Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry summit unlocks business opportunities
The summit brought together SMMEs and local industry heavyweights
ECONOMIC recovery plans and business opportunities were unpacked at the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ZCCI) ‘All Industry Summit’, held in Richards Bay recently.
This engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to revive the economy and help SMMEs (Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises) navigate the storm created by the pandemic.
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The summit brought together SMMEs and local industry heavyweights, including Tronox, Transnet, Foskor and Mondi, who presented their Supply Chain Management processes.
The all-day event also featured presentations on development projects by the uMhlathuze and King Cetshwayo District municipalities.
In his opening address, ZCCI President and Port Manager, Thami Sithole, emphasised the importance of open engagement with industry role players.
‘The survival of the economy and communities is dependent on all of you present today. SMMEs play a critical role in the sustainability of this economy, and it is important for us, as the Chamber, to assist them in their growth.’
He said this growth was dependent on understanding the business environment, and responding appropriately when opportunities arose.
‘This is why we hosted the session before the year ends, in order to chart a way forward going into the new year,’ said Sithole.
‘Buy local’
Simphiwe Morajane, the Head of Economic Development Facilitation at the City of uMhlathuze, called for collaboration among all stakeholders in skills development and job creation.
He outlined the municipality’s ‘Buy Local Charter’ – for government and private assistance – which adopts procurement strategies to remove barriers to local business.
‘The charter follows five principles, one of which is the creation of employment and training opportunities for local residents, including people with disabilities, and assisting people with work experience placements,’ said Morajane.
‘It will further support the local economy by using suppliers close to the point of service delivery, where possible.’
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