The conference that took place from 17 to 21 July at INkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre under the theme “Moving the needle forward towards economic emancipation” was successful.
It is estimated to have injected R82 million directly into the city’s gross domestic product, some of the conference resolutions committed to by the reSurgence organizers include looking at three small sustainable real estate development projects to invest in Durban to kick off the partnership.
There will also be a move to create an investment fund of RESURGENCE AFRICAN – AMERICAN members to provide seed funding alongside the partnership for an African project.
Their conference also resolved to strengthen further engagements with the 16 Southern African Development Community countries for the benefit of unlocking African opportunities and investment.
Resurgence Convener, Reverend Dennis Dillion said, “The conference was a huge success, we are going to keep the agenda going and build on the positive momentum gained.”
He said they intend to start immediately working on preparations for next year’s conference.
“By the time we host the conference next year we are quite optimistic that there will be tangible results through Americans having businesses on the ground. Already there is a manufacturing opportunity that we are linked with, Next year we want to bring black bank executives to the conference to expand the banking sector involvement in African development,” Dillon explained.
He said his United States of America business associates have started establishing a framework of engagement with the 67 Ohlange High School learners, and they will support and assist with education fees and mentorship.
Reverend Dillion mentioned that through the resurgence conference, there are five committees specifically tasked to focus on investment, real estate, business linkages, education, black legislative, as well as arts and entertainment.
Chairperson of Banking and Investment in the state of New York, Senator James Sanders Junior said, “The idea is to transfer wisdom to Durban from global African black empowerment across through sharing resources and information.”
Senator applauded eThekwini’s leadership for taking a step in the direction towards ensuring economic freedom for black Africans.
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said the conference offered an opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen the local economy, create jobs, and close racial wealth gaps.
“We will now build on the foundation that has been laid through created business linkage, markets, and partnerships,” he said.
One of the exhibitors at the conference was Slindile Mfeka, the owner of Kune Kraft, which specializes in crochet bags she was grateful for the opportunity presented by the opportunity presented by the conference and was pleased with the sales she made during that period.
“The platform exceeded my expectations, providing me with international networking opportunities. I was also highly motivated because I was exhibiting alongside very skilled crafters which has inspired me to push myself creatively.”