Ms Magugu Rapuleng, CEO ZCCI

The role of Chamber traditionally, is that of providing a voice through which businesses are able to have their concerns raised.  The ZCB is extremely active in this role through the Richards Bay and Empangeni Divisions who have their own committees who look specifically at issues affecting business in their localities.  The ZCB has a number of subcommittees looking into specific issues surrounding training, environment, local economic development, SMME support etc. The ZCB has gone through a lot of transformation and we are still transforming even today, which is good news!

The overall aim of the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) is to foster an environment conducive to the development and growth of business. The Chambers’ advocacy and lobbying role is perhaps its most important.

The membership of the ZCCI is growing steadily with members enjoying a full range of services and benefits offered by the organization as well as a range of activities that support and create opportunities for local SMME’s.

Large Business in the area supports the ZCCI and the aim is to align all the internal and external stakeholders in order to be the only voice of business in Zululand.  The focus will be on information sharing to business to understand how BEE works and how to put this into practice.

The ZCCI will be resuscitating other divisions in areas like Kwambonambi, Mtubatuba, Eshowe, Melmoth and Pongola.  We are looking up to the leadership of those areas to address the agendas of their communities.  We need leadership that is looking into economic emancipation of all communities and the ZCCI will play a supporting role in order for these divisions to succeed to give a service to the entire Zululand region.

My sincere thanks goes to Bongani Mqaise, the outgoing CEO, Garth McCartney, the outgoing President of ZCCI and Phiwo Thango, the outgoing Chairman of the SMME Committee.  Your input and transfer of knowledge, on a voluntary basis, is much appreciated. 

I am hoping for a new executive committee which is energetic, passionate, focused to work with us to take the ZCCI to new heights.

Our struggle is now an economic one!