Chamber announces new chairs

THE Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry last week welcomed two new leaders for its Richards Bay division.
Richards Bay Terminal Manager, Panaso Ndlela took over the reins as chairperson from Barbara van Rooyen, and Shanduka Black Umbrellas Regional Manager Tebogo Matolo was elected as vice chair.
Ndlela stated she will do her utmost in her new position to achieve all the chamber’s objectives.
Bidding goodbye, van Rooyen thanked chamber members for their support.
‘It is only when business works together that the Chamber can be a proper voice of business in Zululand.’
Ups and downs
Van Rooyen gave a mixed review in her last annual chairperson’s report on the economic climate and state of local business affairs.
‘Besides the general slowdown of the economy as evidenced by the recent announcement that SA’s economy has shrunk by 1.2% in the first quarter of this year, we have gone through some turbulent times with our various Ministers of Finance.
‘One can only hope that we are heading for calmer waters and that our current Minister of Finance can continue with the good work he has been doing in trying to halt any further ratings downgrades.
‘Despite this, many people still remain positive about Richards Bay as an economic hub and certainly our Municipality is positive we are poised for economic growth.
‘It was a year ago that the City Mayor hosted a business breakfast and stated the municipality wants collaboration between business and local government.
‘I am pleased to advise that the Mayoral Advisory Panel has been formed and that the ZCCI is represented on this panel.’

City developments
‘There is still development taking place in Richards Bay, although there is no doubt that the current water crisis has impacted on this.
‘In the past year Town Square Mall has been completed, construction of the new hospital in the John Ross Eco-Junction has begun as well as construction of a new medical facility behind Netcare The Bay Hospital, which will comprise additional doctors’ suites and hospital wards.’
Van Rooyen urged businesses to contact the chamber for assistance with a number of services available at its new SMME Desk and Business Development Centre.
‘Services include company registrations, BBBEE verification, certificate of original and many more.’
For more information, contact Antonette on 035 7971800.