Empowering Black communities: Key takeaways from Durban's Resurgence Conference

A call for unity among Africa and the entire diaspora to achieve economic growth within Black communities, particularly in Durban and throughout South Africa, was the resounding sentiment at the Resurgence Conference.

US Resurgence Convener Reverend Dennis Dillon expressed excitement about the conference's dual purpose; fostering business-to-business engagements that will create trade and investment opportunities, while reflecting on the historic Durban Declaration, which focused on global racial healing.

While speaking at the 3-day event that kicked-off at the Durban's ICC yesterday, Dillon emphasised the need for economic transformation driven by the collective power of the African diaspora and the potential this community holds for igniting local business growth.

“We are truly inspired and excited that the birthplace of this movement is Durban,” Dillon stated.

“The economic power of the diaspora is pivotal, and it is essential that we utilise it to fuel growth and development here in Durban.”

The US Convener’s statement was echoed by eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, who said that collaborative efforts between Africans would surely allow for positive engagement, especially regarding South Africa’s socio-economic issues.

Xaba highlighted the necessity for strategies aimed not only at economic growth but also at fostering inclusive participation for those historically marginalised under apartheid.

eThekwini Municipality generates 59% of KZN's GDP, which makes Durban a formidable economic powerhouse.

Xaba highlighted the strategic advantages that position Durban as a leader in regional trade, and the home of the largest and busiest shipping terminal in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“We are a key economic player not only in the country but also in the region,” he said.

However, the lingering shadows of economic disparity and the historical legacies of colonialism remain pressing issues.

Therefore, Xaba called for intensified efforts to combat the triple threats of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

“We must be unapologetic in ensuring that those who were previously excluded, (now )participate meaningfully in the mainstream economy,” he declared, a sentiment that resonated with attendees, particularly those focused on uplifting Black communities, women, youth, and persons with disabilities," he said.

Dillon also recognised the existing relationships between Black businesses and their counterparts in other communities; however, he strongly advocated for deeper collaboration within the African business community.

“Yes, we appreciate the fact that there is quite a bit of business being done among other races, but we believe it really needs to come home to our own people,” he said.

Dillon raised pointed questions regarding the stark economic disparities affecting Black communities worldwide.

He referenced “The Economic State of Blacks in Africa, America, and the World Report,” a groundbreaking analysis shedding light on systemic barriers that hinder economic progression for these communities.

“For many years, there has been an illusion of inclusion,” Dillon remarked, noting that while society often conveys a sense of economic participation for Black communities, data indicates a painful reality of significant wealth and opportunity gaps.

“The $2.2 trillion paradox shows that Black Americans possess vast buying power in the US but control less than 3% of that country's manufacturing output and only 6% of retail.

The question must be asked: where does this money go, and who truly benefits?”

He further illuminated Africa’s exploitative trade practices, highlighting a staggering trade deficit: “Africa exports gold, diamonds, and oil, but continues to import cars, medicine, and clothing at inflated prices.

"Why are we still locked in a cycle of resource extraction without true economic empowerment?”

DAILY NEWS