Judith Nzimande - ZCCI President : Tribute to Dave Whittaker2017-02-15 On behalf of the Executive Committee and staff of the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI), I would like to say that we are all deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Exco Member Dave Whittaker. We wish to extend to Cheryl, Justin, Steven, Chris, their wives and children and the extended family, our condolences and heartfelt sympathy.
In Dave, we have lost an inspirational leader and colleague. He was always willing to play a role in community activities and he was loved, respected and admired by the people of the greater Zululand and much further afield as well. His integrity was always unquestionable and he carried the trust and support of so many people in this region. Dave's gut feel on people and situations was usually correct, and he usually summed up a situation in an instant. During board meetings he made sure that members stayed on track with recommendations. Blessed with a wonderful sense of humour, he often defused a tricky situation with his dry wit. Above all, he was fearless and he would be willing to tackle difficult problems head-on, not only in volatile crime situations, but also when dealing with people. If I can describe him in one word, it would be "integrity." Dave first crossed paths with the ZCCI (or the Zululand Chamber of Business as it was known at the time), as owner of Night Owl Security. After his return from Australia, he became actively involved in Business Against Crime (also a Chamber of Business initiative) and later became manager of both Business against Crime and the Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation. In 2014, Dave was elected chairman of the Empangeni division of the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry and he joined the Executive Committee at the same time. He has served the Chamber well as an Exco member and his lifetime experience as a businessman was invaluable as he mentored small business owners and the staff of the ZCCI. Dave's list of contacts and connections were legendary, as was his drive for excellence, and he was always willing to go the extra mile for anyone in need. I close with a quote from Douglas McArthur: "A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent." Dave, the Chamber, the business community, your friends and colleagues will miss you. Rest in Peace. |
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