Category: 02 2022 Newsletter

Tourism Grading Support Programme

Tourism Grading Support Programme

The Tourism Grading Support Programme was introduced to encourage wider participation in the tourism grading system and to reduce the cost burden of grading on small tourism businesses. The programme also aims to promote and improve compliance with tourism quality standards, which will improve the overall visitor experience and South Africa’s competitiveness as a destination.

The Tourism Grading Support Programme offers discounts ranging from 90% to 100% on the cost of star ratings for accommodation establishments and meeting venues. The programme is administered by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) on behalf of the Department of Tourism. Existing TGCSA members wishing to renew their grading membership as well as new applicants; TGSA’s application process is integrated into the standard online application process is available to all.

On 3 March 2022, TGCSA will be co-hosting a quality assurance workshop for tourism product owners in Steve Tshwete Local with the STLM Tourism Organisation. For more information or to book a place, please contact the Information Office on 013 243 2253 or email: info@middelburginfo.com

Middelburg Chamber Premier Business Golf Day

Middelburg Chamber Premier Business Golf Day
The Middelburg Chamber will be hosting its annual Premier Business Golf Day on 13 May 2022 at the Middelburg Country Club.

This event has been held for many years and has a permanent place in the diary of local business people. Businesses have the opportunity to participate through sponsorship and play to meet other businesses.

The event is a very popular networking event in May and we are starting to attract T sponsors. There are still 4-ball spaces available. Come and enjoy this annual Premier Business Golf Day. For more information please contact Valerie Pienaar Valerie 082 417 8088 or businesslink@middelburginfo.com.

118th AGM and election of the new Chamber 2022 Executive

118th AGM and election of the new Chamber 2022 Executive

The Middelburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) will hold it’s 118th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and is calling on our members to nominate candidates for the 2022/23 election.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on 10 March 2022, at 17:00, at Alveston Manor, 21 Hexrivier Street, Middelburg. Members are requested to confirm their attendance by 9 March 2022. If you are unable to attend the AGM, please complete a proxy form and return it to the office by 7 March 2017.

Your attendance is essential to ensure the election of a relevant Executive Committee to represent the business community of Middelburg.

The Notice, nomination and proxy forms have already been emailed to members. Please contact Mmabatho on 013 243 2253 or info@middelburginfo.com for more information

Komati Power Station Repurposing & SEIM Feedback 

Komati Power Station Repurposing & SEIM Feedback 

Ms Mandy Rambharos of Just Energy Transition (JET) and her team met with members of the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday 14 February 2022, to discuss the current situation regarding JET independent assessments of Komati’s repowering and repurposing potential.

Sumaya Nassiep from Eskom said they are looking at repowering initiatives such as solar (~100MWp) + 50MWp ash dam, battery storage (600MWh), gas (possible 500MW), wind (50MW) and suppliers and supply chain operations. Some of their reuse initiatives include microgrid assembly plants, AgriVoltaics (500kWp) and ash geopolymer production. Socio-economic initiatives focus on empowerment, enabling, retraining, upskilling, microgrid assembly, agriculture (aquaponics) and raised beds. Enterprise development, such as incubators for small and medium enterprises and digital hubs will also be implemented.

The commissioning of the agricultural photovoltaic systems and microgrid assembly plants is targeted within the next six months. In addition, technical studies have confirmed the capacities of the photovoltaic and battery plants that Eskom will install in the next 12-28 months. Training and skills needed in this area were discussed and various training opportunities such as the South African Institute of Welding were highlighted. Eugene Rossouw said there should be a closer relationship between Eskom representatives and the Steve Tshwete Municipality (STLM). STLM has prepared a business plan for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence skills centre.

The skills needs of the community should be taken into consideration when training is provided in the Komati region. Another important point for members was that the manufacture and supply of some parts in the assembly of the microgrid equipment, such as the stands and other components that can be manufactured locally, should be used as part of the STLM plan for local economic development. It is essential that the parties involved in Eskom JET take into account the many studies that have already been done in this area to achieve the best outcome for the success of the project. Members interested in receiving a copy of the presentation can contact Anna-Marth Ott at ceo@middelburginfo.com.

We want our town back

We want our town back
It is the responsibility of every municipality to create an enabling environment for business. How many jobs and businesses will be displaced if municipal services are not accessible to the public and businesses? Is a job in the municipality more important than a job in the industrial area?

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his SONA speech that the role of businesses is essential to the country. Still, if we cannot register the vehicles sold, several businesses are affected. If we cannot complete the sale of a house, many businesses are affected. If there is a water shortage … and the story goes on. The business community depends on our municipal services to run optimally and without prejudice and malice. The management of Steve Tshwete Municipality must act quickly and solve the problems in their various departments.

In November 2021, MCCI offered its support in mediation to find a positive outcome to the strike that did not harm the community at large. As a collective, we have a lot of experience dealing with strikes and know how best to succeed. An example of this is the recent NUMSA strike in October 2021; thousands of workers were unhappy, many companies were affected, but there was a solution in the end. We expect nothing less from our local government. If we do not find a final solution soon, the unhappy working environment will not be solved. Those that have a role to play, the politicians, the management, SALGA and CoCGTA, must end the strike immediately.

There is a worrying wave of crime directed against our businesses and business premises. Vandalism and sabotage seem acceptable behaviour; where is SAPS, where is the discipline required to stop this? What do those involved think will happen if we continue down this disastrous path?

We want our town back. We want the town that won Masekane; we want the cleanest town in Mpumalanga, the one with the lowest crime rate and steady economic growth. We want the town where we talked to each other, regardless of political affiliation, history, or other identities that seemed essential to certain people. We want our town back.

Welding is the second scarcest skill in SA

Welding is the second scarcest skill in SA

The South African Institute of Welding (SAIW) and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT) of the Mpumalanga provincial government met with companies from the Highveld region. The event aimed to discuss ways to address the shortage of welding skills.

The government has identified thirteen scarce trade skills for its approved infrastructure programmes, and welding is currently ranked as the second scarcest skill in South Africa. According to the American Welding Society (AWS), there will be a global shortage of 450 000 welders by 2023. Strategic programmes such as the War on Leaks and the new oceans economy programme, Phakisa, have also highlighted the need for skilled welders.

South Africa needs suitably qualified welders with the required skills to enable local businesses to benefit from this demand. DEDT and SAIW are planning to open an exciting new welding school, supported by a world-class welder programme, to be based at the Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative (MSI) in Middelburg.

The aim is to provide three years of training for highly skilled workers trained to industry standards. The artisans will be able to produce higher quality welds with lower rework costs and better productivity. By the time they qualify as welders, they will have internalised the company’s work processes and standards. Lower risk and cost in recruitment and better retention.

Many companies need welders, and large companies offer apprenticeships, but we need to find a way to train our local people in marketable skills that will drive our economy. MCCI members are committed to reaching out directly to SAIW to get the ball rolling. Businesses interested in participating in the SAIW welding school at MSI can contact Etienne Nel (etienne.nell@saiw.co.za) or Silindile N Ntshangase (SNtshangase@mpg.gov.za) for more information