As a continuation of the iLembe Chamber’s efforts to showcase the significant hospitality products in the iLembe district, the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge & Resort Hotel again hosted the Chamber’s annual business gala dinner on the 11th of May 2017. The event is the premier dinner in the district’s business calendar.

Nedbank partnered with the business community to present this event.

Mr Terry Rosenberg, well-known KZN businessman and personality, made himself available at very short notice to deliver the main address at the function. Dr Mathews Phosa, who would have been the guest speaker at the iLembe Chamber's Gala Dinner, had to cancel his commitment due to a personal emergency. Dr Phosa's office did however indicate that he would avail himself to engage with our business community at a later date in 2017.

Jerry Kunene, the iLembe Chamber’s now almost resident saxophonist, provided the musical entertainment.

The event continued to embrace some of the traditions that the Chamber would like to embed, e.g. the inauguration of the new chamber president and elected executive committee members. The newly elected president of the chamber is XolaniGumede from Cappeny Estates while the vice president is Phil de Sylva from IFA.

The iLembe Chamber worked with the Fairmont Zimbali’s executive chef, Dean Uren, to present an original, locally sourced menu at the gala dinner. The Local Menu featured exclusively locally sourced produce or products from local suppliers.

Some of the smaller local and artisanal Chamber members that were featured on the iLembe infused The Local Menu included: Yoli's Bakery, Sage Deli, Delagoa Chilli Butter, Cindy's, Say Cheese, Tastebuds, The Great Railroad Brewing Company, Science of Coffee, The Entrepreneur 2015 finalist Naked Bones, and 2014 winner Just Meats, as well as Cappeny Estates.