The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber is set to host its Annual General Meeting on 28 May 2025, featuring a dynamic panel discussion with some of South Africa’s leading business experts who will provide invaluable insights into the future of the South African economy.
The discussion will be facilitated by Rochelle de Kock, the Editor of The Herald, and will feature Wandile Sihlobo, the Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), a member of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Economic Advisory Council and a published author of two books. He is widely recognised as a thought leader in the agricultural and economic sectors. His expertise on land reform and agriculture makes him a key voice in South Africa’s development.
Joining him will be John Cairns, the Head of Research at Rand Merchant Bank. Cairns is a highly respected commentator on geo-politics, currencies, markets, and trade strategies. His global perspective and deep understanding of financial markets offers essential insights for both business leaders and investors.
The discussion will centre around the current geopolitics, particularly President Trump’s assertions regarding South Africa’s Land Expropriation Bill, recently passed by Parliament. This legislation, coupled with the nation’s role in AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) and Free African Trade, has placed the current state of relations between South Africa and the United States in a precarious position, threatening to derail South Africa’s participation in these key trade platforms.
Denise van Huyssteen, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, highlighted the significance of this event, stating: “In a rapidly shifting global political and economic landscape, it is essential to have leading experts like Wandile Sihlobo and John Cairns sharing their insights. Their participation in this discussion will offer clarity on the key issues impacting South Africa’s growth, especially in relation to the recent geopolitical shifts and economic tensions surrounding the Land Expropriation Bill and our trade relations with global powers like the United States.”
“These issues threaten to derail South Africa’s standing in key trade platforms, making the conversation even more timely and critical.”
