Chamber punts business unity amid Dbn xenophobic mayhem

Cape Town – Organisations will highlight what solutions they will implement in response to the unfolding xenophobic crisis in Durban at a peace march in the city on Thursday.

One such voice will be that of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industries, which has been working within local township communities to stimulate economic growth, DCCI president Zeph Ndlovu told Fin24 on Wednesday.

“The chamber already has a programme in place it is implementing in partnership with the Durban Municipality, called Taking the Chamber to the People,” he said.

“We are opening satellite offices in the townships around Durban in a bid to support and stimulate township economies.

“Our first office is already operational in Umbumbulu and we will be rolling out this programme to all the townships.

“This creates a platform for all township businesses to belong, both local and those owned by foreign nationals.

“We hope this will facilitate better relations among fellow business people where they will work together towards the common good of economic growth for the people.”

The chamber was part of a meeting with Durban city manager James Nxumalo, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs officials, Metro Police, the South African Police Service, religious organisations and representatives from different foreign organisations to create a forum where short-, medium- and long-term interventions will be discussed and action plans formulated.

Promoting free market principles

Ndlovu said violence of any form was not acceptable, “more so when it results in the loss of human life”.

“As a chamber movement, we call for tolerance and understanding as we espouse free market principles,” he said.

“More than four decades ago the SADC region, the African continent and the world over opened their doors to our freedom stalwarts in support of our course for freedom,” he said. “Today the world, and more specifically Africa, are making that call to us to harbour refugees in need.

“Whereas there may be competing priorities that may raise tensions, we call on our people to exercise restraint, tolerance and understanding in reaching out to their cause.

“Please think of fellow South Africans in the diaspora, who have found new homes away from home.

“We support the premier of KZN, Mr Senzo Mchunu, and the mayor, Mr James Nxumalo, in calling for tolerance and restraint.”