The five-day reSURGEnce Conference Durban was a resounding success, providing critical business linkages for local entrepreneurs to forge partnerships and investments for the City.
The conference took place from 17 to 21 July at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, under the theme: ‘Moving the needle forward towards economic emancipation’. It is estimated to have injected R82-million directly into the City’s economy, with a contribution of R203-million to the City’s Gross Domestic Product.
Some of the conference resolutions committed to by the reSURGEnce organisers include looking at three small, sustainable real estate development projects to invest in Durban to kick-off the partnership.
The conference resolved to strengthen further engagements with the 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries for the benefit of unlocking African opportunities and investments.
There will also be a move to create an investment fund of reSURGEnce African-American members to provide seed funding alongside the partnership for an African project.
reSURGEnce Convener, Reverend Dennis Dillon, said: “The conference was a huge success. We are going to keep the agenda going and build on the positive momentum gained.”
There will also be a move to create an investment fund of reSURGEnce African-American members to provide seed funding alongside the partnership for an African project.
He said they intend to start immediately working on preparations for next year’s conference.
“By the time we host the conference next year, we are quite optimistic that there will be tangible results through Americans having businesses on the ground. Already, there is a manufacturing opportunity that we are linked with. Next year, we want to bring black bank executives to the conference to expand the banking sector involvement in African development,” he said.
He said his United States of America business associates have started establishing a framework of engagement with the 67 Ohlange High School learners they will be supporting. The students will be assisted with education fees and mentorship.
Revered Dillon mentioned that through reSURGEnce, there are five committees specifically tasked to focus on investment, real estate, business linkages, education, black legislative, as well as arts and entertainment.
Chairperson of Banking and Investment in the State of New York, Senator James Sanders Junior said the conference was an incredible experience. “The idea is to transfer wisdom to Durban from global African black Americans. This is to ensure black empowerment across through sharing resources and information.”
The Senator applauded eThekwini leadership for ‘taking a step in the right direction towards ensuring economic freedom for black Africans.’
eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said the conference offered an opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen the local economy, create jobs, and close racial wealth gaps.
“We will now build on the foundation that has been laid through created business linkages, markets, and partnerships,” he said.
One of the exhibitors at the conference was Silindile Mfeka, the owner of Kune Kraft, which specialises in crochet bags. She was grateful for the opportunity presented by the conference and was pleased with the sales she made during that period.
“The platform exceeded my expectations, providing me with international networking opportunities. I was also highly motivated because I was exhibiting alongside very skilled crafters, which has inspired me to push myself creatively.”