Geoffrey Jacobs was appointed as the new president of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Born in Crawford, Mr Jacobs spent most of his years in Athlone as he attended Athlone North Primary School, and then Athlone High School where he matriculated in 1974After completing his BA degree and teacher’s diploma at the University of Cape Town, he spent 12 years as a teacher at Athlone High School, and eventually became deputy principal.
In 1991 he took up the position as the founding principal of Zonnebloem Nest High School in District Six.
Mr Jacobs said the new position gave one the platform to inform and influence policy and practice, particularly as it relates to business.
He added that businesses, especially small, medium and micro enterprises are the future of South Africa, as it is only in this sector that possible job creation exists.
“The corporate sector has been shedding jobs over the past decade, and the bloated public sector has probably reached its maximum and will be under pressure to bring staffing numbers to more realistic levels. For SMME’s to grow to scale, we need a massive injection of investment into this sector, as well as a concerted effort to develop the relevant skills. There is currently a disjoint between what our schools and tertiary institutions are producing in skills, and what the corporate and SMME sectors need.
“As president of the CCCI, I have an opportunity to help shape the conversation to address this current disjoint,” he said.“