Common vision, collaboration is vital

HAVING served the business sector on the Exco of the South Coast Chamber of Commerce and Industry since 2008 and as president and chief executive for the past three years, I realised that meaningful change was desperately needed in our coastal corridor.

This chamber was based in Port Shepstone and the quality decision was taken to rebrand it as the South Coast Business Chamber in 2013.

The intention was to provide a powerful voice for the business community in all sectors, which includes commerce, business and industry. We also expanded the vision to Port Edward in the south, to Durban and inland, including seven municipal regions.

There should be seamless expansion throughout this entire area, and socio-economic growth and development can all be achieved through meaningful associations, affiliations or coalitions and public and private-sector partnerships. But it can only be achieved with a common vision, and an ethos that says a lot more can be achieved if we are not too concerned about who gets the credit.

The vision should be needs- and purpose-driven, and we agree to focus on the current situation in our region that impacts on the wider community.

The South Coast relies heavily on tourism and agricultural development – and all crime, grime and inner-city decay is a serious deterrent for investment and development in our area. The duty or responsibility to deal with these issues belongs to all that live in our region. The business community have an important role to play, and we are aware of the expansion plans from the premier’s and local economic desks in all municipalities. The business sector inter alia include tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and the textile industry.

The informal and small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMME) sector needs to be stimulated in a positive manner – and this can only be done with unity and cooperation.

We need a common vision, unity and collaborative co-operation from those who live in our region. Since 2008, we have had the challenges of xenophobia that resurfaced in January this year. This can be resolved with traditional leadership or positive intervention by those who are truly committed to peace.

Likewise, with the recent labour unrest at the R13-billion renewable energy plant at Shakaskraal that not only puts the projects future at risk, but also sends a loud message to investors that this country is not a safe place to either invest or even live. There is no doubt much more needs to be done.

All business chambers have a role to play in providing a voice for the business sector and a gateway to opportunities and new markets through unity and networking.

This is where the skills base lies for mentorship, training and aftercare support that grows the economy. This is the financial muscle needed for socio-economic growth and development and the business community need to get actively involved in their area. We need to deal with the issues that threaten our economy and provide practical solutions to the barriers. We need to join hands, hearts and minds to bring the change and protect our heritage. Wisdom, unity and the common vision are key elements in saving our country and heritage.

Contact the South Coast Business chamber at munnspeter@webmail.co.za or at 0832643267