joburg, was officially launched at the Attacq Business Centre in Waterfall. It is hoped that the forum will create opportunities for local businesses, as well as address barriers to growth and development in the sector.

Abigail Ndlovu, director of Region A, welcomes guests to the launch hosted at Maxwell Business Park in Waterfall. Photo: Robyn Kirk

Region A is made up of the northern areas of Johannesburg including Midrand, Fourways and Diepsloot.

“This partnership is in line with what changes Herman Mashaba [the mayor of the City of Johannesburg] wants to see in the city,” said Abigail Ndlovu, the director for Region A.

“He wanted to see an economic growth rate of five per cent in Johannesburg in the five years he is mayor. This is not something we’re doing now but is rather something we have already been doing. We are here to serve [businesses] and ensure that there is service delivery in the city.”

Ndlovu and Jacki Luthuli, vice president of the chamber and chairperson of the chamber’s Region A committee, signed a memorandum of understanding which would outline the structures of the forum. The six-person founding working committee, who will be part of the forum, was also introduced to attendees.

Four of the estimated 70 businesses in the area already being supported by the chamber, exhibited their products on the day. One of the exhibits was that of the Setšong Tea company which uses tea leaves grown in Limpopo. The company was founded by Nandumiso Phaahla.

The Region A Economic Forum will see the City support local business. Photo: Robyn Kirk

Luthuli who will chair the forum said, “Our vision for the businesses under the Region A Economic Forum is very much linked to the vision of our mother body the JCCI. We want to support and develop small business.

“The forum will meet quarterly, and ultimately we’d like it to be mandatory for businesses to be part of the chamber, as this will result in self-regulation.”

Details: JCCI www.jcci.co.za; 011 726 5300.

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