Durban's new business champion: how Asheen Magjee plans to revitalise the city's economy

NEWLY-APPOINTED Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Asheen Magjee unveils his bold three-pillar strategy to transform the city's business landscape through accountability, investment, and collaboration.

The FNB executive aims to create an environment where "every entrepreneur can dream, every business can grow, and every citizen can believe" in Durban's economic future.

The chamber officially inaugurated Magjee, together with the new board and compact leadership, at its 169th Annual Gala Dinner last Wednesday. 

Speaking to the POST, the 46-year-old of Durban, said he had been supportive of the Durban Chamber’s initiatives over the past decade, and served on the board as a non-executive member for the past two years. 

He was appointed as president in September, taking over the helm from now immediate past president, Prasheen Maharaj. 

Magjee said the chamber represented businesses, creating member value and served as an active voice on behalf of business. 

“The mandate of the Durban Chamber requires it to lobby and advocate on behalf of the business community by addressing and identifying pertinent issues that are affecting the business environment. Our role is to address these issues with the relevant public and private stakeholders, in order to create an environment that is conducive for conducting business across all sectors.

“It also drives social initiatives such as education, youth empowerment, and community development programmes, ensuring inclusive economic progress and societal resilience,” he said. 

Magjee said that the business community played a critical role within society and had the power to change, transform communities and make an impact on the environment we live in.  

“Business drives economic growth by creating jobs, generating income, and fostering innovation, while serving society by providing goods, services, and solutions that improve quality of life.”

Magjee, who has been employed by FNB for 18 years, and is currently its provincial head of commercial banking in KwaZulu-Natal, said during this time, his passion for finance matured towards helping businesses and entrepreneurs start, run and grow. 

He is also a qualified chartered accountant and holds a Master's in business leadership.

“My ultimate objective is ‘Building Confidence Together’. My vision is to work towards a Durban where every entrepreneur can dream, every business can grow, and every citizen can believe. Durban has so much potential to be a city that is not only economically strong but socially inclusive. My call to action is that through the three pillars, which are  ‘accountability, investment, and collaboration’, we will build confidence together. 

“Accountability is  the cornerstone of trust and involves holding our city leadership to the highest standards not through confrontation, but through constructive engagement, collaboration, and shared responsibility. We will work relentlessly to attract both private and public investment into key sectors of our economy. It is time for us all to elevate our 'buy local' commitment, as well as to realize our 'supply global' potential.

“Lastly, safety, logistics, and infrastructure are the backbone of economic stability. We will strengthen collaboration with the South African Police Service, Transnet, and other critical sectors that directly impact our city’s economic flow. We will work hand in hand to enhance safety and security for businesses and communities alike,” he said.

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