Collective action can change future of metro for the better

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The origins of this saying are disputed, but the meaning is clear — putting competitive or partisan interests aside and acting for the greater good will deliver long-term, sustainable results for all. Whether one calls it collaboration or co-operation, the proof is in the positive developments happening in Nelson Mandela Bay driven by businesses, residents and civil society organisations that are united in their belief that collective action can change the future of this metro for the better.

Seeking solutions over talk shops and finger-pointing, the people of the Bay are rolling up their sleeves and taking action on issues such as clean environments, crime and safety, restoring infrastructure and basic services, preventing infrastructure vandalism, and an enabling environment for business and retention of local employment. The clusters are making a real difference — reducing electricity outages caused by vandalism by providing security to substations in Struandale and other industrial areas, improved safety and security through security cameras and lighting of public areas on the beachfront, repainting road markings in North End, clearing illegal dumping in Perseverance and Neave/Korsten. These are just a few examples of what can be achieved through collaborating to find and implement practical solutions.

Many of these are achieved by working together with the municipality, with a master memorandum of understanding between the municipality and the chamber facilitating business support and intervention to address critical issues such as infrastructure, cleanliness and security. As they did during the metro’s previous water management crisis, businesses are once again stepping in to work with schools and clinics to address leaks, water wastage and conserve water through our Adopt-a-School programme. This has been targeted at schools because this is where an estimated 10% of total water losses takes place, and also puts the spotlight on the need to urgently address leaks. Another example of constructive collaboration is the chamber’s engagement with key labour formations, where we are united in our aim to prevent de-industrialisation of the local manufacturing sector and protect employment.