After a week filled with news of student protest action and an up rise around the #feesmustfall it was very refreshing to hear Adv Thuli Madonsela, the Public Protector, speak at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the The South African Women Lawyers Association Members' meeting this morning. Adv Thuli Madonsela, the Public Protector, showed her support for the #DurbanMustRise campaign during the engagement.

The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry in celebration of its 160 years of existence launched the #DurbanMustRise initiative.  #DurbanMustRise was launched at the Durban Chamber 160th Annual Gala Dinner. It has kick started a tsunami of goodwill, support and confidence in our City. The Durban Chamber would like to use its legacy of 160 years to not only remember its past achievements, but also to look to the future. To use the can do power of the human spirit which we all know South Africans have, to fast track our success and make us even prouder citizens of Durban.

In the recent past Durban has become a strategic player on the world stage. This can be seen in   its hosting of global events; facilitating national growth through the Port of Durban the busiest port in Southern Africa and game changing projects like Dube Tradeport and the city’s revolutionary GO! Durban public transport network. Durban’s prospects are on the up. Supported by institutions and industrial giants, the building blocks are in place for Durban’s fortunes to blaze a trail of glory.

The CEO of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs Dumile Cele said, ‘’The #DurbanMustRise campaign is gaining momentum and is supported by institutions such as the Durban ICC, Standard Bank and buoyed by industrial giants like Toyota, Unilever and Tongaat Hulett. Our municipality and government agencies are also on board. The building blocks are in place for Durban to blaze a trail of glory. This is not just a fancy project to grab the media spotlight; it is so much more. So much has fallen. Let’s not be caught in a place where all is in ruins.’’

We invite you and your organisation to join hands with us on this important endeavour.

How to participate:

1. Download the #DurbanMustRise placard from our website: www.durbanchamber.co.za

2. Add your company logo

3. Take a photo

4. Upload the photo onto social media quoting #DurbanMustRise

We would like to encourage all businesses in Durban to look ahead, to work together and help make our beautiful city a champion of business, standing tall and proud. #DurbanMustRise!

If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Marketing team at the Durban Chamber on marketing@durbanchamber.co.za.