THE Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has appointed its new president to take over from Thomas Schaefer, the outgoing president, as his two-year tenure came to an end.
The newly elected president, Dr Andrew Muir (Wilderness Foundation) will be supported by two deputies, Prof Sibongile Muthwa, a vice chancellor at Nelson Mandela University and Saki Macozoma (VWSA).
“Our local economy has stagnated over the past few years and as a chamber, it is important that we work with the various stakeholders to promote the creation of an enabling environment,” said Muir.
“This requires that we adopt a back to basics approach, which must be complemented by a strong advocacy drive. This means that going forward the chamber board will need to take on a much more active role in engaging members and key stakeholders in rebuilding the city.
“The new board is committed to putting the best interests of the city and its people first.”
The Business Chamber has also retained some of its long-serving board members to retain institutional knowledge, while Odwa Mtati, Gugu Nxiweni, Mkhuseli Faku, and Gary Markson have been roped in to infuse new energy into the organisation.
Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber CEO Nomkhita Mona said the organisation has successfully located its activities within the economy of the region. The main aim is to transform the entire value chain of business in the region.
“Thomas (Schaefer) has been an amazing and enabling president. His presidency was marked by a progressive approach.
“I am looking forward to working with the new president and deputies in taking the business chamber to the next level,” Mona said.
-REPORTER
