Taking on the town’s issues
To be a powerful voice we need strength in numbers
KNYSNA - The Greater Knysna Business Chamber (GKBC) is committed to cultivating regular engagement with its members and the public - and to addressing pressing issues in the town.
In line with this goal, the GKBC executive committee (exco) has initiated quarterly meetings to share updates on the progress of its sub-committees' projects. At the first quarterly meeting, held on 4 April, each sub-committee outlined its goals for the year and provided status updates.
The GKBC boasts an active exco comprising seven members, each overseeing two or three of the 18 subcommittees. These sub-committees, that represent the town's diverse sectors, address the current needs of Knysna's business community.
The GKBC's directive is for each sub-committee to achieve at least one goal aimed at enhancing the town. This commitment ensures that tangible improvements are made throughout the year, benefiting the entire community.
The GKBC has engaged various groups from the greater Knysna area, consolidating them under one banner to avoid overlapping initiatives and to foster collaboration towards a common goal – creating a Greater Knysna for all.
The following key points were highlighted as the goals for 2024:
Homeless shelter: The establishment of a permanent homeless shelter that not only provides shelter and meals but also offers skills development to help individuals reintegrate into society. Potential properties have been identified, and fundraising efforts will be required for construction.
Safety and security: The sub-committee highlighted the contributions of community policing forums and called for support in establishing a CPF servicing the CBD area. This initiative aims to create a safer environment for businesses and tourism.
Regional investment conference: Planning for the upcoming Regional Investment Conference in December is underway, with active engagement from local, district, provincial, and national governments to garner support for the event.
Municipal affairs and finance: The subcommittee will issue monthly newsletters outlining progress made on 18 key municipal-level ratios that need to be addressed in the coming year.
Self-sustained economy: Feasibility studies are being conducted to establish a self-sustained economy in the northern areas of Knysna. This includes skills development and support for entrepreneurial endeavours to foster a thriving local economy.
Supporting local businesses: The GKBC plans to overhaul its website to promote a culture of supporting local businesses. Additionally, the establishment of a local economy offering preferential pricing to Knysna businesses and residents aims to keep the town's money circulating within the community.
Infrastructure and community support:
The GKBC has incorporated the Knysna in Crisis Group, which actively addresses emergent needs in the town. The infrastructure sub-committee focuses on funding smaller projects, harnessing the goodwill of Knysna residents.
NGOs and community assistance: Knysna has 186 registered NGOs and about 230 churches working tirelessly to assist the community. Food donations for soup kitchens are of utmost importance, and the GKBC encourages support for these worthy causes.
Tourism and image enhancement:
The tourism sub-committee aims to improve Knysna's image within the international tourism community. Funding opportunities are being explored to establish the town as a safe, clean and sustainable green tourism destination. Waste management and energy: The waste and energy sub-committee is actively engaging with the municipality to relocate the waste centre and establish a waste-toenergy plant.
These initiatives address waste management concerns and contribute to the town's energy needs.
"We can only become a powerful voice and face of business for all business sectors (in Knysna, Sedgefield, Rheenendal and surrounding areas), if we have strength in numbers," says GKBC. "Your membership is important and valued!"
To join the Greater Knysna Business Chamber, go to their website, or contact office administrator Martin Hatchuel on info@gkbc.co.za.