The Chamber Legacy

#InBusinessForABetterWorld

1856
1884
1995
1999
2000
2000
2005
2008
2011
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018

1856

Establishment of the Natal Chamber of Commerce

1884

Regulated under the Natal Law no.31 as the Durban Chamber of Commerce

1995

Durban Chamber of Commerce merges with the Chamber Industry to form the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry

1999

Durban Chamber appoints Dr Jeya Wilson as the first female Chief Executive Officer

2000

KZN Exporter of the year awards are launched – Recognising and celebrating the outstanding performance of KZN companies exporting locally manufactured goods

2000

The Durban Chamber sees the inauguration of the first Black president – Patrick September

2005

Prof. Bonke Dumisa becomes the Chamber’s first Black Chief Executive Officer

2008

Appointment of Gugu Mazibuko, the first black female Chief Executive Officer

2011

Thato Tsautse, unveiled as the first female president.

2014

Business better than usual; Durban Chamber moves into the Lion Match Office Park

2015

Township Izimbizo gets underway, aiming to deliver practical business insights, skills and tools that will enable traders to start, build and grow sustainable businesses

2016

#DurbanMustRise trends no. 5 nationally at the 160th Annual Gala Dinner, kick-starting a tsunami of goodwill, support and confidence in the city

2017

Durban Chamber raises the flag of Ethical Leadership at a collective level with the launch of the 1st Business Code of Ethics at the 161st Annual Gala Dinner

2018

Keeping with International best practice, Durban Chamber exists and operates under the Companies Act 71 of 2008 as a Non-Profit company

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 its members by addressing and identifying pertinent issues and forwarding them to appropriate forums in which business practitioners, through robust strategic engagements with stakeholders, drill down into issues and provide experience-based insights. A key and valuable strength of the Durban Chamber is constant engagement in its area and standing forums. These forums provide insight to the common challenges faced by the business communities of specific regions. They also identify key opportunities that can be created by enabling a resilient and conducive business environment. Key to this are pioneering workable partnerships that bridge the gap between the public and private sectors.

Over many years, the discussions of member representatives in these forums have enabled the Chamber to make influential submissions regarding matters of current business concern and interest to local government and beyond at provincial and national levels.  The Durban Chamber is a vibrant business organisation striving to meet and exceed the expectations of its members, whether they are micro or corporate businesses. The facilities of the Durban Chamber and its services are accessible by all employees of any member company. The Durban Chamber enjoys the respect and confidence of government at all levels thanks to its longevity and its record of 162 years of service to the Durban business community.

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Who we are and what we are about

The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established in 1856 and is the oldest and largest metropolitan chamber in Africa. As a business-based and member-focused organisation, we work to protect and promote the interests of eThekwini business community.

 

    The Durban Chamber does this by

    • Advocating and influencing policy decisions that affect the interests of business (labour laws, tax and business regulations, and more)
    • Offering business support services and advice
      (CIPC, Certificate of Origin ITC checks, Human Resources/Capital, networking opportunities)
    • Providing reliable and relevant business information that empowers the Durban business community.

     

    Mission

    To contribute towards creating a conducive economic and business environment in the eThekwini Municipal area and beyond, as well as providing services specifically relevant to small and large businesses operating in the region.

    We will achieve this by delivering excellence in all we do through our dedicated people, financial expertise, IT systems, operational processes and sound stakeholder relationships, all underpinned by ethical governance principles.

    Vision

    In Business for a Better World

    To be recognised as a world-class business chamber and a united voice of business in the eThekwini Municipal area and beyond.

    #InBusinessForABetterWorld

    values we live by

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    Accountability

    Taking responsibility for our
    actions

    Leadership

    Courageous, influential and exemplary in word and deed

    Inclusivity

    and Diversity Involvement and celebrating our differences

    Innovation

    Adaptable and improvising

    Integrity

    Ethical, trustworthy, reliable (people and processes)

    chamber contacts

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    Policy and Advocacy

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