The chamber movement has had a long history in furthering the interests of business. The first chamber of commerce was founded in 1599 in Marseille, France. Over the centuries each chamber has had its own role in the business world, shaped by location and situation. Currently, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has a unique set of challenges to face in order to ensure that it is an active voice for business in the current economic environment. Of significance, the mission of the Durban Chamber is to contribute towards creating a conducive economic and business environment in eThekwini and beyond as well as providing services specifically relevant to small and large business in the region. For the economy of eThekwini to succeed and to obtain meaningful growth all sectors of
society need to make a concerted effort. The local, provincial and national government departments have important roles to play as providers of stability, infrastructure and frameworks in which business can operate. However, the private sector is the most essential driving force and its role in providing the impetus for strong economic growth cannot be doubted. 
Acknowledging the positive role that the private sector performs in the value chain is often overlooked. In order for an economy to grow, it is essential that all private business sectors are not only profit-makers but are productive and add value to the market place. Moreover, a free market economy system is imperative if growth is to occur. Each business has to ensure that monopolies do not take control of the market place, limiting competition and driving up costs.  In addition, each industry prompts activity along the entire value chain, actively provoking enterprise development. Within a free market economy, besides big business, the role of small, medium and micro business is also essential to ensure that innovative goods and services are on offer.  As such all businesses entities may be seen as agents of change in society and at the forefront of the development of new skills and technologies. Increasingly, the private sector is working to address issues such as climate, energy and green technology as well as a number of other related concerns.
Of note, the private sector is a key provider of employment opportunities that are open to all people in society. Each business plays  a role in wealth generation and social upliftment. The well being of this sector is therefore essential to counter the effects of poverty and other social ills allowing greater  access not only to education, housing, healthcare,  but further commodities that drive society.
Furthermore, not enough attention is given to the millions of rand spent on corporate social investment projects in South Africa. Business helps schools, communities, the environment and numerous other causes through countless projects. Many of these projects do not get the positive publicity they deserve.
Private business needs to be acknowledged and applauded for their actions rather than, as often
is the case, be seen as a negative force to be contained. As individual business owners, the ability and time to stand up to the status quo is limited.
 Consequently, the Chamber has a vital role to ensure that it does fulfill its function as an apolitical and independent voice of business. Using the collective voice of the private sector, the chamber needs to ensure that it is heard and when required, must act to protect and promote the shared interests of business, at local, provincial and national levels. 
In addition, the ongoing support of the private sector through a strong Chamber member base is essential.  Working together with the private sector, the Chamber can create positive change for  the benefit of positive economic growth and be a champion of the free market economy.

By Dumile Cele, Chief Executive Officer of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry