The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry

As I write, I sense some optimism about the future of local government now that the municipal elections have come and gone. In this regard, we would do well to reflect on the process which is a tribute to both the IEC and the electorate as a whole. There are many countries throughout the world, some calling themselves democracies, where elections are not 'free and fair'.

While the optimism relates to a kind of new beginning where leadership will change in many cases, the country's challenges show little by way of change or decline. New leadership will be under enormous pressure to eradicate the memories of too much failed delivery in the past and to find ways to progress through the minefields of local politics. The fundamental difficulty is that the number of people contributing towards municipal income, if not declining, is mostly static while costs increase annually, some, like salaries and wages, in excess of inflation. The consequence is that the people who are perceived to be in a position to pay, are being asked to pay more, and this includes Business.

In this environment of challenge, public and private sectors should be working hand in hand, for though the respective obstacles are different, each party has something to offer to assist the other in overcoming them.

This publication is a tribute to many businesses that are doing well, despite the difficulties of the time. The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry is at the heart of the business community and pledges itself to pursue the interests of Business vigorously without failing in its duty to recognise the many challenges of government. The goals are common, after all, and they are more easily attainable if we work together to achieve them.

The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CEO
Andrew Layman
http://www.durbanchamber.co.za