The South African Chamber of Business (Sacob) said on Monday it aims to build a truly non-racial, viable movement and that its aim of unity was achievable.
The chamber was announcing the appointment of Dr Kwandiwe Kondlo as general manager. It has been without a CEO or general manager for about 18 months.
“I’m here to strengthen the foundations and would also like to see to the building of a truly non-racial chamber movement — we must have a truly non-racial, viable structure. We must advance the brand Sacob has made over time,” said Kondlo.
Sacob president Deidré Penfold added that a non-racial, united movement is achievable. “We don’t see any barriers. We would love to see a united body — it’s there, it’s on its way, but it won’t happen overnight,” she said.
“We would ideally like to see all the bodies working together in a unified way. The chamber movement speaks for business on the ground — that’s why it’s important internationally that the chamber movement is very strong. There is no stronger brand for business than the chamber movement,” said Penfold.
She added: “We are very excited. It’s taken us a long time to find the right person to suit Sacob.
“Dr Kondlo has been involved in the academic field for a number of years and has held a number of advisory positions. The appointment comes at a time when Sacob has repositioned itself towards further improving its capacity to enhance the transformation process and impact on economic development in South Africa and the continent.
“He is extremely well qualified to steer Sacob where it needs to go.”
Penfold added that key focus areas going forward will include extending the capacity base of Sacob, continuing to strengthen service to members, aligning Sacob with its dynamically changing context, and strengthening its focus on addressing key policy and developmental issues through involving leading expertise in processes.
“We’re looking forward to the experience he [Kondlo] has and brings to the table. We believe this is the right appointment both within our organisation and for the relevant business structures where we are involved,” said Penfold.
Kondlo said one of the challenges facing Sacob is establishing its uniqueness in the face of growth. He concluded that the organisation needs to expand in tune with the growth in the business community, despite the fact that Sacob is a long-standing brand in its own right. — I-Net Bridge