KNYSNA NEWS - The members of the Greater Knysna Business Chamber have called on all businesses and individuals in the district to work together to ensure Knysna's continuing success. 

Speaking at the chamber's annual general meeting on 16 February, chairperson Pierre Gouws said that the three-and-a-half-year-old organisation has come through its infancy stage, and that it has shown that it has a significant role to play in the life of the town.

The general theme for the evening was "Active Citizenry" – a phrase drawn from Gift of the Givers' Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.

"In my mind, Active Citizenry probably means something like, 'it is time that we stop complaining around a braai about things that do not work, roll up our sleeves and start doing something about it'," said Gouws.

He stressed that everyone who lives in Knysna is affected in some way by business in the town, and that this means that everyone is welcome as a member of the Greater Knysna Business Chamber (GKBC).

The role of the chamber

According to Google, "chambers of commerce are responsible for improving the local business environment and strengthening communities through advocacy, networking, and campaigning. In addition, they create an easy line of communication for business owners to connect with governing bodies."

However, the consensus at the meeting was that the current business environment is not conducive to good business. 

According to GKBC board member Mark Sofianos, "in 2022 we engaged on an ongoing basis with acting municipal managers and department heads on numerous occasions in an attempt to advise on the needs of businesses in Knysna; arranged networking events throughout the year; assisted with promoting Knysna as a destination; and ensured that positive news was released curbing negativity about Knysna."

He added though that he believes this is simply not enough anymore. "I don't believe we're doing enough as a community and as a business community. We desperately need more people to get involved."

Matters that concerned the meeting included the municipality's outstanding debtors list, which means that it is unable to pay salaries and must therefore take out short-term loans to fund them; the fact that dams are overflowing but that water restrictions are necessary because pumps have been stolen or vandalised; and the troublesome security services contract.

The excellent turnout at the meeting – just under 80 people attended – and the positive response of the delegates to the board's call for help to address the roles of the chamber's different sub-committees was cause for some hope, according to Gouws. 

"If we can continue with this energy, if we can motivate local businesspeople and ratepayers to become active citizens, we can ensure a positive future for Knysna."

To become a member of the Greater Knysna Business Chamber, you can visit www.gkbc.co.za or get in touch via email at info@gkbc.co.za.

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