Chamber President encourages key stakeholders in Bay to rally behind Climate Resilience and Development Plan
Chamber President Loyiso Dotwana has encouraged all stakeholders in Nelson Mandela Bay to rally behind a Climate Resilience and Development Plan, so as to enable the Metro to unleash its true potential for the benefit of all. Dotwana made this call at the Presidential Climate Commission’s stakeholder workshop which was held at the Eastern Cape […]
New water licensing regulations could do more harm than good
A proposal to introduce race-based water licence regulations proposal comes at the worst possible time for struggling commercial farmers already battered by interest rate hikes and load shedding. The proposal for regulations comes amidst concerns about a lack of transformation within commercial agriculture. It also coincides with fears about dwindling employment opportunities in a sector […]
South Africa’s shocking literacy level impacts the country’s economic growth prospects
The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry is deeply concerned about South Africa’s shocking literacy level and the negative impact this has on the country’s economic growth prospects. Findings of an international literacy study made public this week reveal eight out of ten Grade 4 South Africans struggle to comprehend what they are reading, in […]
City Index for Ease of Doing Business or maybe not
The City of Cape Town launched their renewed “ease of doing business Index” on Tuesday 9 May, in which the mayor calls it “an honest evaluation of the extent to which the City either constrains or enables businesses in Cape Town”. The stated goal is to become “the easiest place to do business on our […]
Summary of the impact of the National Shut-down on business operations in Nelson Mandela Bay so far today
In general most manufacturers who had planned normal operations were able to do so at the required production levels, while those in the services and retail sectors were able to operate without major disruptions, says Denise van Huyssteen, chief executive of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. “There were some manufacturers that were impacted by […]
Cape Chamber deeply concerned for EFFs blatant disregard for law and order
The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry is deeply concerned about the blatant disregard for law and order displayed by EFF leader Julius Malema. Speaking ahead of Monday’s planned mass protest, Malema again showed his true colours when rallying support for a “revolution” – ostensibly aimed at ending load shedding and removing President Cyril Ramaphosa […]
Encouraging businesses to treat Monday as normal working day
While we respect the rights of people to peacefully protest, the planned national shutdown is not the solution to addressing the economic challenges of the country. Rather all stakeholders and communities should be working together to rebuild our country and metros, so that that basic services can be delivered to all, says Denise van Huyssteen, […]
Loadshedding is placing the local economy under strain
According to a survey conducted by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, loadshedding is having a detrimental impact on investments and jobs in Nelson Mandela Bay, with one in five businesses reporting that they have cut jobs and over 90% halting investment and expansion plans. With no end in sight to constant loadshedding, and more […]
South African government can’t shuffle its way out of trouble
The Cabinet reshuffle announced this week is a further stark illustration of Government’s inability to deal with our current economic crisis. A few cosmetic changes at the top will do nothing to address the stark reality of a shrinking economy, massive unemployment, and an energy crisis now etched into the fabric of daily life. The […]