The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber recently underwent its first B-BBEE audit and has achieved B-BBEE Level 3 status on the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment scorecard. This accomplishment highlights the Chamber's steadfast commitment to advancing economic transformation and fostering sustainable growth within the Nelson Mandela Bay area.
Commenting on the development, Denise van Huyssteen, the Chamber's chief executive officer, said “We are thrilled to have achieved B-BBEE Level 3 status, which not only reflects the progress the Chamber has made in transforming in key areas of its operations but also reinforces its broader commitment to the socio economic development of the Bay. This further strengthens our position in driving positive change and fostering an inclusive economy within Nelson Mandela Bay and its surrounding areas.”
The Chamber anticipates that this accreditation will enable it, on behalf of its members, to pursue enterprise development and supplier development projects which support its vision of retaining and attracting investment and employment in the Bay.
Van Huyssteen emphasised that the Chamber’s Entrepreneurship Desk supports 350 businesses, of which almost 70% are black owned and 57% are female owned. “The critical work undertaken through this Desk is supported by a number of our members through various measures that include their Enterprise Development and Supplier Development spend and has a direct impact on the sustainability and growth of these businesses.”
Going forward we will continue to accelerate our efforts through project opportunities which are being pursued through our Trade and Investment Desk, Local Economy Reinvention Think Tank and the soon to be launched Skills Development Desk.
With a strong belief in the power of empowering and uplifting local businesses, the Chamber remains dedicated to playing a central role in the positioning and development of the metro as The Bay of Opportunity, a diversified manufacturing hub on the African continent.
“We look forward to continuing our work in partnership with our members and stakeholders which ultimately is driven to build an economy which is centred upon inclusive growth and participation,” concluded Van Huyssteen.
#ResurgingTheBay