Category: 03 2022 Newsletter

Business opportunities with the Danes

Business opportunities with the Danes

President Que Naidoo and Vice President Vusi Seroka met with Peter Hydorn, Adviser International Business and Leo Crisp, Senior: Trade Investment Advisors of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on 23 March 2022. MCCI presented Middelburg as a possible investment opportunity. Two main points of investment interest in the Steve Tshwete region were discussed at the meeting.

One issue was the Just Transition opportunities for possible collaboration. Many collaboration opportunities were expressed, but the national government’s involvement was influencing how the opportunities would be rolled out. This was also the author’s experience, who has attended many recent meetings and conferences on this topic. Due to the value of the potential projects, there seems to be an umbrella of protection.

Of greater interest to MCCI members would be Danish companies’ experiences and technologies in energy-efficient equipment and the capabilities of successfully reducing energy consumption. Another area they could offer opportunities to companies is their expertise in robotics.

This is the first of many meetings, and we are working towards investment with Middelburg. Members will be invited for further discussions.

Problems with your SARS Tax?

Problems with your SARS Tax?

The Tax Ombud (OTO) shared a presentation on your rights as a taxpayer and when you deal with SARS and Office of the Tax Ombud what to expect.

Topic: Understanding your rights as taxpayer when dealing with SARS and Office of the Tax Ombud. 

The session addressed the following:

  • When should you use the services of the Office of the Tax Ombud.
  • What to do when there is a delayed payment of a refund by SARS.
  • What to do if you are not happy with the outcome of your assessment.
  • What is the difference between an audit and verification?
  • What to do when you have an outstanding debt with SARS.
  • What are your rights and obligations as taxpayers?
  • What do when SARS withhold your Tax Clearance Certificate.

For more information please contact:

Tel: 0800 662 837 / 012 431 9105

Fax:  012 452 5013

Email: complaints@taxombud.gov.za

Web: www.taxombud.gov.za

Tourism Mentorship Workshop

Tourism Mentorship Workshop

The Middelburg Information Centre is looking at providing a tourism business Mentorship workshop for LTO members in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM). The workshop will provide opportunities and resources for interested tourism services providers to learn and benefit from successful tourism services providers (experienced owners).

The purpose of this Mentorship is to provide the resources necessary to strengthen the tourism industry by developing skills and increasing business knowledge of tourism operators;

Provide opportunities for tourism business operators to learn and benefit from more experienced tourism operators;

Enhance the strength of the tourism industry over the long term by providing resources (Financial) and opportunities for tourism businesses.

Mentors will share their expertise and knowledge and provide support and encouragement to help tourism business owners to remain focused on what is important for the success of their business. Through the Tourism Business Mentorship workshop, tourism operators who are less experienced can gain valuable skills in business, leadership and networking to help maximize their potential and become successful and profitable independent tourism operators.

We are looking at inviting the National Department of Tourism, MTPA, Grading council, National Empowerment Fund.

More information will be available at the Middelburg Information Centre.

What changes to STLM infrastructure/services are required for your business in the next five years?

What changes to STLM infrastructure/services are required for your business in the next five years?

The Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry has requested the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM) to meet with businesses regarding input in the new Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for 2022 2027, which is being developed. This is in line with the Municipal Systems Act, Chapter 5, which requires municipalities to develop a new 5-year plan directly linked to the term of office of municipal councillors.

The Municipal Systems Act (2000) requires municipalities to prepare a 5-year Integrated Development Plan (IDP) that integrates planning and implementation and provides a framework for all development activities in the municipal area.

Contributions to the IDP have been sought at recent district committee meetings. Most attendees are local residents and are focused on their immediate needs, such as methods of speed calming on a busy residential street. Any business person who has attended scheduled Ward Committee meetings will have noted that the focus is not on a business-friendly agenda. What are general business needs in the CBD compared to the needs of the various other municipality areas where our businesses operate?

The STLM Local Economic Development Forum will hold the IDP meeting with business stakeholders on 5 April 2022 at 09:00 at the STLM Council Chamber.

We strongly encourage business owners to attend the above meeting to table any infrastructure or service delivery issues affecting your business. Is your business regularly affected by flooding due to inadequate stormwater drainage? Please attend and raise the issue. Or, if your business’ water supply is an issue, this is the best platform to get STLM to take note of business concerns. You know when there are municipal issues affecting your business. Still, if the issues are not included in the STLM’s communication structure, they seem to be off the table.

In light of recent events, the business community needs to pressure STLM officials and councillors to deliver on their promises.