The recent appointments of Tati Tsunke and Geoff Mendelowitz as chairpersons for the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Beachfront Cluster and North End Cluster, respectively, reflect the momentum the clusters are building as they drive for a more enabling operating environment.
Effective and positive leadership is crucial for encouraging collaboration of the various businesses and stakeholders, as well as drive the adoption of a solutions and action orientated approach, says Denise van Huyssteen, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber
The Chamber has over the past 18 months successfully established eight clusters namely Neave/Korsten, North End, Deal Party, Beachfront, Baakens Valley, Struandale, Kariega and Perseverance, each actively collaborating with the Municipality and other stakeholders to address common issues in their geographic areas. “We envisage that two more clusters will come on stream in the coming months, and are expected to be located in the Fairview and Walmer areas. This demonstrates that the mobilisation of businesses around the Bay is accelerating as more businesses realise they need to become more actively involved in such initiatives to help retain and grow investment and jobs.”
Tati Tsunke, the general manager of the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, will lead the Beachfront Cluster, replacing Mike Neubert who has stepped into the Treasurer role. Tsunke has been instrumental in enlisting businesses in the area to address issues like cleanliness, street lighting and the installation of security cameras to enhance safety in the beachfront area.
Geoff Mendelowitz, the Project and Property Maintenance Manager for Grindstone Property Group, replaces James Flanagan in leading the North End Cluster. Both Tsunke and Mendelowitz bring valuable leadership experience to their roles, and their professional insight is expected to guide the clusters through collaborative efforts focused on action and results.
Tsunke emphasised the critical timing of his appointment, recognising the challenges businesses face in a changed environment. He highlighted the positive impact of partnerships among businesses in addressing issues in the beachfront area.
“I do not take this honour lightly as I understand the major task that lies ahead in terms of strengthening the cluster to become responsive to the challenges facing businesses and other stakeholders in the beachfront area. Businesses operating in the precinct have made positive strides in addressing some of the problems that negatively impact businesses and their operations, including strengthening security for the safety of both businesses and visitors in the beachfront,” said Tsunke.
Mendelowitz, a Civil Engineer with 40 years’ experience in management, stressed the importance of decisive leadership and collaboration with all stakeholders in addressing numerous challenges in North End and the wider city.
“My priority is to continue with the North End Cluster’s mandate by working constructively with the Business Chamber Executive as well as both public and private stakeholders. This will ensure success for a well maintained, sustainable and thriving Cluster as part of an exciting wider Business Chamber initiative,” said Mendelowitz.
Van Huyssteen said the appointments reaffirmed the importance of positive activism from businesses in response to the radically changed economic environment.
“We have full confidence in the capabilities of both appointees as they have deep insight into the challenges facing businesses in their respective areas. What the city needs now are innovative leaders who are not bogged down by the negativity around them but rather utilising the power of collective leadership to find solutions to retain and attract investment in the Metro. We’re looking forward to working with them and hope that they will embrace the challenges and help build hope through unity of purpose and action,” she said.
