The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber pays tribute to Loyiso Dotwana, its Immediate Past President and Chairperson of the NAKO Group, as his nine-year tenure on the Chamber’s Board comes to a close.
The announcement was formally made at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting on 27 May 2026, where his longstanding service and exceptional contribution were honoured.
Having served since 2017, Dotwana’s tenure has been defined by remarkable selflessness, steady leadership and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the voice of business in Nelson Mandela Bay. He led the Chamber’s Board during one of the most consequential periods in recent history, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, when businesses across the metro were recalibrating in the wake of unprecedented economic disruption, alongside the emergence of a severe water and infrastructure management crisis.
A Civil Engineer with over two decades of experience, Dotwana brought critical technical insight to the Chamber’s work, particularly in relation to infrastructure challenges facing the metro. His strategic inputs on water security, electricity reliability and stormwater management helped shape the Chamber’s advocacy and engagement on key systemic issues impacting the local business environment.
Under his leadership, the Chamber navigated this complexity with clarity of purpose, helping to reposition and reinvent the organisation at a critical juncture. During this period, the Chamber undertook the important task of crafting a refreshed and more assertive strategy, underpinned by a collaborative and action-orientated approach. This not only strengthened the Chamber’s lobbying and advocacy role, but also expanded its reach through broader, more impactful partnerships beyond the local business community, including the establishment of national partnerships.
Dotwana played an instrumental role in this transition, providing both strategic insight and practical leadership to ensure that the Chamber remained relevant, responsive and forward-looking. His contribution extended well beyond governance, as he actively participated in key Chamber-led strategic interventions, engaging both business and a broad range of stakeholders to address systemic barriers to a conducive business environment.
These efforts were underpinned by a firm belief that Nelson Mandela Bay is a fixable metro, a conviction that has shaped much of the Chamber’s advocacy and engagement.
Commenting on his contribution, Chief Executive Officer Denise van Huyssteen said:
“Loyiso has been a pillar of strength for the Chamber over many years, giving generously of his time, energy and expertise in service of the broader business community. His leadership helped guide the Chamber through a time of significant uncertainty and reposition it for greater impact.
He understood the importance of ensuring that the Chamber remained not only relevant, but a respected and authoritative voice of business in the region. Through his strategic guidance, we have strengthened our advocacy, deepened our partnerships and sharpened our focus on driving investment and job creation.
His selflessness and commitment to Nelson Mandela Bay are truly commendable, and his legacy will continue to shape the Chamber’s work well into the future. We extend our sincere gratitude to Loyiso for his invaluable contribution and look forward to continuing our relationship with him, and to drawing on his strategic insights to help advance the Chamber’s objectives.”
As Dotwana concludes his term, the Chamber recognises his lasting impact on the organisation and the broader business landscape of Nelson Mandela Bay. His leadership has laid a solid foundation for continued progress in advancing a more enabling, competitive and inclusive local economy.
#BayOfOpportunity #MadeInTheBay
Issued by:
Sibongile Dimbaza
Communications Officer