The history of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry started with the foundation in 1856 of the Natal Chamber of Commerce, which was described in the Charter, which formally constituted the body, as the Durban Chamber of Commerce in 1884 under Natal Law number 31. After more than a century, and in line with a movement that was replicated in all parts of South Africa, this body merged with the Chamber of Industry to form the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In keeping with International Best Practice to ensure that its constitutional status is in line with contemporary requirements and expectations the Durban Chamber now operates and exists as a Non-Profit Company under the Companies Act 71 of 2008, with a proud legacy of being the oldest and largest metropolitan Chamber in Africa.
The mandate of the Durban Chamber requires it to lobby and advocate on behalf of the business community by addressing and identifying pertinent issues that are affecting the business environment. Our role is to address these issues with the relevant public and private stakeholders, in order to create an environment that is conducive for conducting business across all sectors. A key and valuable strength of the Durban Chamber is constant engagement with our members through our 20 sector-specific business forums. These forums provide both insight on current challenges, and identify business opportunities within the business community, for the sustainability of businesses thus contributing to a conducive business environment. Through our collaborative effort, we bridge the gap between private and public stakeholders, for the economic sustainability of the businesses.
Everyday we are serving more and more Businesses
The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC was founded in 1856 and is Africa’s oldest and largest metropolitan chamber.