A FULL boardroom at the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ZCCI) Annual General Meeting voted in their new chairman to lead the way forward into 2014 –
Absa Business Banking Relationships Executive Rakesh Roopnarain, who happily accepted his new role as chair at the ZCCI’s Richards Bay Division gathering on Thursday.
He fills the seat previously held by Thabani Shale.
Taking the reigns as Vice Chairman is Shepstone and Wylie Attorneys partner, Barbara van Rooyen.
Roopnarain thanked his fellow members for the faith they have in him.
‘I will do my very best as Chairman as I believe this chamber is imperative in this area and I look forward to working with Barbara in making a difference,’ he said.
Recapping the ZCCI’s most prominent issues raised in the last year, Thula Mkhwanazi of Business Partners said concerns about infrastructure, namely a truck stop, taxi ranks and traffic lights, had been addressed through meetings with the uMhlathuze Municipality.
‘We’ve seen a lot of engagements with our politicians and we’re pleased with how they have welcomed our input this past year.’
However, Mkhwanazi stated that crime remains a troubling setback for companies and enterprises across the region.
‘I know of one business on Dollar Drive that has been broken into six times this past year, so crime is definitely still a significant issue affecting businesses.’
On a positive note, he said big business leaders have re-established a forum to address obstacles hindering local economic growth.
‘I’m very excited about the fact that a CEO forum has been resuscitated by the chamber and BHP Billiton’s Vice Chairman (Aroon Patel) regularly attends ZCCI meetings.
‘Thanks to our members for steering this ship in difficult conditions and let’s ensure that the chamber continues to strive for excellence,’ Mkhwanazi said.
