MCCI Archives - Business Directory

121st AGM and Executive Election 2024

121^st AGM and Executive Election 2024

Save the date! MCCI’s 121^st Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on 14 March 2023 at 17:00, at Rustique Boutique Hotel, Old Belfast Road (R104) Rondebosch, Riverside Estate, Middelburg.

Your presence is crucial in ensuring competent Executive Members are elected, representing the Middelburg business community. MCCI Members are invited to nominate candidates for the 2024/25 period at the 121st AGM. Nomination forms are available at the office.

Members are urged to confirm their attendance by 13 March 2023 to ensure a successful AGM. If you are unable to come to the AGM, please fill out a proxy form and send it back to the office by March 12th, 2024.

We have emailed the notice, nomination, proxy forms and minutes to the membership. Please contact Zelda on 013 243 2253 or member.support@middelburgchamber.com for more information

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.

MCCI’s Buzz for 2024 ended on a high note

MCCI’s Buzz for 2024 ended on a high note

The last Business Buzz was held on 23 November 2023 at @ Point-S Tyrelube Highveld, September Street, Middelburg.

It was a warm and balmy evening as business people socialised, networked and did business, and Piet Pretorius thanked the Middelburg Tyrelube team for their excellent customer service. Many new contacts were made and some old ones deepened.

Hosting a Business Buzz is one of the most effective methods to market your business or product to a captive audience. Reserve your business’ buzz for 2024, there are only a few time slots available, reach out to Mmabatho Phathakge at info@middelburginfo.com to secure your spot.

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.

MCCIs Employees of the Month for November

MCCIs Employees of the Month for November

It is with pleasure that MCCI introduce the employee nominated by Columbus Stainless Steel (Pty) Ltd as the Member Employee of the Month.

Congratulations to Ms Zandile Mashaba and Catherine Phahlane November 2023.

Zandile and Catherine are very passionate about their work and both go above and beyond to make every event professional and special. They work long hours and nothing is too much trouble.

Zandile, with the support of Catherine, has introduced many initiatives at Columbus to improve morale and communication and she always has fresh ideas, never forgetting the difficult economic times we are all facing. A highlight was the recent Women’s Day Health and Wellness High Tea organised by Corporate Affairs with less than two days’ notice. It was the first event of its kind in Columbus and was a tremendous success. The speakers talked about important topics related to women’s wellness. It was not only about wellness from a health perspective but also financial and emotional aspects.

Sharon Muller used her award award to recognise both Zandile and Catherine for their hard work and commitment to Columbus and the community of Middelburg in general. It is not a straightforward task to meet a multitude of expectations and satisfy expectations by all.

Keep an eye out for our January employee of the month.

To nominate a staff member, members can reach out to Anna-Marth Ott or Christo Stemmet at 013 243 2253 or enquiries@middelburginfo.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.

MCCIs Employee of the Month for October

MCCIs Employee of the Month for October

It is with pleasure that MCCI introduce the employee nominated by Middelburg Observer newspaper as the Member Employee of the Month.

Congratulations to Ms Fay Cooke as MCCIs Employee of the month for October 2023.

After starting as a part-time proofreader at the Observer in 2016, Fay soon became an integral part of the day-to-day operations. She trained herself to become a qualified, professional proofreader and sub editor. She was promptly hired as a full-time employee at the newspaper.

Cooke not only helps maintain the Observer’s high standards of quality, but has also taken on some important administrative duties. When load shedding became part of our daily routine, Fay volunteered to learn how to operate the generator. She also ensured that the computer network and servers remain up and running to ease the burden and time loss on her colleagues. Her work ethic and hard work are highly commendable. Fay is truly a worthy candidate for Employee of the Month.

Keep an eye out for our November employee of the month.

To nominate a staff member, members can reach out to Anna-Marth Ott or Christo Stemmet at 013 243 2253 or enquiries@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.

TVET Nkangala – Middelburg Campus – Business Buzz

TVET Nkangala – Middelburg Campus – Business Buzz

The Business Buzz held at the Middelburg Campus of Nkangala TVET on 24 August 2023 was very informative and members could see the training workshops and the various equipment used to train students.

The Principal of the Middelburg Campus, Catin Maimela, proudly announced that the campus had been accredited to conduct vocational examinations. Members could see with their own eyes how the students were trained.

The next business networking event will be a Business Buzz at the new Regis Offices, hosted by Nungu Properties on 21 September 2023. Invitations will be sent out in the first week of September.

For more information or to host a Business Buzz, please contact Mmabatho or Christo at the MCCI office on 013 243 2253 or email info@middelburginfo.com.