Al-Qalam 
Solly Suleman, President of the Minara Chamber of Commerce says it is not too late to save the KZN economy from spiralling further if local Government entities play ball, writes an Al-Qalam Reporter.
The only way to fix South Africa’s battered economy is for both the private and public sector to pull up their sleeves and work together “seven days a week” – but unfortunately there appears to be no appetite by the public sector to do so, said Solly Suleman, President of the Minara Chamber of Commerce.
Suleman was speaking at the Minara Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and Gala dinner held at the Coastlands Conference Centre in Durban. The event was held after a two-year absence due to Covid.
The Keynote speaker was Zunaid Bulbulia, Group Executive of the Morvest Group.
Amongst the other captains of industry, key decision makers, professionals and community leaders were Imraan Noorbhai, Head of Standard Bank KZN region and Muhammed Iqlaas, Director of Capital Group.
Opening the event, Suleman said there was much to do to fix the economy in the battered province.
“I believe that there is tremendous opportunity to fix this province and country but it will depend on the Government being willing to form a joint task force which is able to drive change and make our province a sought-after tourist destination and investment destination.”
He said that Kwazulu-Natal has faced major challenges that included Covid-19, the looting, flooding and load shedding, that has cost hundreds of thousands of jobs to be lost and thousands of businesses to go bankrupt.
“This combined with corruption, State Capture, lack of expertise in sectors, exodus of skilled labour, exodus of funds, lack of foreign direct investment especially in our province, breakdown of infrastructure, e coli in our rivers and beaches, pools closed for the past few years for renovations, safety and security issues, and not forgetting a waterfront that has been in the pipeline for decades, etc”
But Suleman said it has been an uphill climb.
“We have participated in many forums with the Government and all I can say is that it has been a talk shop with no progress in correcting the imbalances that we face.
“I believe our current premier can make a difference with her background and experience but she needs support from within her organisation and Government departments,” he told the audience.
Suleman said he had visited both Türkiye and Qatar recently and he was most impressed with the amazing infrastructure in place and the slick services.
If our tourism facilities and beaches were neglected, tourism to Durban and our coastal regions would dry up, he added
But it was not too late, he said. If we all join hands and work together, we can make a difference,” he added optimistically.
The awards presentation commenced with a special recognition. Minara Chamber acknowledged Yunus Hoosen for his exceptional trajectory of growth in a public sector agency; and his extraordinary contribution to the fields of trade, investments and economic development.
- The Business Entity of the year award went to Regent Business School. Accepting on behalf of Regent was Dr Ahmed Shaik, Head of Regent Business School. Multi generation family Business Natal Box Factory and KZN-based Palstimed Liquid manufacturers were also finalists in this category.
- The Businessperson of the year was awarded to Hanif Salat, owner and founder of Copper Chimney amongst various other owned businesses.
- Mohamed Amra, franchisee owner of Pam Golding and Yusuf Bux Director and founder of Multiwood Group were also leading finalists in this category.
- The evening displayed women power as our three female finalists, Zahida Kara Suliman, Mariam Tayob Cassim and Rooksana Rashid Modan were announced as the Finalist with Mariam Tayob Cassim winning the Business woman of the Year 2022.
- South Africa boasts many young talents and entrepreneurs excelling in business through innovation and hard work. This year there was tie in this category with Moosa Bux, Founder of Pedros franchise and Talha Motala of Motala Perfume Manufacturers, who walked away as the 2022 Young Entrepreneurs 2022. Young and talented pharmacist, student Yusuf Arbee, who founded the IV Wellness Institute, was also a finalist.
- Durban based Author Fiona Khan was announced as the Professional Achiever 2022 after being nominated with Yunus Hoosen, CEO Invest SA, and Audiologist and lecturer Dr Shabnam Abdoola.
- Minara Chamber of Commerce paid special contribution to four exceptional community builders this year who have worked selflessly over the years in supporting South African communities over many years and especially over the past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Community builder recipients 2022 were: Yasiera Mahomed Suliman, Chairperson of Caring Sisters Network; Ashref Ismail, who has actively played a role in development of road safety for over 25 years; Azhar Vadi, one of the founding Directors of Salaam Foundation and community activist Ahmed Paruk, who has played a vital role in many community projects and burial services over the years.
Minara Chamber Business Awards
The Minara Chamber of Commerce held its Business Awards and Gala Dinner at the Coastlands Conference Centre in Durban last week – and over 400 guests attended. The much-awaited event was held after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Here are some of the winners.
