Genuine partnerships have developed in response to the pandemic. KZN INVEST spoke to Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO, Palesa Phili, about business response to the crisis.
Q: What has given you the most hope in these troubled times?
A: I hope that this too shall pass, looking at the history of pandemics such as the 1918 Flu Pandemic, as well as HIV and AIDS pandemic and so many other social challenges we have had that were overcome. We are also hopeful given the proposed vaccine roll-out. But the biggest hope is that we are a resilient nation.
Q: What has been the best part of your job in the last year?
A: Forging real working partnerships between the business community and government in response to the pandemic; facilitating key strategic engagements between industry and government in the midst of a pandemic; and benchmarking our performance against some of the leading economies while lobbying the government for adaptive lockdown regulations.
Q: How has the business community responded to the crisis?
A: Everyone was prepared and ready to lend a hand, from offering donations and skills to assist SMMEs. These skills extended to business members providing ongoing mentorship. There was a genuine assistance offered, including the following:
■ We partnered with the Domino Foundation and the Global Shapers-Durban Hub on a Covid-19 Collaborative Collection Drive to support people unable to earn a living. The response from churches, businesses, individuals, communities, and corporate partners has been incredible.
■ We co-ordinated sponsorship from the department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
■ We secured 800 soups and 800 juices through the Olive Group and Labora Group.
■ In partnership with Toyota SA and eThekwini Municipality we distributed food hampers to vulnerable communities in Isipingo.
■ Through a series of webinars, we partnered with Mancosa to provide free expert advice on a range of important aspects of business management for SMMEs.
■ More recently donations were made to eThekwini Municipality by members of the Durban Chamber, in particular Prasheen Maharaj, the CEO of South African Shipyards, who is also a board member and chairperson of the Durban Chamber’s manufacturing forum.
■ SAS donated 1 000 chairs which are assisting with queue control and social distancing at testing sites in 10 malls in the Durban metro.
■ Paul Swainson, CEO of CCI Call Centres SA and former chairperson of the Durban Chamber’s Northern area forum, contributed 25 000 contact tracing calls to the province free of charge.
Q: Which sectors are the most resilient and which are taking strain?
A: Tourism is the hardest hit sector due to its heavy reliance on the movement of visitors. The entire value chain from wholesale travel organisers, tour operators, transport, accommodation establishments and other aligned sectors are amongst the sectors taking strain. Healthcare facilities have also been under immense strain. The increased demand for beds and ventilators has been a challenge facing the healthcare sector. All in all, it is remarkable to see how resilient the ICT, pharmaceutical and food industries have been.
Q: What clever strategic thinking have you been exposed to during the crisis and what have you learnt from it?
A: The main thing is that the business community does not operate as an island. We need government, civil society and the business community to collaborate to make things work. All three must work hand in hand for the benefit of all.
Q: How do you see the economy of KZN in 2021 and what three priorities do government, business, labour and civil society need to focus on?
A: Despite the uncertainty and low levels of business activity resulting from lockdown restrictions, we remain optimistic about the recovery. We encourage businesses to innovate. Our three core priorities need to be:
- Sector-specific relief for businesses.
- Reskilling and replacing lost skills.
- Closer consultation between the business community and government.
Pictured: Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO, Palesa Phili: We need to work together for the benefit of all.