10 Mar 23

KZN Comeback: Passion, Potential and Positivity to Drive Change

Potential and positivity are dominant themes you will see come through in the #KZNComeback campaign that we have recently launched.

The spotlight is on the opinions of influential leaders in business who share their unique insights on city planning and development. Through KZN Comeback, we are creating a platform that allows these game-changers to share their vision of the road ahead for KwaZulu-Natal.

The CEO at the Durban Chamber of Commerce, Palesa Phili, is a powerful female voice in the province and it’s evident that as a true leader, it’s the people that matter to her the most.

She says, the province of KwaZulu-Natal is home to some of the most passionate and committed individuals in the country. These people are dedicated to ensuring that their city thrives, even in the face of challenges such as COVID-19, civil unrest, and natural disasters like the flooding. Their resilience and collaboration in rebuilding their communities are the real differentiators that make KwaZulu-Natal unique and ensure that it continues to prosper.

Phili’s advice is applicable in whatever space you operate in KZN. These are the following values you need to build a stronger future:

Unity: This means setting aside differences and working together towards a shared vision.

Determination: Achieving real change is often difficult, and it requires a level of determination and perseverance to overcome obstacles and setbacks.

Leadership: Strong leadership is important to guide and inspire people towards a shared vision.

Engagement: It is important to engage people in the process of creating change, by involving them in decision-making and giving them a sense of ownership over the process.

Persistence: Change is rarely achieved overnight, and it often requires sustained effort over a long period of time.

Working Together

Phili says we might underestimate the collective belief and the sheer power of what working together holds. One of the key factors that contribute to the success of KwaZulu-Natal is the passion of its people, particularly those in the business sector. These individuals are committed to ensuring their province does not fall behind, despite the challenges that are currently stopping larger investments from coming in. To achieve this, they are working to fix the province’s water and sanitation, and energy infrastructures. By doing so, they are opening up opportunities for new investments, which will have a ripple effect on encouraging further growth and development within the area.

Common Goal

The power of people in a nation lies in their ability to come together and work towards a common goal. Phili highlights that when a community discovers what it truly cares about, they can use their collective strength to overcome challenges and triumph over adversity. This is especially true when it comes to creating positive change in society. When people join forces and work towards a common vision, they can achieve great things that may have seemed impossible before.

Positive Outlook

Being around positive and passionate people is contagious, and it makes it easier for others to become positive as well. Despite the presence of naysayers who promote negativity, for Phili it is important to focus on the positive and be a part of the solution. This mindset is crucial in overcoming the challenges that KwaZulu-Natal currently faces. By looking beyond the negative and focusing on the positive, individuals can help create a better future for their province and their country.

A Lot to Offer

From her unique vantage point at the Chamber, Phili shares that there are massive opportunities for the future of South Africa, and every person has a role to play in realising this potential. By playing their part, individuals can help to build a better future for their children and their children’s children. It is essential to take everyone along on this journey and to promote goodness and unity in building the country.

Creating a Lasting Legacy

At the heart of this effort is the need to support one another and grow together. By working together, KwaZulu-Natal can reach even greater levels of success and prosperity, says Phili. Every day, people in the province pray for the strength to build a good legacy and make a positive impact. They want to leave a lasting legacy that will help their province, their city, and their country to thrive for generations to come.

The passionate people of KwaZulu-Natal are the most crucial driving force behind the province’s success and resilience in the face of adversity. Their commitment to fixing infrastructure challenges and creating opportunities for new investments is critical in ensuring that the province continues to prosper. By staying positive, focusing on the good, and working together, individuals can help to create a better future for their province and their country.