Business must be involved in joining hands

A SUSTAINABLE local economy depends on the big corporates, business and captains of industry playing their part in finding solutions to the current economic challenges plaguing the province, and this process must involve business joining hands with local government.

This is the view of the newly appointed president of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nigel Ward.

“In my mind it is clear that business and local government must work together to restore confidence in the Durban-kwazulu-natal economy.

“Despite the current challenges facing business (big and small) we need to stay positive and find solutions that create economic growth.”

Ward, the executive vice-president of manufacturing and support at Toyota South Africa, is the new president of the Durban Chamber and will be officially inaugurated at the Durban Chamber’s 163rd annual gala dinner on August 21.

“I believe that I am inheriting a sound structure on which to build, along with the incoming board and council.

“Taking over the baton will be a challenging undertaking, but through inclusive and focused leadership and continuity, we will build on the hard work and tireless efforts of past and current leadership, members and employees.”

He says Durban businesses have the potential to be powerful instruments for economic growth.

“We are committed to playing our part to strengthen them to be In Business for a Better World, just as our motto says.”

This would have the knock-on effect of impacting on national and foreign investment, he added.

His intention is to continue to build on the chamber’s legacy of influence in the economic landscape of the City and province.

The new leadership is committed to ensuring that the organisation continues to deliver on its strategic purpose by improving on delivering support to members and stakeholders while extracting maximum leadership value from them, for the benefit of the broader business community.

Ward takes over from Musa Makhunga, the managing director of HR Matters, who will now assume the honorary role of Immediate Past President within the Durban Chamber’s organisational structure.