The Head of the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Gadija Brown, says the chamber is set to help local entrepreneurs and develop the economy in the province. She says research indicates that chambers have provided a large support to socio-economic transformation in different countries, and they are hopeful that this chamber will help the province in this regard. Brown adds that although the chamber will focus on measures to fast-track radical economic transformation and empower black-owned businesses, their aim is, however, not to polarise society along racial lines. 

“We expect all businesses, white or black, to have access to this chamber, to ensure that we deal with our transformation goals as stipulated by our regulations, but mostly to be the advocacy of businesses and to support policy formulations into how we deal with issues of the economy and issues of socio-economic transformation, and other aspects of support that the government has to do to ensure to support our business fraternity in the province”.

Brown says the chamber is set to support progressive decision-making. She says it will support socio-economic needs and help businesses support communities in which they operate.

Brown adds that a number of entrepreneurs in the province are still faced with the lack of access to markets. She says the chamber will help them with regard to access to international and national markets, as well as funding.

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