The Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality in partnership with Mbizana Business Chamber invited different stakeholders for a common purpose of improving the economic landscape of the municipality. Pondoland Times in talks with Mbizana Business Chamber representative Mrs. Bhelekazi Sikhutshwa Thole, she was able to breakdown and elaborate on the role of the business chamber concerning businesses in activities that are set to improve businesses and the livelihood of the people who benefit from the development.
The Mbizana Business Chamber in its core, its own mission is to advance the interest of business and looking into transforming the state of economy from where it is now to a better functional state. – Mrs. Bhelekazi Sikhutshwa Thole
Mrs. Thole shared that the economy is not only dependent on business, it involves a list of aspects and key is the people. Therefore people should be at the centre of the discussing how are they seeing themselves. Thus, the conference set a tone to opportune moments that people of colour never saw coming or anticipated.
She mentioned a number of factors that will strongly contribute in transforming the economic landscape.
• The N2 Toll Route by SANRAL
• The Eastern sea board (Smart City)
• Mining
The conference sought to solicit ideas from business people and get a clear vision of how they think they fit in the three projects that will contribute to the development of the region. The advancement of skills and knowledge is counted as a factor that will contribute to businesses. Taking ownership of projects so that they leave a legacy.
“The smart city will be made by us and it will allow us to express our culture and Ubuntu, we will reach greater heights that we were made to believe are unattainable” Mrs. Thole.
The Eastern Cape Development Cooperation (ECDC) regional manager Mr. Nobanda expressed that the conference played a significant role because business people were able to put heads together and invite government and other stakeholders to explain their ideas and needs. He added that the government does not run business. However government creates an enabling environment for businesses to be fully functional.
After the conference, business will have one on one sessions with government and have a proper discussion about the needs and vision of their businesses and engaging them on challenges be it a capacity or non-capacity challenges.
– Photo by: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality Communications
