Author: Midcham Newsletters

SARS Cargo Processing System implemented at all land-side posts.

The new Cargo Processing System (CPS) has been implemented on 20 April 2018 under the RCG project as per the new legislative framework that reports cargo reporting. Draft rules were set out in section 8 of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 which are based on the draft rules of Chapter 3 of the Customs Control Act, 2014.

SARS communications have indicated that the Reporting of Conveyances and Goods or RCG rollout presents minimal changes for land border clients “as the submission of electronic road manifests has already been implemented under the Manifest Processing (MPR) system. The CPS is expected to significantly improve cargo management and supply chain security. The benefits of the automation of the system ensure that SARS operates according to internationally standardized procedures. These standards are fundamental to the facilitation of legitimate trade, and secure supply chains pave the way for the implementation of the Preferred Trader/Authorised Economic Operator.

For more information, please visit the SARS website at https://www.sars.gov.za/ClientSegments/Customs-Excise/AboutCustoms/Pages/New-Customs-Legislation-update.aspx

HOW IS THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY AFFECTING YOUR BUSINESS?

In the current uncertainty and economic state, businesses become more and more affected by the different factors and adverse decisions made by the government which ultimately results in companies suffering and eventually closing down.

The Middelburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry held an economic business talk on 11 April 2018 at the Ridge Casino in Emalahleni. The event aimed to enlighten and educate business owners about how the financial trends affect businesses, although some of the factors are external and not much can be done about it. Isaac Matshego (an economist from Nedbank) shared valuable information about some of the critical elements that business owners should look out for, both negative and positive.

Highveld Steel used to be one of the businesses that contributed massively to the economy of Mpumalanga. We were fortunate that the Highveld Steel Business Park give an update on the recent developments on the site and how they plan to create jobs and business opportunities through the existing infrastructure.

We also had the representatives from the “Save Emalahleni” initiative who shared progress on the campaign which aims to address the issues that affect the Emalahleni local municipality.

The Middelburg Chamber would like to thank the sponsors, the Ridge Casino and their staff for the fantastic hospitality, our main speaker from Nedbank Isaac Matshego and all the people that contributed towards ensuring the success of the event.

To get more information on our initiatives and to affiliate with the Chamber, You can contact us on businesslink1@middelburginfo.com or 013 243 2253

Middelburg Chamber Premier Business Golf Day

The Middelburg Chamber is hosting their Annual Premier Business Golf Day on the 18th of May 2018 at the Middelburg Country Club.

This event is going on more then ten years and is a success every time, the business participates by sponsoring and playing to meet other businesses.

This shows how they are part of the Business Community in Middelburg. There is still 4 ball teams spots available, come and enjoy this annual Premier Business Golf Day. For more information please contact Anthony Liebowitz at marketing@middelburginfo.com or 078 801 9719

Anglo Boer War Study day.

On Saturday, the 21st of April 2018, Lizmari attended the Anglo Boer War Study day that was held at the White Church in Middelburg.

Several subjects were discussed, one of the speakers were Theo Lighthelm spoke about the History of Middelburg and the significant role certain persons played in developing Middelburg.  Persons such was Pastor Alewyn Burger and his wife Janie Burger, Jack Hindon and Hendri Slegtkamp were discussed. Experts such as Albert Jansen, Annemarie Fischer, Tian Schutte, Kobus Terblanche and Corine de Jonge, Yolandi Koelemans-van Rooyen attended this event.

A few site visits were done at the Slegtkamp House, Old Cemetery, and Pan Stasie. All these places played a critical role in Middelburg in the early 1800’s. We are updating the information available and will post the updated data on www.middelburginf.co.za.

For more information on Middelburg and the History, you are welcome to contact the Info Centre on 013-243 2253 and talk to Lizzy or info@middelburginfo.com.

What to do in Middelburg?

Middelburg is a modern town situated in the Cultural Heartland of the Mpumalanga Province in South Africa.

They many activities that you can do for nature lovers you can go mountain and quad biking and hiking at buffalo gorge where you get to do the different hike such as the  Aventura Trail 18Km ,Wild Camp Trail 10Km, Wetland Trail 6.5Km, BobbeeJaan Loop Trail 2.5Km and other places like the Kingdom Trail , Rooikrans Trail , Olifant River Lodge etc..

And for your year-end function you can go to Olifant River where you get to do the team buiding where you get different programmers, golf, raft building, paintball , Archery , Crazy Olympics (Boere sport), and many more and for those who prefer braai you can go to Pienaardam Leisure Resort .

For those who want to know the Middelburg history you can go to the white church where the British soldiers use it during the second Anglo Boer War, you can visit the Botshabelo Historical Village (Place of refuge) where you get to see the open-air museum .The Ndebele tribe they well-known tribe for its colorful huts, cultural garb and brilliant arts and crafts.

Curio Shop, come and have a look.

The curio shop at the Middelburg Tourist Information Center has just received a new delivery of crafts and curios for tourists.

Want to attend a wedding and want new jewelry, come and have a look at our collection of African jewelry by Zulu and Ndebele crafters? Alternatively, are you looking for a beaded necklace or beaded bracelets, wooden statues for your home decorations, come and see what we have. We buy and support local businesses for more information you can call us on 013 243 2253, email us on reservations@middelburginfo.com or come to our office at 292 Walter Sisulu next to Dros restaurant

SACCI’S REACTION TO 2018 BUDGET

The 2018 budget was announced during very tight economic times with low growth, an adverse credit ratings environment and high debt to GDP and deficit rates, SACCI believes it was a balancing act under the circumstances.

The R0.52 cents per liter of fuel increased levy is likely to have an adverse inflationary effect which will put many businesses on the backfoot, given the fact that fuel is high input cost in many companies. The outcome will be compounded by the 1% increase in VAT. The 1% increase in VAT may appear marginal however the knock-on effect will impact revenue growth in many businesses.

SACCI is the largest business organization in SA and National Chamber of business and industry, which represents thousands of small and medium enterprises. We believe that the allocation of 2.1bn to the development of small business and start-ups is too small, given the fact that the small businesses and start-ups are the only hope for the creation of jobs. We believe an amount more than R10 billion would have been more appropriate in our context.

The pledge by the Minister to pay suppliers on time is a welcome, urgent and necessary step. We would have wanted to hear more from the Minister on the funding capital gaps affecting the SOEs. This is a critical weakness as the SOEs play a large role in the economy of SA.

We believe that any in taxes in a low growth environment would be a challenge. We support the minister’s decision not to increase taxes on corporate tax and personal income tax.

Support of the Voter’s Roll Weekend on 10-11 March 2018

A democratic society requires active citizens that exercise their democratic right to vote. The Independent Electoral Commission is obliged by law to confirm addresses of all voters on the roll. In the absence thereof, people will not be permitted to vote and this could compromise the number of people that participate in the next election.

To assist with this the IEC urges all South Africa’s eligible voters to visit their voting stations to update the voters’ roll in preparation for the upcoming 2019 elections. These voters are urged to update their details before the end of May 2018.

Over the weekend of 10 and 11 March 2018 you will be able to:

  • Register as new voters;
  • Register in the correct voting district if you moved; and
  • Register voter’s address details are not on the voters’ roll to provide this information or correct addresses if incorrect on the voters’ roll

South Africa citizens aged 16 and older and in possession of an official ID can register as voters. Voters visiting their voting station should take a copy of their bar-coded ID book, smart card ID or temporary ID certificate.

The Contact Centre (0800 11 8000) has been activated Monday to Friday during office hours to assist voters to find their correct voting station and to answer any queries. Registered voters can also SMS their ID number to 32810 to receive an SMS containing the address of their voting station (charged at R1).

An online facility (www.elections.org.za/MyIEC) is also available for registered voters with access to the internet to update and review their address online. These voters are urged to update their details before the end of May 2018.

You want to develop yourself; you want your employees to benefit with free study opportunity?

Available bursaries:

  • Management Development programme
  • Leadership development programme
  • Executive development programme

Who can apply? Requirements?

  • Any sector business can apply
  • Employees – must be employed by a company
  • Chamber members get preference (Not a member, not a problem we will assist you with the application)

How can we apply?

  • Provide us with you contact details

Cost involved?

  • No cost to candidate or to company
  • You will have to be committed and attend classes

Apply now!!

Submit company names or individual name and contact details to businesslink1@middelburginfo.com

DEVELOPING YOUTH OWNED COMPANIES

The Business Linkage Centre (A department within the Middelburg Chamber of commerce & Industry) together with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) hosted an entrepreneurial development programme for youth owned companies in Steve Tshwete.

The programme aims to assist youth entrepreneurs to improve their business; the workshop covered marketing strategies, business planning, sales and financial management. The participants will now become eligible to apply for grants with NYDA.The training took place from 19 February 2018 until 23 February 2018.

The Middelburg Chamber will also be having another workshop with Eskom on the 06th of March 2018 for its members. The workshop will concentrate on assisting small business owners on completing the vendor application forms, tender forms, Central Supplier Database and addressing the issues or problems faced by SMMEs and issues that Eskom faces regarding small business.

Members that are interested in taking part in the workshop can send an email to businesslink1@middelburginfo.com.The closing date is 2 of March 2018. Start-up companies that want to join the Chamber to benefit from our services qualify for the annual subsidized fee of R265.00.