Dear Member

 

As we approach the end of 2024, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on a challenging yet fulfilling year.

 

The organization was guided by myself, Deon Joubert, alongside the late Greg Billson and Lee-Anne Vasi. Together, we focused on building key strategic relationships and showcasing the value we add to exporters and service providers within the export industry. This allowed us to collaborate with and establish formal working relationships with like-minded organizations, including the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, the East Cape Development Corporation, the DTIC, the IDC and NAACAM.

 

Our events team played a vital role in hosting informative sessions and creating platforms for networking and relationship building. Highlights included panel discussions, factory tours, and presentations. Our flagship events for the year included our Golf Day, the Annual General Meeting, and the prestigious Exporter of the Year banquet.

 

This year’s banquet, hosted at the iconic PE Tramways building for the first time, provided an exclusive and memorable setting to celebrate the achievements of exporters and service providers. Notable winners included Tavcor Motor Group, Lumotech, Volkswagen Group Africa, C. Steinweg Logistics, S4 Integration, with Isuzu Motors South Africa taking home the title of Exporter of the Year 2024.

 

The communications team continued to deliver regular thought leadership pieces to the export community, addressing the challenges faced by exporters and proposing potential solutions.

 

Additionally, we introduced industry leads in key sectors such as automotive, wool/mohair, citrus, logistics, emerging industries, maritime, and Africa. These leads serve as critical links between their respective sectors and the organization, ensuring greater engagement and impact.

 

We are also excited about our involvement in the Bay of Opportunity initiative, spearheaded by the Business Chamber. As part of this, we are establishing an export desk and are in the process of drafting terms of reference while engaging potential funders for support.

 

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership team, committee, and task team members for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. Their efforts have elevated the organization to new heights. This year also marked my 15th year as Chairman, and as I reflect on this journey, I am both proud and humbled by how much the organization has grown and evolved.

 

To our members and sponsors, thank you for your unwavering participation and support. Your contributions are the foundation of our operations. A special thanks also goes to Suzanne for her tireless efforts behind the scenes, driving task teams and ensuring we deliver value to our members.

 

Finally, I want to wish everyone a restful and enjoyable year-end break with family and friends.

 

In closing, I would like to pay tribute to the late Greg Billson. Greg served on the committee for many years in various capacities, contributing immense value and consistently challenging us to remain relevant and responsive to our members’ needs. He was deeply respected and loved across the business community, excelling in roles within his own business, audit committees, school governing bodies, and social initiatives. His legacy will live on for years to come.

 

Thank you all for being part of this journey. Here’s to an even more successful 2025!