Tag: middelburg

MCCI gives money to businesses!

MCCI gives money to businesses!

Why does MCCI not give money or business to my company, or the other question is, what does MCCI do for my company?

MCCI is a membership organisation and works with, and on issues that are important to members. If your company is not a member, please do not expect any support or intervention on a business issue. One of MCCI’s key initiatives is to ensure local investment and development.

The money and free training offered by the Mpumalanga Enterprise Development Organisation, MEDO, is a sponsored project for businesses that meet a certain element of the BBEEE Code. The sponsor sets the criteria. There are also no favourites. The rules are simple: 1 Fill in the landing page as requested. 2. Only companies with the correct information can take part. 3. First come, first served. MCCI is the implementing agent for MEDO and ensures that the economic activity takes place in Mpumalanga Province.

MEDO and MCCI have a ten-year successful partnership with 100% successful projects. If you would like more information about MEDO’s projects, please contact Anna-Marth Ott at info@me-do.co.za.

Under Construction: Outdoor Information Board

Under Construction: Outdoor Information Board
The Outdoor Information Board (OIB) next to the entrance door of the Tourist Information Centre is currently being updated.

It is the only map that is reviewed and updated with information from the Town Planning Department. The purpose of the OIB is to have a secure, 24-hour, well-lit map for tourists, couriers, and the community to find their way to a specific address. The map has grid lines and block designations for easy reference.

We are changing the map and there is a great opportunity for your business to show your patronage by placing an ad on the OIB to support this community service through the Tourist Information Centre.

Interested parties can contact Muhammed at 013 243 2253 or at enquiries@middelburginfo.com.

Snap Chat with a Difference

Snap Chat with a Difference
MCCI hosted the first Speed Networking Session for 2023, and judging by the enthusiasm generated by the exchange of information between business people, the event was another success.
The idea of the Speed Networking event is that a person gives a one-minute pitch of their business, service, or product. Then, within five minutes, you exchange information with the person sitting in front of you. After five minutes, you move on and then talk to another person from a different company. After that, you still have the opportunity to talk to the people you missed.
At the end of the hour of snap chatting, you have a lot of contact details or at least one more person knows about your business and what it offers. Save the date for the next speed networking event: 18 May 2023, at the MCCI Auditorium 12:00 – 14:00. Look out for the invitation to be sent out in early May 2023. For more information, contact Mmabatho at 013 243 2253 or at info@middelburginfo.com.

Opportunities at MCCI

Opportunities at MCCI

The year’s municipal employee’s strikes, load shedding, and fuel costs have made it tough for business owners and managers. What has the local chamber done for its members?

It’s very difficult to keep everyone happy and provide great opportunities for the business community without the support of the larger business community. We have had a few people call out, “What are you doing for my business?” Become a member and attend our events and when the opportunity knocks, you will be ready.

It can also be very discouraging for staff when consultants who have received high-value grants or companies who are not members demand free support. What to do? If a thing is free, it has no value.

We create our own members-only opportunities. So join and you will have the chance to see and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Chamber. Do not stand on the sidelines, be part of the solution.

We rolled away another year

We rolled away another year

Middelburg Information Centre held its first Christmas Bowls Fun Day for members who wanted to have a fun day in the sun to end off 2022.

Friends and colleagues competed against each other with their lawn bowling skills. Laughter and groans could be heard around the field as the ball rolled the wrong way or your friend’s ball was knocked out of the way. Our Father Christmas announced the winners of the day and handout out gifts and chocolates. Harcourts Real Estate Agency is the 2022 Christmas Bowls Day Champions.

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 host it again next year. Just look out for the invite in the press.

MEDO ends the year on a high note

MEDO ends the year on a high note
The Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry and our partner, the Mpumalanga Enterprise Development Organisation, are in the final stages of a local economic development programme.

A local corporate company has mandated MEDO to develop a programme that focus on local economic development. The enterprise development element of the BBBEE code has many parts and can be confusing for businesses, especially if you simply want to continue running your own business. Committed business persons want to see that the money spent has a local impact.

MEDO, with the support of MCCI, trained 141 employees of 63 black-owned businesses from 1 September 2022 to 13 December 2022. These companies trained their employees to increase their business’ offered services.

MEDO provided training on technical skills and various business trainings. We end the year on a literal high as twenty companies complete their certificate in working at height with the required health and safety certificate. These twenty companies will start work next year with the ability to offer a much needed service to the local business community.

Follow the MCCI’s Facebook page so that you do not miss out on the last leg of the training offered in January 2023. You can also register your business on the MCCI’s Local Procurement Database, so that you get the invitations in your inbox. Contact Njabulo at reservations@middelburginfo.com or 013 243 2253 for more information.

Another 150 trained managers for Middelburg

Another 150 trained managers for Middelburg

A young woman knocks on the door of MCCI to attend the WBS SSETA graduation ceremony on 2 December 2022. She is perfectly dressed and ready for a momentous occasion.

Organisations like MCCI, Wits Business School, and Services SETA are sometimes so focused on the administrative requirements for our projects we forget the human element, and the impact skilling programmes can have. I am referring to the WBS Management Development Programme (MDP) sponsored by SSETA Discretionary Grant. The MDP training was celebrated by the students who passed with a WBS Graduation at the Middelburg Country Club.

We often dismiss the impact of a university education for local people as an unattainable dream. Wearing a university robe and standing there with a certificate in hand is the achievement of 150 students who last Friday, 2 December 2022 graduated from the WBS MDP.

MDP courses have offered our members’ staff the opportunity to further their education and strive for promotions and a better-paying job. They offer a qualification that they could not have offered their employer a year ago.

Students who have graduated should look out for your graduation photo on the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

I would like to thank the SSETA Board, SSETA staff, WBS staff and lecturers, and MCCI staff for their dedication and hard work in ensuring that this opportunity was available in Middelburg and giving local people the chance to achieve an unattainable goal.

Diamond Circle Chamber visit

Diamond Circle Chamber visit
President Louw Allan, Gordon Webb, and Ariska Schoombee from the Diamond Circle Chamber visited the Middelburg Chamber at the end of November 2022.

The Diamond Circle Chamber hosts many popular tourism events in Cullinan and MCCI exchanged ideas with them on how we can host the same events in Middelburg. In turn, they looked at our reservation system to book accommodation at the South African National Parks.

The two chambers are near neighbours and we hope to further develop our relationship with them.

Tourism Development in STLM

Tourism Development in STLM
The local tourism organization in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality held its quarterly meeting on 18 October 2022. The industry discussed tourism repositioning, reconstruction, and funding opportunities available to tourism businesses.

Members made suggestions on how we can attract tourists and generate revenue. Adriaan Esterhuizen from BMDC gave a presentation on funding opportunities for tourism and how tourism members can apply for these funds. Qualified for these funds are SMEs that provide the following services:  Transport services – i.e. tour/shuttle services ❑ Travel agencies ❑ Tour operators’ ❑ Boutique Hotels ❑ Guesthouses ❑ Bed & Breakfasts ❑ Hospitality (including restaurants)

For more information on how to access these funds, please contact: adriaan@bmdc.co.za

Organised business met with MM

Organised business met with MM
Members of the organised business community: the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry and NAFCOC, and the Hendrina Business Forum met with Mr. Mandla Nguni, the newly appointed Municipal Manager of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM), and his team on Tuesday, 20 September 2022.

The STLM officials discussed the municipality’s 2040 growth plan. The good news is that STLM’s local economy has grown at the expected rate of 4.4%. But, warned that a doubling of the population is expected. This increase would put the infrastructure and access to water under strain without the necessary planning. The local unemployment rate will also become a significant problem without concerted action to attract manufacturing companies.

Mr. Nguni said the STLM is working hard to address all municipal services and infrastructure maintenance backlog. Issues such as protecting our electrical infrastructure are high on their agenda. He also reiterated that with the support of the organised business community, STLM will once again become the investment community of choice in Mpumalanga.

All business associations have pledged their support, and we are looking at a bright future for our town.