NAFCOC has its origins in the early 1940s when informal black trader
organisations in and around johannesburg began to recognise the need to
sharpen their business acumen and to raise the level of business awareness
among their members. During the subsequent years black traders' organisations continued to spring
up around the country.
This movement led to the formation of the National African Chamber or Commerce (NAFCOC) in 1964 at a conference held in Orlando. in 1968, NAFCOC was recognised into regions under the umbrella of a National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and NAFCO was born despite a government injunction against the forming of a united multi-ethnic chamber of commerce in South Africa.
The apartheid state was at the height if its drive to segment the African population and isolate each ethnic group in its own so-called homeland. The government had passed innumerable laws and regulations meant to restrict and stifle business initiative and enterprise among black people in the country. Under such a policy, black people were essentially relegated to operating insignificant businesses outside the periphery of all commercial centre in the country.
During the 1970s and 1980s NAFCOC continued its struggle for a place in the SA mainstream economy for black business people.
In 1979 legislation was passed effectively allowing black business at last to trade in their own areas, although still not in
the designated white areas.
On 2 February 1990, the date on which Nelson Mandela was freed, the political scenario changed dramatically. On 27 April 1994 the
country went on the polls and elected its first non-racial democratic government into power.
NAFCOC was now poised to meet the challenges and opportunities that arose in the new South Africa.
Incorporated in 1964 - its early formation can be traced back to 1940 as the Orlando Traders Association.
Opposed the past government on a plethora of laws that marginalised the black community.
Adopted the call for sanctions to bring about pressure for change in the country.
Developed its 3-4-5-6 policy in 1990 to address fundamental requirements for Black economic empowerment - related to directors,
shareholding, management and outsourcing.
Developed key policy documents that were widely disseminated:
- Land Policy; Economic Policy; Barriers toe Entry to Trade; Investment Climate.
Undertook one of the first meetings with the ANC-in-exile to address the future of the country.