Category: January 2019 Newsletter

NOTICE OF 116th MCCI AGM
In terms of Clause (17) 2 of the Constitution of the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) notice is hereby given of the 116th Annual General Meeting, which is to be held at the Information Centre, 292 Walter Sisulu Street, Middelburg, on Thursday, 14 March 2019 at 17:00.

MCCI urges our members to nominate candidates to be elected for the 2019/20 term. The presence and support of all our members will be appreciated at this most important event since the new President and Executive Committee will be elected. Strong leadership will be required to deal with the exciting challenges facing organised business in Middelburg and our province in the year ahead.

Your attendance is vital to ensure the election of a relevant Executive Committee to represent the business community of Middelburg. Members are requested to make sure that they confirm their presence by 12 March 2019. Alternatively, should you not be able to attend the AGM, please complete a proxy form and return it to the office by 8 March 2018.

The Notice, Nomination and Proxy Forms have already been mailed and e-mailed to members.

Please contact Mmabato at 013 243 2253 or secretary@middelburginfo.com for more information.

CPI Increase for Eskom
Representatives from the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry gave an oral presentation regarding Eskom’s Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD) and Regulatory Clearing Account (RCA).

The decisions taken by the Eskom Board directly impact our regional economy. Not only is the price of electricity an input cost for all businesses, but the survival and success of the coal mines, suppliers to Eskom and last but not least the manufacturers are all linked to NERSA’s decision on the percentage increase of the MYPD.

MCCI is concerned about the Supplier research and planning in respect of the coal purchased for the Power Stations. What is the status with the coal supply contracts to the Power Stations? Does the coal purchase to meet the value analysis in respect of the specified calorific value per identified Power Station? What is the percentage ash content of the coal? Is the percentage ash present excessive compared to past purchases? Does the ash content of coal have a direct impact on the efficiency of the Power Station? Is the single supplier procedure for the older power stations not accelerating the decommissioning of the Power Stations in Middelburg.

Mr. Calib Cassim said in Bloemfontein that rising municipal debt is placing Eskom at risk. Where is the political commitment to at least work on enforceable payment structure? I believe it should be part of the municipalities’ Executive Mayors performance indicators to ensure payment of the Eskom electricity bill. Nobody is held accountable; therefore nobody will fix it.
MCCI said that we would support a CPI increase for the electricity price.

We had a great 2018

The Business Linkage Centre had a very interesting and yet successful 2018. The year was kicked off by various training sessions, workshops and overall business activities arranged by the BLC.
We are pleased to let you know that all projects and training we offered as a department were completed. We are delighted and proud of all the outcomes and responses we’ve received from individuals and businesses for their growth during this year.

We offered the following training, events, and projects:
• Marketing training
• Eskom workshop on site
• Financial Management training
• NYDA assessments and training sessions
• SEDA training sessions
• Action Coach – 5 ways of making massive profits
• Mandela Day (beneficiaries CMR, Hospice, St. Josephs Old age home, Care Village)
• Know your Business Event
• WBS sponsored classes by SSETA (250 students)
• Witbank Economy session by Nedbank
• Various Enterprise Development projects
• Various Supplier Development projects
• Various Socio-Economic Development projects

Corporates invested more than R10 million in businesses and local economic development. We excited about 2019 and trust there are many new opportunities for our members.

Thank you to all our investors, partners and members, your participation ensured our successes.
To be part of the business linkage centre and to register on the database, contact businesslink1@middelburginfo.com or call 013 243 2253

Have you been searching for a way to get more exposure for your business but have yet to find the right medium?
Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry creates exposure to the right target market

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As a key player in Middelburg we enable and lead business. This is achieved through a multitude of services, networking opportunities as well as robust advocacy on behalf of business.
The Chamber represents business of all sizes and virtually all sectors. Our members count on us for support and through access to affordable and reliable advertising opportunities we strive to give our members the exposure they need.

Become a member today!

Call Annelie Landman 078 801 9719 or e-mail marketing@middelburginfo.com
Our calendar of events is published on our website: www.middelburginfo.com
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MburgChamber

Affordable Advertising Opportunities:
Annual Business Guide

The Middelburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry has a BRAND-NEW Website.

Out with the old, and in with the new. The Middelburg Chamber of Commerce launched its new website on the 16th of January 2019. This marks an exciting new era for our digital footprint. Our new website is more interactive, modern, clean and it’s easy to navigate.

Go ahead and visit our brand new website by following this link: www.middelburginfo.com

Middelburg is home to lush green mountains, streams, dams, vegetation and rolling hills, creating a varied environment that attracts many different kinds of birds. A few of the species you may come across are the Robins, Oxpeckers, Kingfishers, Hornbills, Woodpecker, Shrikes, Boubous and Starlings. Birdwatching has undoubtedly become one of the most popular activities in the area.

Grassland species regularly recorded include Secretary bird “Sagittarius serpentarius,” Lesser Kestrel “Falco naumanni,” Tawny Eagle “Aquila rapax,” Pallid Harrier “Circus macrourus,” Blue Crane “Anthropoides paradiseus” and White-bellied Korhaan “Eupodotis senegalensis.”
Other areas closer to the Loskop dam host various species like Goliath Heron “Ardea goliath” and large numbers of waterfowl. When you explore the Olifants River, you are bound to find White-backed Night Heron “Gorsachius leuconotus” and African Finfoot “Podica senegalensis.”

A series of shallow pans that’s home to a selection of Highveld water birds including Greater Flamingo, Macao Duck, Cape Shoveller, African Marsh Harrier, Black-necked Grebe, and African Grass Owl will be found a mere 25 minutes’ drive outside Middelburg. Spending time here with a flask of coffee and binoculars can be most rewarding.

Our tourism region as part of the Cultural Heartland offers a pleasant drive. The Heartland is ranked as the eighth most important Bird Area in South Africa, supporting at least 337 bird species. These include 12 globally and 29 nationally threatened species such as the White-winged Flufftail.

An extensive variety of accommodation options are available in the area, and most of them offer walking, and MBT trails to waterfalls and the stunning landscapes. Not only is this paradise for any bird lover, but offers beautiful scenery for photographers. The Cultural Heartland is an ideal destination for those wanting to explore the diversity of birdlife in this most scenic area. When visiting Middelburg and surroundings, be sure to bring along your camera and binoculars.

For more information on the latest Bird List and options on where to stay, feel free to contact our office
Monday – Friday 08:00 – 17:00 and Saturdays from 09:00 – 12:00.
Tel: 013 243 2253
info@middelburginfo.com