Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile this week handed over a plaque of recognition to the Port Elizabeth Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PERCCI) for its valuable contribution and partnership in the metro’s economic growth and development.
The award came on the eve of the Chamber announcing its new name on Thursday 17 February and CEO Kevin Hustler said the award enabled “PERCCI to close an era on a high note”.
Wayile said that good working relationships are needed between government, big business, labour, and the citizens of Nelson Mandela Bay in order to achieve the city’s future vision. He praised the city’s relationship with PERCCI as an “action-driven, outcomes-based partnership” which did not merely pay lip service to the idea of partnership.
As examples of this active partnership he mentioned the Chamber’s role in the driving the city’s industrial development strategy, the ongoing negotiations around the Integrated Public Transport System, and the contribution of industry – led by PERCCI – in improving impoverished schools’ water conservation and maintenance in response to the current drought situation.
“The members of PERCCI are also investors in this city. During the economic summit last year focus was placed on ‘re-imagining the economy of the region’ and PERCCI was with us in repositioning the region’s economy.”
Wayile said, “It is also important for local government to demonstrate a sense of appreciation, and on behalf of the metro, this plaque serves as a sign to say that we are serving this relationship to ensure that trust continues to be there.”
The Mayor said that to turn around the social, political and economic situation of our country, all roleplayers need to work together in the context of government’s “together we can do more” slogan.
“Going forward,we need to have a long term vision. PERCCI has indicated its willingness to share its expertise on being a responsive local government, dealing with issues stifling our economy. But even under complex and difficult situations PERCCI has a common will to overcome those challenges through shared lessons and finding solutions,” Wayile said.
Hustler said that it was an honour to receive the award recognizing the work of the Chamber’s management and staff. “We have partnered effectively with the municipality as PERCCI, and will continue to do so under our new name. We firmly believe that we all need to take hands and work together to make our city a better place to live and do business,” he said.
Alan Straton
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