On Friday morning, a spirit of unity filled the room as the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) hosted its latest Captains of Industry gathering. Business leaders, and industry came together to reimagine a stronger, more inclusive Zululand region.
The ZCCI, marking 99 years of service this year, reminded the business community that they remain a bridge between ideas and opportunity, a platform where collaboration turns vision into reality. For nearly a century, the Chamber has been the heartbeat of business in the region, standing as the neutral space where leaders can set aside differences and chart a shared future.
The conversations also did not shy away from Zululand’s pressing realities such as unemployment, crime, and service delivery challenges. Theindustry captains reassured the Chamber that they are still committed to sustainable development and shared growth for the King Cetswayo District.
Richards Bay is on the cusp of significant growth. Industrial expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and innovations in energy and logistics are all on the horizon. But delegates stressed that growth cannot be symbolic. It must be tangible.
That means opportunities for local businesses.
Local SMMEs included in supply chains.
Young people gaining skills, mentorship, and meaningful jobs. And it means communities seeing and feeling prosperity in real ways.
The Chamber shared its ongoing work with SMMEs through partnerships such as its collaboration with Absa, aimed at building small business capacity to compete and thrive. Plans are also underway to centralise access to opportunities from jobs to skills development, making it easier for industry to localise meaningfully and for communities to benefit directly.
As the meeting drew to a close, one message lingered – growth is a choice. It is built when leaders decide to plant boldly, nurture wisely, and grow together.
The ZCCI President said “Despite being under-resourced, it has made strides that prove what’s possible when business rallies behind a common vision. With greater support, the Chamber can continue to act as a command centre for strategy, collaboration, and transformation.
The Captains of Industry meeting was a reminder that Zululand’s future is in the hands of those willing to build it, together.