Category: 06 2017 Electronic Newsletter

Middelburg’s businesses have organised themselves into an  SMME Advocacy group this year to influence the way in which corporate companies do business in our town.   The Middelburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) has been introducing solutions to the challenges that are being faced by local businesses.  We are excited to introduce you to our newly added solution.

MCCI members attended an SMME Information day, held on Friday 23 June 2017, at the MCCI offices. Members robustly debated their needs and how they are experiencing the local economy. Members remained adamant that corporate companies that have their Head Offices in Gauteng have to be made aware of local businesses.  The Advocacy Group was working on specifically targeted firms to lobby on our standard requirements. The aim the SMME subcommittee is not to lobby for particular members but to lobby on behalf of the collective.

The lobby group is very driven and passionate about the project and will be visiting corporate, government and mining institutions to represent MCCI members.  They want to provide solutions to the mentioned entities through our local procurement database which consists of more than 1200 local suppliers. The group will give monthly feedback to the MCCI’s Executive Committee and will report to the members quarterly on the outcomes of their actions and visits.

To get more information regarding the business lobby group and more of our services, Contact us on 013 243 2253 or email businesslink1@middelburginfo.com

Trade conditions remained in negative territory with the Trade Activity Index (TAI) still below 50 in May 2017. The TAI recorded 49 in May 2017 compared to 45 from in April 2017. The seasonally adjusted TAI improved by two index points between April and May 2017 to 47 in May. Since May 2016 the seasonally adjusted TAI declined by two index points.

 

The seasonally adjusted Trade Expectations Index (TEI) remained in negative territory and fell by a further index point to 48 in May 2017. From much-improved trade expectations in February 2017 with the TEI at 63, trade expectations deteriorated to such a degree that the TEI stood at 48 in May. It appears that the recently announced recessionary conditions and junk status by reputable rating agencies are still weighing on trade conditions.

 

Apart from the recessionary conditions, respondents indicated that unstable and unpredictable economic policy significant shifts in currency value, political instability, lack of leadership and low levels of business and consumer confidence, make business management exceedingly difficult. High unemployment and crime levels are notably worrying factors.

 

Recent sales volumes especially hard hit in April 2017 recovered as the sales volumes index improved from 44 in April 2017 to 52 in May 2017. The new orders index also improved and was nine points higher from the exceptionally low 40 in April 2017. The expectations sales volumes index remained subdued in May 2017 at 54 after reaching a high of 73 in February 2017. Expectations for new orders index also declined from 50 to 49 in May 2017.

 

The inventory index dropped to 42 from 47 in April 2017 due to lower sales expectations. The selling price index and the input price index remained virtually unchanged for sales prices at 61 in May from 62 in April and 63 in May 2017 from 62 in April for input costs. Although still high, the price indices endorse lower consumer and producer inflation at present. Inflationary expectations indices remained high. The sales price expectations index stuck to 68 in May 2017, but expected input prices notably eased as the index declined from 76 in April 2017 to 66 in May 2017.

 

The employment sub-index remained reasonably stable on 49 in May 2017 and one index point higher than in April 2017. The employment outlook in the trade environment for the next six months weakened further and could add to unemployment as the employment expectations index declined by two index points to 41 in May 2017.

 

Released by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the SACCI Offices in Rosebank, Johannesburg

At the beginning of June 2017, a stakeholder meeting was hosted by Mpumalanga Training Trust (MRTT) to discuss Mpumalanga’s proposed Skills and Innovation Hub.  This is a provincial government initiative, and the plan is to establish this Skills Hub in Emalahleni.    Anna-Marth Ott represented the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) at that meeting.

MRTT has been appointed as the coordinator and enabler to bridge the gap between skills availability (supply) and the labour market (demands) of Mpumalanga.  They plan to synchronize processes and efforts existent, avoid duplication and enable flexibility in delivering required skills.  MRTT wants to facilitate in providing the right skills and has targeted interventions needed by private – and public sector.

Ott commented that the Skills Hub should not try and solve all the skills problems at once, but focus on immediate skills requirements.  Most of the representatives at the meeting was from the mining and public sectors.  Other economic sectors in the province also require skills, such as manufacturing and power generation.  A clear deliverable target will make it easier for the business community to participate.  Should the Skills Hub get involved in entrepreneur development but ignore burning issues such as the literacy levels, both reading, and mathematics, or skills required by the business sector, there is a risk that the Hub will be a white elephant.

The Mpumalanga Government has granted several million rands for the establishment of the Skills Hub, and the Services Seta has also sponsored a substantial amount through their discretionary grant allocation.  It is a pity that the levies imposed on the businesses in the services sector could not be spent on that sector’s skills requirements.

MCCI urges MRTT and its partners to do due diligence on skills requirement and competency levels needed to prevent false expectations by the students.  The paradigm has to shift within the student body and the unemployed sector so that the students understand companies’ need for skilled employees.  The Skills Hub has the potential to meet both employer and employee requirements.

 

“There is no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy without expecting anything in return,” said the great Nelson Mandela.

In the triumphed spirit of Madiba, the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry will be acting on the premise that each person has the power to change the world. On this day we will recognise Mandela’s “values and his dedication to the service of humanity” and acknowledge his contribution “to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.

MCCI would like to request companies to assist with contributions towards purchasing food parcels for child-headed households, orphanages, child-welfares in and around the Middelburg area (any other donations are welcome).The food boxes can accommodate a family of four for a month.

While acting in good spirit, your Company can also claim SED Points and receive an article 18A certificate. “We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference” Nelson Mandela.

Contact the Middelburg Chamber today for more information on our SED projects 013 243 2253 or businesslink@middelburginfo.com

The Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry is inviting all women to our annual Women’s Day Celebrations.

“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights,” says world-renowned feminist, journalist and social and political activist Gloria Steinem. Thus this Women’s Day is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action – whatever that looks like globally at a local level. However, one thing is for sure; the day continue’s to grow from strength to strength.

This year we have Tobie Jooste as our keynote speaker and Revlon will also address the ladies.  We also remind the companies that this is an ideal platform for you to honour or award that special lady in your business.

Book your seat with Mmabatho Phatakge at 013 243 2253.

It is never too premature to plan your vacation. Why not book a week or so away? Visit us at the Middelburg Information Centre and book your holiday at the Kruger National Park during the September or December school holidays.

With activities such as Wilderness Trails, Game Drives, Guided Walks, 4×4 drives, bird watching, and so on.  You can book a Day Visit Trip or any Accommodation in any Camp anywhere in the country. There is so much to see at the Kruger National Park or any of the other national parks in South Africa you will be spoilt for choice.

As we are in the middle of the year, September and December are around the corner. Book now to avoid disappointment. Phone us on 013-243 2253 to book your accommodation now.

The curio shop at the Middelburg Tourist Information Center has just received a new delivery of crafts and curios for tourists.  We are expanding the curio offering to ensure a wide variety of items.

Do you have to attend a wedding and want new jewelry that will be the envy of your friends, come and have a look at our collection of African jewelry by Zulu and Ndebele crafters.  Alternatively, are you looking for a beaded bird, flowers or a motorbike for a gift, come and see what we have.

We buy and support local businesses, do you?

June Business Breakfast was hosted by the ABSA, on 22 June 2017, at the MCCI Auditorium.  The speakers at the event were Dumisani Bengu, ABSA’s Head of Franchise Africa and Craig Pfeiffer, ABSA’s Chief Investment Strategist.

 

Pfeiffer gave insights on the global economy and what growth, inflation, and monetary policy changes can be expected. He also touched on South Africa’s credit ratings and highlighted that we are now paying more in interest than what South Africa’s government is spending on social grants.

The informative event was attended by 100 people from different business sectors in Middelburg. Twizza Softdrinks will host the next event. For more info on the business, buzzes call 013 243 2253 or email: marketing@middelburginfo.com

 

Buzz Photo 3

PJ Els (ABSA) with the lucky draw winners; Yvonne Swanepoel (Archaus); Sharleen Horsly (Protea Hotel Witbank); Gerhard Sevenster (Sewester Sleeper Meubels); Willemien Badenhorst (Seeff Properties)