On Friday (29 November) marked a historical milestone as the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber toasted its 160th anniversary during its Annual Banquet held at the Sun Boardwalk Hotel and Convention, which was attended by 850 guests. The banquet is the Chamber’s largest flagship event which provides an opportunity to reflect on progress achieved in the year and to recognise and show appreciation for the contributions of its members.
Delivering his speech during the event, Chamber President Siyolo Dick highlighted the transformative changes the Chamber has undergone in the last three years, shifting from a traditional role to an action orientated and interventionist approach.
“As we reflect on this, the Chamber has evolved overtime as the business environment changed. However, we are now at a point where change is happening so fast that we are leaping from evolution to revolution. We are working off a clean slate and are making it up as we go along, aligned along common values and goals, all focused on positive change and making a difference,” Dick said.
Dick also emphasised that the business community could no longer stand on the sidelines and complain, and wait for government and politicians to do the right thing. “I’m happy that this Chamber has been trailblazing an alternative path through our efforts to resurge the Bay. We have been rolling up our sleeves to help get things done and providing technical expertise where we can. We do this because we know if the basics are working, the investment and employment will automatically flow from this,” he says.
He further elaborated that the Chamber believed in the immense potential of Nelson Mandela Bay and this was reflected in its drive to unlock the Bay of Opportunity.
Dick said “We believe in our Bay and its people, and are pushing to make sure that our priorities, such as the two ports and the North to South rail corridor, are on the national agenda. As the Chamber, we will collaborate with whoever is committed to doing the right thing.”
Chamber chief executive officer Denise van Huyssteen echoed this vision, praising the critical role played by member companies and their employees in enabling the Chamber to accelerate its efforts and impact this year.
“It is clear to me that the strength of our Bay is our amazing people and this is what sets us apart from anywhere else. Yes we have challenges but we have a united business community who are prepared to take action to achieve common goals,” said Van Huyssteen.
She called for continued mobilisation, collaboration and action to accelerate the impact of key Chamber initiatives, as it radically shifts from “evolution to revolution” to unlock the potential of the Bay of Opportunity.
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