Durban — Resurgence conference convener Reverend Dennis Dillon said that it was five exciting, inspiring and uplifting days and looks forward to the partnerships that were created.
The Resurgence Economic Conference took place in Durban from Wednesday till Sunday (yesterday).
Dillon said that the conference started with the mayor hosting a reception and it was a huge opportunity to network.
He said: “The conference was inspired by the African diaspora’s interest and a big part of our victory is to work together. The power of oneness and synergy will lead to an economic revival within eThekwini and KZN. This will soon extend to the continent.”
He said that the end goal would be for a global, African renaissance. He commented on the fact that South Africa is located on the foot of the continent and that for Africa to move, the foot has to move.
A key topic he spoke on was property development and various engagements with real estate developers. He added that Durban should become the “Miami Beach” of the continent.
“Sixty-seven students were adopted by delegation and they will assist the youth with mentorship. Each student will follow a specific topic/area,” he said.
The reverend adopted journalists, a business youth and a youth minister as those were his fields of expertise.
“I believe we have had a successful conference. I loved the excitement of the delegation and how they can and will work with the city. From the city, I am excited about what I have heard from them and how they are willing to work with the US.”
Dillon said they would keep the agenda going forward and start working on the next conference. He said they would monitor progress between the conferences by looking at implementations such as Americans purchasing TimeShares and helping some local businesses sell their products in the US.
Six committees formed were Investment, Arts & Entertainment, Education, Real Estate, Bi-continental business linkages and Legislative, which would examine laws in the US that have helped advance laws for black people.
Dillon is also the founder of The New York Christian Times. He carries a strong teaching anointing and has been in pastoral ministry for almost 40 years. He is an accomplished Bible scholar, community empowerment strategist, and publisher of The New York Christian Times newspaper as well as several books, magazines and periodicals.
New York Senator James Sanders jr said the conference was an incredible experience: “The basic idea was to take the wisdom of the African community globally and focus it on Durban using the resources brought by blacks from all over.”
He added that the conference wanted the global black diaspora to look at Durban’s issues, unite with their fellow brothers and sisters and help Durban’s people to make changes.
Sanders jr congratulated the eThekwini leadership and the business community for taking their skills and time to focus on the same goal – saying that it’s quite a feat to organise such a process.
He said it would be difficult to bring economic freedom and equality to black people and make them equal to other racial groups.
In conclusion, he said he was grateful to be a part of such a mission and looks forward to bringing his experience and talents to the cause.
eThekwini deputy mayor Zandile Myeni said she hoped that such conferences would continue to take place and that the city would bear fruit.
She shared that eThekwini was in recovery following various disasters, so platforms like these help the economic stability of the city and a breakdown of the figures would be released later.
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