Businesspeople from around Vhembe who have been struggling to make it in the mainstream economy for a long time will have a united voice from now on. This follows the launch of the Vhembe branch of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) on Tuesday, 5 July.
The event, held at the Vhembe Council Chambers, was attended by more than 200 businesspeople from around Vhembe, the organisation's executive members from the different districts in the province and the provincial leadership of NAFCOC.
The branch's newly elected deputy secretary, Mr Norman Makhado, said businesspeople in the region had operated for too long in a vacuum as individuals in their own corners, which made it very difficult for them to grow into big businesses.
"We have suffered for a long time as the business community in Vhembe. Our new committee comprises members from around the four municipalities in the district and this will make it easy for us to coordinate our activities. It is very important that we be united as businesspeople, because, as one, we can confront the government and speak with one voice for assistance. We can now pool resources, buy in bulk and share among ourselves, thus ensuring lower prices and increased profit margins. We have so many plans that will benefit businesspeople around here, and soon we will see an improvement," he said.
In launching the branch, Limpopo NAFCOC deputy president Mr Sipho Mabunda called on all businesspeople in Vhembe to join the organisation if they want to grow and reap the benefits. "Joining NAFCOC has many benefits for businesses. Our people have been overwhelmed with challenges and this is the time we come together as united people and work together for the advancement of our businesses. What are the stumbling blocks that are preventing us from opening and operating big businesses? We are happy that many are now our members, but we urge those who are still outside to join us so that, together, we can overcome those stumbling blocks and move forward to prosperity, and contribute to the economic development of this country," he said.
In her acceptance speech, the newly elected Vhembe District NAFCOC president, Ms Tshililo Salphinah Nnzeru, described the occasion as the new dawn that will bring out the best in local business. "We are looking at big business in mining, agriculture and malls and we hope that our cooperatives will have created jobs for more than 500 people by the end of the year. We are calling on all to join us on this journey. This is our time and, working together with the different structures and traditional leaders, we will go far," she said.