About Business Western Cape
BUSINESS WESTERN CAPE (BUSINESS WESTERN CAPE) is incorporated as a Non-Profit Company (NPC) consisting of voting members as contemplated in Section 10(3) and (4) of the Act, 71 of 2008 and functioning as a provincial business network.
OBJECTIVES OF BUSINESS WESTERN CAPE
The objectives of BUSINESS WESTERN CAPE are to promote the economic and business interests of its members and the Western Cape by means of active participation as a multi sectoral business organisation, and in doing so to:
- position BUSINESS WESTERN CAPE as a representative voice for micro, small, medium and large business enterprises within the Western Cape on issues relevant to economic growth and development;
- provide value-adding services to all its members to meet their respective identified needs;
- initiate and facilitate key economic engagements through alliances, associations and collaborations with stake holders that will act as a catalyst for economic growth.
The membership base of Business Western Cape is more than 10,000 micro, small, medium and corporate businesses of which the following organisations are the most prominent members:
Chairperson
Dr Willie Cilliers
Dr Willie Cilliers was born in the small town of Petrus Steyn in the Northern Free State.
He matriculated at Heilbron High School. In 2007, he obtained an MBA degree, and in 2009 obtained his PHD in business studies with the thesis subject, ‘Entrepreneurship in SA in perspective’.
Willie has a heart and passion for entrepreneurship and believes that promoting business ventures and entrepreneurship as a career are the only way to create sustainable jobs in SA.
He is currently the Chairperson of the AHI Western Cape, where he runs the organization with emphasis on the development of business chambers across the Western Cape region.
Deputy Chairperson
Arifa Parker
Ms. Arifa Parkar was born in Zanzibar, she lived for some years in Seychelles and then later completed her formal education in Mumbai, India where she achieved both a BA degree in Economics and Politics as well as an LL.B. degree. She also achieved subsequent qualifications in teaching languages, marketing and management.
Arifa is the current Chief Executive Officer at the Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum (WECBOF) and can effortlessly match business people together or help them find the right person in the City of Cape Town or Province! She is a consummate problem-solver and while she will hold your hand and guide you out of your slump, she will expect you to do your homework, to make that effort or change in tactics and woe betides you if you are caught without a bunch of business cards.
Deputy Chairperson
Renee Andrews
Renee Andrews is a dynamic and accomplished businesswoman known for her strategic prowess and versatile leadership skills. With a proven track record in corporate strategy and a passion for community involvement, she has made a significant impact on both the business world and various community boards with her versatile leadership skills. Renee is the Treasurer General for the Black Business Chamber. Renee has worked for over 20 years in the private sector and corporate fields with an accounting background.
She has started her own construction supply company, supported by top Corporate Companies and with a proven track record in corporate strategy and a passion for community involvement, she has made a significant impact on both the business world and various community boards.
Renee focuses on driving women and youth economic development through end-to-end solutions for businesses, seamlessly integrating strategy, implementation, and optimization to drive comprehensive success with a goal to leave a legacy of positive change, where businesses are not only financially successful, but also recognized as integral partners in community growth and development.
Secretary
Björn Harmse
Björn Harmse is a practicing attorney and member of the AHI Western Cape. He specializes in assisting clients with actions against the Road Accident Fund. Bjorn has a deep passion for uplifting the community through business endeavors. He believes in the power of collaboration and consistently seeks out opportunities to align businesses with local and provincial government.
He firmly believes that only by collaborating will we be able to create meaningful change.
Oscar Solomons
Mr. Oscar Solomons has been an active board member of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC), for the last 15 years.
Mr. Solomons holds a Business Diploma and has served on various boards, such as the Council of the University of the Western Cape. He is passionate about training, skills development, entrepreneurial skills and the transfer of knowledge. He served on the local economic development board during his term as councilor of the City of Cape Town.
Gavin Hunter
Mr. Gavin Hunter is a passionate businessman who believes strongly in sharing his knowledge and skill with young entrepreneurs for the betterment of the economy. He has 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, and has progressed through the ranks at Boshard Construction, starting as a trainee buyer in 1992, to becoming a qualified quantity surveyor, to holding the position of joint Managing Director today.
Gavin Hunter is a proud member of the Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum (WECBOF).
Mandisi Maqetuka
Mr. Mandisi Maqetuka is a former IT Engineer who turned into a seasonal businessman in the advertising fraternity. He is a paragon of economic transformation advocacy in South Africa and an active member of the Black Business Chamber.
Ryan Ravens
Mr. Ryan Ravens is the CEO of Accelerate Cape Town, representing top-tier corporate business in the Cape Town city region. He is also the Chairman of Amaya Space – a startup established to commercialise innovation from the CPUT spacetech program.
He currently holds three degrees including an MBA from the University of Cape Town (UCT), in addition to numerous globally recognised professional certifications such as CIPM and PRINCE2.
A life-long entrepreneur, Ryan owned and managed a successful management consultancy for several years before he was approached by FIFA in 2006 to develop and implement the masterplan for the 2010 World Cup.
Ryan has extensive experience in leadership positions across both public and private sectors and has worked in all the major SA cities, as well as geographically diverse regions such as Shanghai, Lagos, Doha, and Zurich. Ryan believes in the power of education to transform lives and is passionate about making a positive difference in the SA socio-economic landscape.
Conrad Mongezi Memani
Mr. Conrad Memani obtained a B.A. Junior Degree from the University of the Western Cape. He further obtained a B.Ed Senior Degree in Education at the University of Cape Town.
He is a former principal of the I.D. Mkize High School situated in Gugulethu and is the current Executive Chairperson of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC).