Page 11 - KZN Business Sense Vol.3 No.1

KZN

KwaZulu-Natal
Business Chambers Council

GLOBAL CONFERENCE BECKONS TO TRIBUTE TO

LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS DAVE WHITTAKER

investors. The congress also sees procurement. “Business owners Zululand Chamber of Business
Mia Moorcroft Judith Nzimande - ZCCI President
collaboration between the private should make the most of this Foundation.
and public sectors to strengthen opportunity as many are facing
G lobal Entrepreneurship the entrepreneurial eco-system, how, poor management, lack of O n behalf of the Executive chairman of the Empangeni
stumbling blocks such as access to
In 2014, Dave was elected
corporates, lack of financial know-
Network's (GEN) South
Committee and staff of the
ultimately boosting job creation
Zululand Chamber of
Africa representatives
visited Richards Bay for the first and economic growth.” market research and the one-man Commerce and Industry (ZCCI), division of the Zululand Chamber
of Commerce and Industry and he
time to inform local business Zululand Chamber of show syndrome. After all, the small I would like to say that we are all joined the Executive Committee at
boffins about the annual GEN Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) business failure rate is as high as deeply saddened by the sudden the same time. He has served the
congress and motivate them to President Judith Nzimande said 63% within the first two years.” passing of Exco Member Dave Chamber well as an Exco member
attend. the congress will provide valuable Whittaker. We wish to extend to and his lifetime experience as a
answers for local entrepreneurs Previously published in the Cheryl, Justin, Steven, Chris, their businessman was invaluable as he
The event, taking place between seeking funding, training, Zululand Observer (Edited). wives and children and the mentored small business owners
13 and 16 March at the Sandton mentorship, access to markets and extended family, our condolences and the staff of the ZCCI.
Convention Centre in and heartfelt sympathy.
Johannesburg, will gather Dave's list of contacts and
entrepreneurs, researchers, policy In Dave, we have lost an connections were legendary, as was
makers and investors from 160 inspirational leader and colleague. his drive for excellence, and he was
countries. Speakers will include He was always willing to play a role always willing to go the extra mile
President Jacob Zuma, Microsoft's in community activities and he was for anyone in need.
Ali Faramawy, Discovery's Adrian loved, respected and admired by
Gore, Columbia Business School's the people of the greater Zululand I close with a quote from Douglas
Daniel Isenberg and Facebook's and much further afield as well. His McArthur: “A true leader has the
Ebele Okobi. integrity was always unquestionable confidence to stand alone, the
and he carried the trust and support courage to make tough decisions
Attendance is free, but GEN SA of so many people in this region. and the compassion to listen to the
representative Alesimo Mwanga needs of others. He does not set out
advised interested entrepreneurs Dave's gut feel on people and to be a leader, but becomes one by
to register online to avoid situations was usually correct, and the equality of his actions and the
disappointment. “We have to cap he usually summed up a situation integrity of his intent.”
at full capacity (7 000 delegates) in an instant. During board
and there are already 4 000 people meetings he made sure that Dave, the Chamber, the business
registered.” members stayed on track with community, your friends and
recommendations. colleagues will miss you. Rest in
“This is a fantastic opportunity Peace.
for start-ups to meet successful GEN SA representatives Alesimo Mwanga (left) and Julia Rachoene (right) with Blessed with a wonderful sense
entrepreneurs from other ZCCI President Judith Nzimande at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress roadshow of humour, he often defused a
countries, as well as potential in Richards Bay tricky situation with his dry wit.
Above all, he was fearless and he
MHLATHUZE WATER UTILITY would be willing to tackle difficult
problems head-on, not only in
volatile crime situations, but also
WELCOMES LEARNERSHIP INTERNS when dealing with people. If I can
describe him in one word, it would
be “integrity.”
objectives of the programmes are priority at Mhlathuze Water,
Mia Moorcroft to expose graduates and learners therefore we are excited to commit Dave first crossed paths with the
to particular professions. to these programmes that will ZCCI (or the Zululand Chamber
M hlathuze Water has “Students often have the benefit the students in gaining of Business as it was known at the
meaningful work experience.”
brought on board 49
time), as owner of Night Owl
university and TVET
graduates as part of the local utility's theoretical knowledge of a job or The interns have been placed in Security.
profession, but lack the practical
Learnership, Internship, Amanzi experience. The programmes are various departments within the After his return from Australia,
Bursary and Artisan Development designed to assist these students in organisation, including operations, he became actively involved in
Programme. acquiring practical skills and engineering services, finance, Business Against Crime (also a
experiences in their chosen scientific services, corporate Chamber of Business initiative) and
They were formally welcomed careers.” services and executive later became manager of both
last week by Chief Executive management. Business against Crime and the Dave Whittaker
Mthokozisi Duze. He said the main “Youth development is a key

The Mhlathuze Water executive team of Brian Ndaba (Chief Financial Officer), Nokubonga Ndlovu (Company Secretary), Mthokozisi Duze (Chief Executive), Mandla Myeni (Corporate Services GM) and
Ncebo Mdletsha (finance Intern) meet the large group of graduates

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