Developing and promoting
Developing and promoting Durban business The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers a wide variety of services to members, debates current issues through Standing Forums and advocates for business in the appropriate forums. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Access to the international market The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC assists you in expanding your business globally by connecting you with international chambers around the world. This means that our members have complete access to international chambers of commerce and embassies, thus opening a world of possibilities and business opportunities internationally. Certificates of Origin Through our International Business Unit, we produce Certificates of Origin (CO). A CO is a document required for all export processes to prove that the goods are from South Africa, the country of origin. We pride ourselves on being a reputable organisation that is respected in industry. Our CO business is governed by strict compliance guidelines and principles which ensure that every CO produced by the chamber for your product will be 100% vetted and compliant. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SMME support Through the Business Development division, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry aims to support and transform small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), including informal businesses in the Durban area, into sustainable businesses ready to do business with large entities. We offer non-financial assistance such as skills development, mentorship, networking workshops and oneon-one consultations. Company and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) Durban Chamber has been trusted by CIPC to be the agency that does most of the business legalities in KwaZulu-Natal such as company registrations, CIPC annual returns, name changing, company amendments, directors’ amendments and company name reservations. Informal sector business assistance The Durban Chamber has more than 54 000 informal traders who receive assistance with their business needs through the associations they belong into. These businesses have a special membership package which is discounted to accommodate them. Just like SMMEs, they receive nonfinancial support such as skills development, mentorship, networking workshops and one-on-one consultations. POLICY AND ADVOCACY We continue to add value for our members through our robust interactions and partnerships with both the private and public sectors. These initiatives are over and above the numerous value-adding services offered by the chamber and our system of Standing Forums, which meet regularly to consider and debate relevant issues within the sectors that they represent. Our policy and advocacy initiatives ensure that we are constantly: • Identifying government policies relevant to business in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal • Informing, through research and giving a broader perspective and on such policies • Liaising with relevant institutional structures to enhance robust collaboration • Amplifying core issues that impact business with short, medium and long-term perspectives • Promoting an appreciation of broad-based economic, social and environmental sustainability • Advocating good practices to our members and enabling policy for the city, province and state • Assisting in promoting partnership approaches to complex problematic issues affecting business
Durban Chamber engages with President The Ethekwini Presidential Working Group has been established after a meeting between the Durban Chamber Of Commerce and Industry NPC and President Ramaphosa and five cabinet ministers. As organised business, we remain committed to working with the government to rebuild Durban and create a favourable business environment. Our business is to serve the business community through advocacy and lobbying and to protect and promote the interests of the eThekwini business community. The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC, together with the KZN Growth Coalition, hosted President Cyril Ramaphosa on 23 February 2024 to discuss the issues affecting businesses in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. The President was accompanied by a ministerial delegation comprising Ministers Gordhan, Cele, Mchunu, Ramokgopa and Zikalala. At the engagement business leaders discussed Durban’s dysfunctional infrastructure, tourism, promoting KZN as an investment hub and safety and security. As an organisation, we believe this Working Group will provide an opportunity for the public and private sectors to engage. It is the first time since democracy that Durban business leaders have a direct line to the Office of the President. The Office of the President revealed that eThekwini Municipality accounts for 6.8% (the third-largest metropolitan municipality in South Africa) of the national population, 60.99% of the KwaZulu-Natal GDP and 9.7% of the national GDP. We believe this is sufficient evidence that eThekwini Municipality is a significant economic contributor and critical metro for South Africa and therefore requires urgent attention. For the eThekwini Presidential Working Group to work and achieve its desired outcomes Durban business meets South Africa’s president: Andre Kiepjela, DCCI President Prasheen Maharaj, President Cyril Ramaphosa, DCCI CEO Palesa Phili, Nigel Ward and Asheen Magjee. business needs to be allowed to lead in the following areas: infrastructure (water, sanitation, and energy distribution), safety and security, investment and tourism. These areas have been identified by the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC as key pillars to help turn around eThekwini Municipality. It is time for government and businesses to work together to solve Durban’s most pressing issues. If we do not address the challenges immediately, we can expect to see many businesses disinvesting from Durban and opting for alternative and more lucrative investment destinations. We need to save our city, and we need to do it now! The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC #InBusinessForABetterWorld The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest metropolitan chamber in Africa, having been established in 1856. Our primary objective is to serve the business community in eThekwini by advocating and lobbying for their interests. Our organisation has a member-focused approach, ensuring that their needs are prioritised. We take pride in our brand, which is built on strong values, trust and integrity, making us the preferred choice of chamber for our members. As the oldest metropolitan chamber in Africa, we are committed to delivering exceptional value to our members through our dynamic collaborations with the private and public sectors. Our efforts go beyond the vast array of value-added services that we provide. We have established a network of 20 Standing Forums that convene frequently to discuss and deliberate on pertinent matters within their respective industries. By doing so, we ensure that our members are wellinformed and equipped to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape. The Durban Chamber also offers membership. We believe in MEMBERSHIP THROUGH FELLOWSHIP and CREATING PARTNERSHIPS. Therefore RELATIONSHIPS are the true currency of commerce. The Durban Chamber facilitates our members’ development of business relationships with one another, as well as with other key stakeholders to promote economic growth. CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: +27 31 335 1000 Website: www.durbanchamber.co.za Chief Executive Officer: Palesa Phili Email: ceo@durbanchamber.co.za Marketing and Communications Email: marketing@durbanchamber.co.za Business Development Email: info@durbanchamber.co.za
