Latest news with #CobusOelofse
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
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Unpacking KwaDukuza budget red flags with the iLembe Chamber
Concerns over KwaDukuza municipality's proposed 2025/26 budget are mounting, with the iLembe Chamber of Commerce warning that key risks could impact the municipality's financial stability. According to the chamber, one of the biggest issues is the ongoing shortfall in KwaDukuza's electricity department, with a projected deficit of R160.3-million for 2025/26. Despite plans to introduce smart metering and upgrade infrastructure, the chamber noted that no clear targets for reducing electricity losses had been set in the new budget. In the past financial year, 25.67% of electricity distributed was lost through technical failures and theft, costing the municipality R321.2-million. This continued inefficiency not only erodes revenue but also threatens the municipality's sustainability. The chamber warned that KwaDukuza's financial health remains heavily dependent on high revenue collection rates and the successful rollout of revenue-enhancement strategies. Worryingly, the municipality's ongoing reliance on internal reserves to fund capital projects poses a long-term risk to its financial future. Chamber CEO Cobus Oelofse said the projected 161.8% increase in cash reserves for 2025/26 appeared 'unrealistic' and would likely come at the cost of critical spending. 'Chasing cash reserve targets without investing adequately in capital projects, repairs and maintenance puts essential services at risk,' said Oelofse. Capital investment plans also face major setbacks. The budget outlines a 76% drop in capital expenditure, reflecting falling national government grants and limited borrowing capacity. This despite deputy mayor Sicelinjabulo Cele's call for more infrastructure investment at last week's mayoral imbizo at Umhlali Prep. Oelofse said declining capital spend, combined with missed infrastructure project targets and procurement delays, raised serious doubts about the municipality's ability to deliver on its own plans. Repairs and maintenance spending also remains critically low, budgeted at just 2.6% of the value of municipal property and equipment – far below the 8% national benchmark. The chamber also expressed disappointment over governance and security plans. Despite the major theft from KwaDukuza's bank account earlier this year, the budget shows no significant investment in strengthening internal audit capacity or IT security. Outsourced internal auditing has been reduced, and there is no mention of an IT system audit. It was also noted that ratepayers would bear the cost of ongoing fraud investigations, with the investigation budget jumping from R1.5-million to R12-million. The chamber warned that without urgent changes, the budget risks weakening essential services and undermining public trust. 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!
