In terms of the Western Cape Investment and Trade Promotion Agency Law, 1996, Wesgro is governed by a board - with directors representing both the public and private sector of the province.
This strong private sector board is one of the secrets to Wesgro's success. By bringing government and business together, the Agency is able to find collaborative solutions to challenges facing the economy of the province.
Palesa Morudu is a writer and director of editorial services company, Clarity Editorial. Her extensive experience in marketing and communications includes previous positions such as: head of marketing and communications at Robben Island Museum; sales and marketing director at AllAfrica Global Media in Washington, DC; deputy director at the Government Communication and Information Services; and, at Kagiso Media, assumed responsibility for the Brand South Africa portfolio at Kagiso Media. She holds an Honours Degree in International Relations from Rhodes University and writes a twice monthly column in the Business Day.
John van Rooyen is the Operations Director for Tsogo Sun Holdings in the Western and Eastern Cape. He has 43 years’ worth of experience in the Tourism Industry. His previous positions include: President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce; Board member of Tourism KZN; Board member of the International Convention Centre; and Deputy Chairman of Cape Town Tourism.
Tim Harris CEO of Wesgro said, “On behalf of Wesgro’s staff, I warmly welcome Palesa Morudu and John van Rooyen to the board. Both bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be invaluable to the Agency. We look forward to their guidance and leadership, and to working together to help grow the Cape economy.”
Brian Figaji, Chairman of the Wesgro Board said, “It is going to be wonderful to have two new individuals questioning what we have been doing as a Board and providing new insights from their work and life experiences. I look forward to the enrichment this offers.”
Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities said “I’d like to wish Palesa Morudu and John van Rooyen well on their appointment to Wesgro’s board. They both bring with them extensive tourism and business experience, ensuring they can offer strategic leadership and industry insights to the team.”
“Wesgro is the Western Cape’s official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency. Through their efforts we continue to attract multi-billion rand private sector investments, and steady increases in tourist arrivals. I am confident the two newest board members will play a valuable role in supporting Wesgro to build on these successes.”
Wesgro, Cape Town and the Western Cape's official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, hosted a dinner on Monday night attended by almost 60 CEO’s from across the Cape, together with the Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Patricia De Lille and the Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille.
The evening included addresses by both the Mayor and the Premier, as well as presentations on the city and province's drought response plans by top officials.
The event was facilitated by Deputy Chair of the Wesgro board, Michael Spicer and was aimed at creating a space for engagement and discussion on partnerships between government and business in tackling the current crisis together.
Michael Spicer said “This dinner saw CEO’s from across the spectrum come together with the Premier and Mayor in a forum which allowed for engagement and partnership building. Ultimately this is a crisis which requires a response from all of us, and there is a distinct role that business can play in partnering with government to face this crisis head on. This event was a positive step which I believe will see a united front from business and government going forward.”
Executive Mayor Patricia de Lille said ““This was part of our ongoing engagements with all sectors where we are providing information on our plans to ensure additional water supply while calling on residents and business to continue saving water. Team Cape Town will get through this unprecedented drought if we work together. It was important for us to engage this audience to tap into ideas and potential partnerships while making our call to them to spread the message of working together in their networks.”