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An election for the leadership of the 50 year old National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) was called on September 22 2014. The elections which were held at the NAFCOC headquarters in Rivonia saw an almost entirely new structure being elected, however the council members showed their confidence in Mr Lawrence Mavundla when they re- elected him to continue serving as the Nafcoc President and to lead the business support organisation to its next half a century of existence. Mavundla is also the Chairperson of the Black Business Council, an apex body of organised business and professional bodies in South Africa whose membership is drawn predominantly from previously disadvantaged individuals.
The voting which was administered by the IEC to ensure a smooth and fair process saw The Federal Council of NAFCOC congregating from all four corners of the country to vote for the next leadership of NAFCOC. The Nafcoc Federal Council is the highest decision making body of NAFCOC and is made up of 80 members who represent the various Nafcoc Structures in different provinces, towns and districts of South Africa. During an Elective Council meeting the federal council members vote as representatives of the NAFCOC membership which runs into thousands of members scattered all over South Africa and they come to the meeting armed with the mandate of their constituencies.

NAFCOC, formed in 1964 by a group of business people led by legendary businessman Dr Richard Maponya, is arguably one of this country’s oldest and largest business chambers. The organisation has for many years stood as a defender and voice of small business people of South Africa. Mavundla has a long track record in small business activism and he has been a voice of conscience in matters affecting small business for over three decades. In the 1980s Mavundla had run-in battles with the apartheid police as he led hawkers in the streets of Johannesburg. In 1986, Mavundla formed the African Cooperative for Hawkers and Informal Traders (ACHIB), an organisation that represents the rights of hawkers. He is still involved with ACHIB, which he leads as National President.

NAFCOC’s main objective is to promote and encourage the development of black business in South Africa and thereby draw the black majority into economic activity and decision making. It aims to promote a spirit of co-operation and unity among black business people, to encourage self-help in the black community and full participation in the economy of the country.

Mavundla is confident that his new executive will carry this mandate further. “In the next half a century NAFCOC's vision will be focused on "Turning waste into wealth and introducing Entrepreneurship subject at schools. This will be done by being actively involved through affiliates, in the recycling of all waste material thereby creating job opportunities and contributing to the economy” said Mavundla.

“I believe that the future of the economy of South Africa is in the hands of small businesses and with the formation of a ministry mandated to look into the affairs of small business in the country under the leadership of Minister Lindiwe Zulu, I believe the economy of the country will begin to show growth” Mavundla said.
The new leadership of NAFCOC;

• President - Lawrence Mavundla
• Deputy President - Churchill Mrasi
• Senior Vice President- Paul Ngema
• 2nd Vice President- Margaret Bango
• Secretary General - Monga Phaladi
• Deputy Secretary General - Chuma Shweni
• Treasurer General – Harold PhumzileP Ndendela
• Chairperson of provinces - Mongezi Memani
• Executive Member - Ntombentsha Mbete
• Executive Member- Thandile Khumalo-
• Executive Member- Zandile Nkabinde -

Issued by NAFCOC