community Archives - Business Directory

Protect your Export Business to Europe

Protect your Export Business to Europe

Multiple countries has contacted the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce seeking verification of the authenticity of the South African business they are importing from, both in 2023 and January of this year.

The Financial Action Task Force added South Africa to its “grey list” for increased monitoring on 24 February 2023. In August 2023, the Department of Social Development revealed that less than 7,000 out of approximately 18,000 registered NPOs in Mpumalanga complied with the NPO regulations. And that more than half of the 256,212 NPOs registered in South Africa since 2002 were non-compliant. The Beeld of 29 January 2024 posted an article of a Moody’s report stated that 61,000 companies have the same address. No wonder MCCI is receiving these enquiries.

Global companies are aware of and utilize the extensive Chamber of Commerce network in the global economy. To ensure the credibility of a company they are buying from, importers can rely on the speed and safety of verifying the exporter’s chamber membership.

MCCI encourages businesses exporting to Europe to reach out for additional details. Feel free to reach out to Christo Stemmet at admin@middelburgchamber.com.

CSOS opened the Mpumalanga Office

CSOS opened the Mpumalanga Office

Community Schemes Ombud Services (CSOS) opened their Mbombela Office on Thursday, 10 January 2024. The office will operate at Riverside Park, Mbombela.

The CSOS serves as the Ombud for all community schemes in South Africa. Its services include resolving disputes, ensuring the quality of governance documents for community schemes, and offering training and consumer education.

A Community Scheme refers to any arrangement where land and buildings are shared and responsibilities are shared among multiple parties. This includes sectional titles’ development schemes, share block companies, homeowner’s associations, retirement housing schemes, and housing cooperatives. Contact CSOS at info@csos.org.za.

MCCI welcomed the CSOS office in Mpumalanga, and trust that another satellite office will be established in the Highveld Region of Mpumalanga.

Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Pilot

Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Pilot

The Council for Geoscience (CGS) held a workshop on 22 January 2024 to introduce their pilot project to capture and utilise CO_2.The project will be in Leandra, Mpumalanga.

The allocated area contains minerals that are highly reactive with anthropogenic CO₂. These minerals largely include plagioclase and ortho pyroxenes. This encourages mineral trapping (in situ carbonation). The geochemical conversion of CO₂reduces the risk of leakage over time.

CGS has signed MoUs with Sasol and Exxaro to collaborate on the project. Both organizations have knowledge and skills in-house that can be used in CCUS-related processes. Additionally, they have the potential to supply the CO₂ needed for test injection.

CCUS conducted a 3D seismic survey to gain knowledge and understanding of the subsurface geology and related structures. They drilled an 1800 m stratigraphic core borehole that targeted the basalt horizons earmarked for injection. They plan to include a suite of downhole geological techniques. Some of the downhole activities are Geological and Geotech logging, hydrogeology, downhole geophysics and vertical seismic profiling.

The data collected will provide clarity on the strength of favourable geological and environmental conditions, influencing the decision on geology’s sustainability for CO₂. injection. Groundwater information is also part of the data collected.

Detailed engineering designs for the pilot plant are being worked on by Carbfix. CCUS is expecting to inject between 10,000 or 50,000 tons of CO2 into the basalts. The site is also considering other storage options like saline aquifers and coal seams. The completion of the design is scheduled for February 2024.

The CCUS project will bring innovation and enhance the skill level of the business community. Any member needing more information should contact Anna-Marth Ott at ceo@middelburgchamber.com.

We rolled away another year

We rolled away another year

The Middelburg Information Centre hosted its second Christmas Bowls Fun Day for members who wanted to spend a fun day in the sun to end of 2023.

Friends and colleagues competed against each other with their lawn bowling skills. Laughter and groans could be heard on the field when the ball rolled in the wrong direction or a friend’s ball was knocked out of the way. In the world of work, there are colleagues you say hello to but have nothing to do with work wise. The annual Bowls Day is about team building with your colleagues and not just your team members. Nashua Mpumalanga is the 2023 Christmas Bowls Day Champion.

We enjoyed the braai, the sunshine, and the great camaraderie with everyone who attended. Thank you to the members for supporting our new event. We will organise it again next year. Look out for the invitation in the press.

Why should I take part in an industry tour?

Why should I take part in an industry tour?

The Middelburg Tourist Office has organised an industrial tour on 16 November 2023.

One of the best ways to get an insight into the real working environment, workplaces, plants, assembly lines, machines and systems and to interact with highly trained and experienced personnel is to participate in an organised industrial tour. During the tour, managers, students and engineers gain practical knowledge and first-hand experience of the complexities of the various industries.

On this tour, we visited Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd and gained an insight into the complex technical and metallurgical processes and safety requirements needed to produce stainless steel. We participated in a three-hour tour of the huge plant and saw interesting steel manufacturing processes and systems.

After a great lunch sponsored by Columbus, we headed to the OH Frewin printing plant where we visited the printing museum and learned about the complex process of the printing industry with “wrong and true printing” and the various intricate parts to make a printed form or the many colourful flyers that are printed daily. Visitors marvelled at some of the older printing presses still in operation and the latest technology that is printing thousands of pages per hour.

The industrial visit brings clarity to key management concepts and shows first-hand how these concepts are put into practise. It bridge the gap between theoretical principles and practical applications. They offer students the opportunity to ask questions about their area of interest. Visits to industry allow visitors to familiarise themselves with future areas of work. Visitors learn about best practises used by different companies for similar tasks.

Instead of traveling overseas, you can experience the same expertise right at your doorstep. To attend our next organised tour, contact Anna-Marth Ott at midcham@iafrica.com.

MCCI connected with Hong Kong

MCCI connected with Hong Kong

Moeketsi Mpotu, President of the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), met with the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong at the end of September.

There are trade delegations between different countries and direct trade from company to company in the world. But sometimes you need a helping hand, the right contact or confirmation from the company you are planning to trade with. How can you make sure that it is a reputable company and not a front for various criminal activities?

MCCI is part of the global chamber network and with one call and your MCCI credentials; many chamber doors are open to you. You can also check if a business is a genuine business by asking MCCI to contact their counter part in the part of the world where you want operate in. We can at least confirm if the Chamber knows about the business.

Moeketsi met with the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, the second largest chamber in Hong Kong, which has nearly 6,000 members. They indicated their willingness to sign a memorandum of understanding with SACCI and MCCI. We have already made the first contact. Moeketsi also met with the Africa Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong. They know the African continent well and offered their help in accessing the Hong Kong market and thus also the Chinese mainland.

Your MCCI membership opens many doors for our members. Contact us if you are travelling overseas to make global contacts, the Chamber can connect you with our network. Members interested in contact details and other information on doing business with Hong Kong should contact A Ott at ceo@middelburginfo.com.

It’s Back! MCCI’s famous mine map in A0 wall format!

It’s Back! MCCI’s famous mine map in A0 wall format!

To demystify the coal industry in the Highveld of Mpumalanga, the Middelburg Chamber has published a map of mines within a 200 km radius of Middelburg.

According to GlobalData, South Africa is the world’s seventh largest coal producer in 2022, with production up 12% from 2021. In the five years to 2021, South African production has declined at a CAGR of 3.05% and is expected to increase at a CAGR of 0.74% between 2022 and 2026. GlobalData uses proprietary data and analysis to paint a complete picture of this market in its Global Coal Mining to 2026 report.

South Africa’s coal exports increased by 11% in 2022 compared to 2021, with the largest share exported to India. South Africa’s coal exports are expected to grow at a CAGR of 0.67% between 2022 and 2026.

7 of the 10 largest operating coal mines are located in Mpumalanga and 6 of South Africa’s 10 largest coal mines under development are also located in Mpumalanga.

There are only place for 12 available advertisement spots. We have already received more than half of the sponsorships. Secure your place before it’s too late. Sponsor a medium-sized ad for R5 500 excl. VAT until the end of October and you will receive 5 printed A0 printed maps. The 3 landscape ads cost R6 466,09 per ad (only three available)

Facts about the map:

Annual publication since 2010
Format A0 – large – printed on both sides
Front – Map, table of contents and the sponsor advertisements
Listing of all mines, Eskom power stations and industry within a 200 km radius
GPS coordinates

iii. Contact information

Space for the sponsor ads
Back – map in full grey scale format, edge to edge to optimise the map size for easy reference.

Why should you support this initiative?

– Use it to showcase your business

– Use it to draw attention to your businesses or supply points

– Use it as an eye-catcher in your office or boardroom

– Use it as marketing material for your company

– Use it for public relations

MCCI has published this map of mines within 200 km of Middelburg to demystify the coal industry in the Highveld of Mpumalanga. Your support is highly appreciated. Contact Mmabatho Phathakge today for more information on

013 243 2253 or info@middelburginfo.com.

Business Pledge new Jobs

Mr Moeketsi Mpotu, President of the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), and Steve Tshwete, Mayor of the Municipality, Cllr Masilela, met on Friday 22 September 2023 with a strong delegation from the mining, manufacturing, ICT, higher education, medical, and retail sectors strongly supporting the Steve Tshwete Municipality (STLM) delegation and delivering their message. This meeting was many years overdue and initiated the debate on the future of Steve Tshwete Municipality.

Mpotu introduced the debate by saying, “If we do nothing, we will end up remembering the golden days instead of embracing the future with focus and optimism.” He challenged business representatives to talk about what they need from STLM to create the thousand new jobs we need to boost our town’s economy.

Mr Chris Swartz of Twizza opened the debate, saying that if the town can bring the water quality back to what it used to be, they could create several hundred new jobs. He said that 60% of the country’s economic activity is within a 300 km radius and the city offers many opportunities for businesses and our economy to grow. The future water security not only for industry but also for our community is vital, and he urges STLM to secure the water from the mining sector.

Mr Sizwe Siyila of Samancor said that Middelburg Ferrochrome will be 60 years in Middelburg next year and plans to stay in the town for many more years. He assured the community of Samancor’ s support, but for our town to grow, we need a reliable electricity.

Mr Junior van Niekerk of Nashua said that the favourable environment in Middelburg has helped the company to expand to Ermelo and the Lowveld. He also said that they want to invest in a battery factory in town. An easy accessible investment support package will attract even more business to the area.

Mr Mike Tammadge of Middelburg Mall said that Middelburg Mall is one of the best malls in the company’s portfolio. However, he urged the municipality to work with other stakeholders to reduce crime in our town.

Mr Mondli Kl Kgalema, the chairperson of STLM LED, said the LED Forum is aware of community structures that threaten established businesses and the mining sector in particular. He urged all parties to use the STLM portal so that the community can access opportunities without the interference of vested interests.

Cllr Masilela, the Mayor of STLM, replied that he was encouraged by the commitment of the companies to create jobs. He summarized the SCADA system and said that the faster the system is up and running, the faster Middelburg will have less load shedding. The municipality acknowledged the comments on bureaucratic hurdles and delays in approving building plans. STLM will collaborate with MCCI and the business community to eliminate these obstacles.

Other members expressed their support for the town and the community they work and live in by contributing their input and pledging their support. The conclusion of the debate was that a fully functional municipality is necessary for the business community to ensure timely delivery of services and maintenance of infrastructure. Businesses will prosper and flourish with such a municipality. The breakfast was the first of many and members interested in attending the next event should contact Anna-Marth Ott at ceo@middelburginfo.com.

National Media Houses visited our town.

The Information Officer of the Middelburg Tourism Information Centre, Mmabatho Phathakge, accompanied a delegation from multiple media houses and the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency on a tour to promote the town’s tourism attractions. The Steve Tshwete Municipality hosted the tour.

The media tour is part of the municipality’s investment drive to promote expose the various tourism attractions to enable the growth of the tourism sector. The tour lasted two days, as there was a lot to do and see in the area.

The tour started at the construction site of the new Radisson Hotel, which will be completed next year. The hotel will have 151 rooms, a restaurant, and a conference facility. The second stop was at the Middelburg Dam, where our tour guide Ben Mokoena explained the history of the dam and how it was built. They then drove to Middelburg Station, where we met Johan Janse van Rensburg gave them interesting information and anecdotes about the station and his plans for it. A visit to the historical landmark Botshabelo to highlight the potential and the visitors saw the beautiful view of the Loskop Dam. Last but not least the Ubetyan-O-Africa.

The media tourists left Middelburg eager and well informed about our beautiful town. Do you want to hear about some stories of the places you drive by daily? To book our various town, historical and ghost tour packages you can contact the Middelburg Information Centre on 013 243 2253.

MCCI’s Women in Business Celebration 2023

Every year, the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrates women in business. We salute both the business owners and the women who work in various businesses and make sure that our economy gets going.

The motto of 2023 on 15 September 2023 was “Be your Best”. MCCI not only had two great ladies speaking to our members but also the beautiful music of the Mpumalanga Band of the South African Police Service. Throughout the day, our two flamboyant speakers Anne-Marie Smith and Sharlotte Tsotetsi-Mpotu motivated women to be their best, whatever their situation, to choose, live and find out what they want to be happy, as well as their families and colleagues.

One hundred and seventy women gathered at Ukhamba Industrial Park to celebrate the Mbhokodo’s of business. The morning began with uplifting music from the SAPS Provincial Band, and the women sang and danced along. MCCI would like to thank Ukhamba Industrial Park, Thulasizwe décor, catering & sewing, Nashua Mpumalanga, Thos Begbie & co, Columbus Stainless, Alveston Manor, and Spa, Think sol, MAC Cosmetics, Twizza, FNB, PWC, NST Verification, Matsimela, SAPS Provincial band, Environ, Spalicious, The Daily Café, Brimis Engineering, Mpumamanzi, GUS, Tyrelubbe, Nkangala TVET College, Middelburg Observer.

A special thank you to Christo de Ridder who was our MC for the day and Johannes Welgemoed from Daily Coffee and Hendry Swanepoel from Alveston Manor, our organizing committee. And to our two speakers Sharlotte Tsotetsi–Mpotu and Anne-Marie Smith – may you be richly blessed. In addition, to the beautiful, sophisticated women who attended the event……. YOU ROCK.