Business chamber appoints new cluster chairs
Two Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber clusters have appointed chairs to foster development within the areas.
Tati Tsunke was appointed chair of the beachfront cluster and Geoff Mendelowitz for North End.
Chamber chief executive Denise van Huyssteen said positive leadership was crucial for encouraging collaboration of the various businesses and stakeholders, as well as driving the adoption of solutions and an action-orientated approach.
The chamber has in the past 18 months established eight clusters.
These include Neave/ Korsten, North End, Deal Party, the beachfront, Baakens Valley, Struandale, Kariega and Perseverance. Each cluster collaborates with the municipality and other stakeholders to address common issues in the geographic areas.
“We envisage that two more clusters will come on stream in the coming months, and are expected to be located in the Fairview and Walmer areas.
“This demonstrates that the mobilisation of businesses around the Bay is accelerating as more businesses realise they need to become more actively involved in such initiatives to help retain and grow investment and jobs.”
Tsunke, the general manager of Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, will replace Mike Neubert, who has stepped into the treasurer role.
Tsunke has been instrumental in enlisting businesses in the area to address issues like cleanliness, street lighting and the installation of security cameras to enhance safety in the beachfront area.
Mendelowitz, the project and property maintenance manager for Grindstone Property Group, replaces James Flanagan in the North End cluster.
Tsunke said he recognised the challenges businesses faced in a changed environment.
“I do not take this honour lightly as I understand the major task that lies ahead in terms of strengthening the cluster to become responsive to the challenges facing businesses and other stakeholders in the beachfront area.
“Businesses operating in the precinct have made positive strides in addressing some of the problems that negatively impact businesses and their operations, including strengthening security for the safety of both businesses and visitors in the beachfront,” Tsunke said.
Mendelowitz, a civil engineer with 40 years of experience in management, said decisive leadership and collaboration with stakeholders were crucial.
“My priority is to continue with the North End cluster’s mandate by working constructively with the business chamber executive as well as both public and private stakeholders.
“This will ensure success for a well maintained, sustainable and thriving cluster as part of an exciting wider business chamber initiative,” he said.