Cape Chamber expands its expertise

The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry has added further expertise to its board as it looks to help rejuvenate the regional economy in 2024.

The new board, elected at the Cape Chamber’s AGM on November 30, will look to build on the Chamber’s recent success in revitalising internal structures and growing membership. Incoming board members will also help consolidate the Cape Chamber’s successful response to several current challenges, not least the current power supply crisis and logistics meltdown.

Renowned economist Dawie Roodt joins the executive team to strengthen the Chamber’s macro-economic perspective.  Roodt is one of South Africa’s foremost economists and economic commentators, with a wealth of experience and accolades to his name. 

Joining him on the Cape Chamber board is another thought leader, Professor Eugene Cloete, the current Chief Executive of the Cape Higher Education Consortium and former Stellenbosch University Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Innovation. Prof Cloete’s stellar academic career helped entrench the University’s reputation as a centre of excellence, notably in his field of microbiology and water studies. 

Western Cape businessman Loyiso Ngqwemla also comes aboard to help strengthen the Chamber’s reach into under-serviced markets. Ngqwemla is a Board Member of TooMuchWifi, and drives the connectivity in township communities -- including Langa where he grew up. “I can speak from experience when I say leadership development is absolutely critical for driving transformational change and inclusive growth”, Ngqwemla said in a recent press interview.
Ngqwemla is also the Founder of Qhinebe Holdings (Pty) Ltd - a strategy management consulting agency that provides forethought solutions leveraging systems thinking in the VUCA World.

Returning board members include Chamber President Jacques Moolman, Deputy President Derryn Brigg, and Honorary Treasurer Christiaan Vorster, whose collective efforts are largely responsible for the Chamber’s recent success.   They are joined by re-elected board members Justin Barnes, Thandi Mabena, and Tilman von Zukowski, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise.  

Barnes has more than 25 years experience as an academic, management consultant and industrial policy advisor to national governments, with extensive international experience.  

Mabena is a human capital strategist and current Board Chairperson of the Association of Skills Development in South Africa. 

Von Zukowski’s career includes 19 years with leading European financial services company Deutsche Vermoegensbertatung, and nine years with Liberty Life Entrepreneur Division. He contributes finance, investment and risk management expertise.

With our new team in place we look forward to serving our members by promoting economic growth in an increasingly challenging business environment.

John Lawson
CEO of the Cape Chamber of Commerce & Industry