Mfundisi Patrick Mngxunyeni hopes to lead KBF and uplift the township economy.
Former ward councillor and Sub-council 10 chairman Mfundisi Patrick Mngxunyeni has thrown his name into the hat as Khayelitsha Business Forum (KBF) holds an elective conference at the Pollsmoor Correctional Services this weekend.
Mr Mngxunyeni, who served as a councillor for 10 years, is gunning for the chairmanship of KBF and is backed by a solid business resume with directorships in companies such as Bato Star Fishing, Cape Reef Products and Lusitania Group.
“I was approached by local business people to avail myself and I am prepared to serve for the betterment of business in the township,” he said.
“I am confident that we can boost the township economy, and bring employment to women and youth through various schemes,” he said.
Crime and extortion, he said, were the most killers of businesses in the townships and he plans to work with authorities in stemming this threat.
“This thing of extortion is getting out of hand and many small business owners have closed shop; we must find a way to deal with this quicker. I observed the Silence The Gun march with interest, start speaking against it and you will see the difference,” he said.
KBF task team co-ordinator Eric Kweleta said their members were looking forward to the conference.
He said there will be presentations from the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Stellenbosch University Business School and other partners.
“We want to catapult the ikasi economy and create a healthy climate for business,” said Mr Kweleta.