Latest news with #iLembeChamber
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Relaunched Corporate Classic showcases North Coast golf offering
A host of South African sports celebrities added a sprinkle of star power to the relaunch of the North Coast Corporate Classic golf day last week. Hosted by the iLembe Chamber of Commerce at Zimbali Country Club last Thursday, the event welcomed eXp Realty as the new title sponsor for the next five years. The Classic aims to bring the business community together, while also highlighting the region's growing golf tourism offering. 'The Classic was a timely reminder of what corporate camaraderie is all about,' said iLembe Chamber CEO, Cobus Oelofse. 'It was more than a game of golf, it was a celebration of how sport brings people together, builds relationships and unites communities.' The overall winners on the day were the Seaton Estate team of Stuart Hill, Gary Hill and Julian O'Reilly, with Pat Lambie as the celebrity fourth. A separate competition was held between local golf clubs, with Simbithi Country Club emerging victorious. Their team included Desmond Sutherland, Wayne Eve, Jurgen Jacobs and Sharks lock Emile van Heerden. As a partner of eXp Realty, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation joined the post-golf festivities. Laureus South Africa CEO Marlene Coetzee-George and chairperson Bryan Habana presented the prizes, followed by an entertaining Q&A session between Habana and broadcaster Dan Nicholl. Oelofse thanked sponsors Jonsson Workwear, Mercedes-Benz Umhlanga, FNB, iKamva Carriers, KIC South Africa, Southern Sun Resorts, Dream Hotels and Resorts and The Capital Zimbali. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Deadline nears for iLembe's top business competition
Aspiring entrepreneurs across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond are urged to act fast as the deadline for the iLembe Chamber Entrepreneur Programme 2025 approaches. There are only three days left before entries for Entrepreneur 2025 close on July 11. This is your final opportunity to be part of a transformative initiative that has empowered hundreds of small businesses across the North Coast. The annual programme, run by the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, has had a remarkable impact on participating small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs). Now in its 15th edition, the programme continues to grow in impact and reach. What began as a local effort to uplift small enterprises has evolved into a nationally recognised model of entrepreneurial development. 'Through this competition, we have been able to unearth and support small business gems in our district,' said iLembe Chamber CEO, Cobus Oelofse. 'We want to continue this tradition, which is a great achievement.' This is made possible by the backing of key partners including Enterprise iLembe, King Shaka International Airport, Siza Water, AVON Peaking Power, ENGIE Peakers Operations, and The North Coast Courier. The programme is set to expand in 2025 to include Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. Twenty selected entrepreneurs will embark on a 10-week journey of growth and learning, receiving expert mentorship, business training and support in developing professional business plans This is more than just a competition – it's a launchpad for sustainable business success. Last year, the competition had 84 entries, with Sithembile Ndlovu – known as The Mushroom Queen – Claire Butler of Humidity Hulk and Donovan Gumede of Asbongah Foods finished first, second and third, respectively. Oelofse is encouraging people to inform their friends or local SSMEs to enter this year's competition. 'We urge anyone who knows an entrepreneur or of a small business that has got a business that meets the criteria of the competition to please enter,' he said. How to apply: Entrepreneurs can submit their entries online at or collect and submit forms at the iLembe Chamber offices at The Quarter in the Ballito CBD in person. There are also designated drop boxes located throughout the district for entrants to use. For more information or assistance with your application, contact Sakhile Khumalo at 087 354 6343 or email: [email protected] Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Reflecting on a decade of businesses growth with the Entrepreneur Programme
Reflecting on a decade of businesses growth with the Entrepreneur Programme What started as a local initiative to uplift small businesses has become a national model of success – and the iLembe Chamber's entrepreneur programme is just getting started. Over the past 15 years, the programme has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create jobs. This was reaffirmed during the launch of its 15th edition last week, where Chamber CEO Cobus Oelofse presented a comprehensive 10-year impact review. The findings highlighted significant growth among previous participants, with many reporting increased turnover, entry into new markets, the launch of new products and improved profitability. One of the programme's standout achievements has been job creation, with participating businesses reporting an 82% increase in employment after completion. Guests at the launch also heard firsthand accounts from 2024 winners, including Sithembile Ndlovu – known as The Mushroom Queen -and Claire Butler of Humidity Hulk. Both entrepreneurs shared how the programme helped them navigate challenges, streamline operations and explore new opportunities. 'At one point, I had to ask The North Coast Courier to stop advertising my product because the demand became overwhelming. But I'm truly grateful for the support,' said Ndlovu. Similarly Butler said her business had skyrocketed with the exposure she had received. The report also noted improvements in financial management, upgraded systems and more resilient business models among past participants. The 2025 edition of the programme will run over 10 weeks, with 20 finalists receiving mentorship, business training and assistance in developing professional business plans. Supported nationally by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the programme will expand next year to include the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. 'We're proud to share iLembe's success and continue supporting small businesses across the country,' said Oelofse. Key local partners include Enterprise iLembe, King Shaka International Airport, Siza Water, AVON Peaking Power, ENGIE Peakers Operations and The North Coast Courier. Applications for 2025 are now open. Entrepreneurs can apply online at collect forms from the iLembe Chamber offices or submit entries via drop boxes around the district. For more information, contact Sakhile Khumalo on 087 354 6343 or email sakhile@ Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
iLembe Chamber offers local construction SMMEs a path to sustainable success
Eight local contractors have joined an iLembe Chamber programme aimed at building sustainable businesses and boosting the district's construction sector. Launched last week, the seven-month Emerging Contractors Programme offers mentorship, workshops and industry support to help small businesses grow and compete in larger projects. Participants were nominated by local stakeholders, with the final candidates selected by Siza Water. Over the next seven months, participants will attend one full-day workshop each month, where they will be mentored by industry specialists and guided through key challenges faced by small contractors. Among those taking part is Simangele Gcwensa of Smangaliso Projects, a KwaDukuza contractor with a Grade 2 civil engineering classification. Gcwensa said the programme had already started to open new doors for her. 'Since I started my business in 2011, I have always been on the lookout for growth opportunities. This programme will help me expand my market and take my company to the next level,' she said. The iLembe Chamber collaborated with Avon Peaking Power, the Master Builders Association KwaZulu-Natal and HSEC Online to bring the programme to life. Participants will receive a one-year sponsored membership with the Master Builders Association KwaZulu-Natal, which provides access to vital support services such as labour relations assistance, health and safety advice, legal counsel, employee benefits and discounted services. Their businesses are also listed with the association, increasing industry visibility. To further enhance compliance and operational efficiency, HSEC Online will offer each business a one-year licence for managing health and safety documentation. The platform enables contractors to proactively track and manage compliance for their companies, teams and equipment. iLembe Chamber business support manager Sakhile Khumalo said this was part of a broader effort to strengthen the district's construction sector. 'Our goal is to develop resilient, well-equipped businesses that can confidently take on larger projects and make meaningful contributions to the region's infrastructure development,' said Khumalo. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
