Printing SA Annual Report 2024/2025

KZN Events The Chamber successfully hosted four face-to face events in 2024: the inaugural Career Day, the Annual Golf Day, Women in Print, and the Annual Dinner. The Career Day, a new addition to our event lineup, provided young learners from a previously disadvantaged all-girls school the opportunity to participate in a plant tour at Shave & Gibson. This initiative introduced them to the printing industry, showcased its robust and diverse machinery, and offered members a platform to demonstrate the sector’s importance and its significant contribution to the country’s GDP. The Annual Dinner and Women in Print events were well attended by members, who expressed enthusiasm for reconnecting and engaging through networking opportunities. Challenges Some of the challenges faced by the Kwa-Zulu Natal Chamber in 2024 include: Businesses in the region was impacted by financial constraints with a major player in the Printing and Packing Industry having to close its doors at very short notice. There was a marginal decline in membership, as companies either closed operations or were hard pressed by tough economic times, forcing them to terminate membership.

The Chamber also extends a warm welcome to the elected REC members, who will serve for the next two-year term, and wishes them well in their roles of Regional Executive Committee members. Membership Membership growth and retention 2 new members joined the Chamber and 90% of total membership was retained. Ordinary members declined due mostly to financial constraints Associate members remained relatively constant Member Engagements The KwaZulu-Natal Chamber strengthened its commitment to member engagement, prioritizing the representation of core member needs. Through strategic planning and targeted initiatives, the Chamber significantly increased member visits, reinforcing its role as a key player in the business agendas of its members. These engagements not only solidified existing relationships but also created opportunities to attract potential new members and heightened awareness of training initiatives. Financial Performance The Chamber achieved a 7.1% growth in operating income compared to 2023, whilst achieving an 17.4% increase in operating expenses. The Chamber achieved a 10.3% operating deficit, but a 32% decrease in operating surplus compared to 2023, resulting from rising expenses. Consulting Trends Despite challenging times in the industry and the region, the Chamber did not provide a high frequency of Section 189 and 189A (operational requirements) consulting services. The consulting for Disciplinary Matters is consistent with past year trends and continues to grow in this trajectory. The Chamber realised an overall increase of 9.3% in consulting hours compared to 2023.

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