Captains of Industry Breakfast addresses issues in the industry
Businesses and residents have to know the state and future of their city are what the event was aimed at achieving.
The Eastern Gauteng Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its Captains of Industry Breakfast last Friday.
The breakfast was aimed at bringing industry leaders into a conversation about the future of Ekurhuleni.
“We will have discussions that will enlighten us on a way forward with plans that will create and sustain an environment that will be conducive to the growth and sustainability of small and large businesses,” said the chamber’s president, Pravin Naidoo.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Tania Campbell was one of the guest speakers, speaking about the proactiveness needed to achieve progress.
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“On Fridays, I have gumboots on, and with jeans and a T-shirt and I’m out in the field. If you are not out there to see what the problems are for yourself, you do not understand and do not have the capability of putting plans in place,” said the mayor.
Business owners and various stakeholders all over greater Springs and parts of Ekurhuleni gathered to provide input and network with each other.
Load-shedding and its effect on residents and businesses were one of the main points touched on. It was noted that money leaks out of industries every time there is a power cut.
Plans to minimise the costs and damages to businesses were said to be underway. That is to ensure a more sustainable, money-saving approach to the energy crisis that plagues the city in the coming future.
The mayor also touched on the city’s need for development and how things have slowed down due to problems, such as the energy crisis.
“We found that firstly city planning was a problem. It would take years to get any development into Ekurhuleni,” said Campbell.
Businesses were also advised to be mindful of the cost-saving benefits of productivity and use the right infrastructure to conduct their business.
Load-shedding has been established to be part of our daily lives, with regular power cuts happening now more often than when it was first introduced.
Campbell said they are prioritising things that need the most urgent attention.
People should be aware that while an energy crisis still looms, matters such as streetlights that aren’t working are the least of their worries until the core issue is fixed.
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In the end, the industries were made aware that the problems faced by Ekurhuleni can only be fixed if and when everyone unites to fix them.
“We have to be dedicated to making Ekurhuleni work. We have to make sure that we create an environment conducive for you to thrive. Because when you thrive, the residents thrive,” said Campbell.
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