JOIN CHAMBER TODAY!

Monday, 23 August 2010 08:21

Being a member of your local Chamber of Commerce is a valuable platform from which business can grow and succeed to its fullest potential. According to a research study conducted by the Schapiro Group, “The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce” being active in the local Chamber of Commerce is a good strategy for businesses to use in communicating each of the four specific company traits. Statistically, it is an effective way to convey to consumers that a company uses good business practices, is involved in the community, cares about customers, and is reputable – regardless of whatever they may or may not already think about the company.

There are many benefits to belonging to the Estcourt Umtshezi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (EUCCI), amongst which are the networking opportunities, support structure, access to business, training and tendering information as well as our affiliation to the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), which is the largest business organisation in the country and accordingly has a formidable network of business contacts. The chamber movement addresses all the economic, political and social issues affecting the business community in one way or another. EUCCI is apolitical.

Kindly note that your fee for membership of a chamber is regarded as a business expense and is therefore fully tax deductible.

The more members who belong to EUCCI, the louder the voice and greater the opportunity for positive change for business in Estcourt.

Join Chamber today! Phone 036 352 1454 weekdays from 8h00am to 13h00pm or visit us at the Old Civic Buildings, Upper Harding Street, Estcourt for more information and membership application.

Recent Development Relating to Strike Activity

Monday, 23 August 2010 08:17

SACCI Media Release

Wednesday

18 August 2010

RECENT DEVELOPMENT RELATING TO STRIKE ACTIVITY

In a media statement issued today a spokesperson for the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) said:

QUOTE

It is with great disappointment that SACCI notes that agreement has not been reached in the compensation negotiations between the Public Service Commission and Labour.

SACCI condemns the undisciplined behaviour of workers in particular instances, notably the intimidation by teachers of pupils attending schools, and by striking health workers of those who willingly report for work. Such behaviour will impact negatively on global perceptions of the business environment in South Africa. The strikes also add to the pressures relating to service delivery backlogs.

SACCI confirms its view that the failure to reach an agreement has an impact on the economy that stretches beyond the Public Service Commission. Additional pressure on public sector finances and the subsequent need to increase the taxes will have consequential downstream impact on both business and consumers. Increased taxes will hamper the growth of particularly of small and medium enterprises, and make it more difficult for them to remain viable. This has the possible result of increasing the number of closures of small and medium enterprises that have not yet recovered from the global downturn. This comes at a time when liquidations are still at an unacceptably high level, an indication that the country has not recovered from the recent global downturn. 

The ability of the South African economy to determine a positive trajectory for employment growth is directly correlated with our ability to signal a strong work ethic, high productivity and an environment conducive to ease of doing business. SACCI appeals to the Public Service Commission and to Labour to negotiate in good faith and to reach agreement in the shortest possible time so as to avoid the impact that a wide ranging strike would have.

UNQUOTE

Contact persons:

Neren Rau
SACCI CEO
011 446 3800

Peggy Drodskie
Executive Advisor to the CEO
011 446 3800

Protection of Information and Media Freedom

Monday, 23 August 2010 08:10

SACCI Media Release

Wednesday

18 August 2010

PROTECTION OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA FREEDOM

In a statement issued by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry a spokesperson said:

Quote:

It is with concern that the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) notes the risks of attacking the pillars on which our democracy is founded. The Protection of Information Bill currently before Parliament has the potential to restrict access to information that should rightfully be public.  While SACCI supports the principles that underlie the Protection of Information Bill, we remain concerned that there are too many opportunities for inappropriate implementation in respect of the Bill.  Such inappropriate implementation could have the consequences of concealing commercial information thereby influencing the competitive landscape.

In addition, international appeals not to establish a media tribunal, as proposed in a policy document of the governing party, indicate that SACCI’s concern is shared by global institutions.  In general, media control is not a principle that is aligned with sophisticated economies.

Additionally, the reports relating to unacceptable behaviour within both the private and the public sectors have contributed to a stronger, more competitive business environment. Furthermore, interventions by the press ombudsman and available channels for litigation provide a sound basis for regulation of the press.

SACCI believes that the right to information and the freedom of the press as entrenched in the South African Constitution make it one that is envied globally. Actions which attack its basis must be avoided by all stakeholders. SACCI therefore appeals to authorities to exercise caution in their actions in this regard, and to heed the concerns of those who oppose the restriction of information and the media.

SACCI also appeals to the media to ensure that honest and truthful reporting occurs and that journalists exercise appropriate care in the development of their reports. In particular, SACCI urges that investigative journalists verify their information before publication. SACCI also exhorts the ombud to carry out its mandate in a manner that ensures that honest and accurate reporting occurs at all times.

Unquote

Contact persons:

Neren Rau
SACCI CEO
011 446 3800

Peggy Drodskie
Executive Advisor to the CEO
011 446 3800

Statement: Public Information Campaign on Upgraded R200 Notes

Friday, 04 June 2010 07:36

The South African Reserve Bank today announces a public information campaign designed to inform the public, retailers, traders, and commercial banks about the key features distinguishing the upgraded R200 notes.

The old R200 notes have been recalled and must be exchanged at commercial banks on or before Monday, May 31^st. Anyone holding old R200 notes after this date will have to exchange them at one of the six Reserve Bank branches or at the Bank’s headquarters in Pretoria.

The public information campaign is designed to reach as many South Africans as possible with a simple set of messages. Radio spots which run until Monday, May 31^st will encourage listeners to watch TV or buy the Sunday Times, City Press, or Rapport this weekend in order to receive an explanation and see pictures of the security features on all upgraded banknotes.

The TV campaign will run on all SABC channels and on e-tv for at least two weeks. A second insert into all major Sunday newspapers follows on June 13^th.

A pamphlet campaign targeting World Cup visitors at all international airports will inform all arriving guests about the appearance and security features of South Africa’s money.

The key messages of the campaign are:

• May 31st is the absolute deadline for exchanging R200 notes at commercial banks
• After May 31st, old R200 notes can only be exchanged at one of seven Reserve Bank offices
• Banks will exchange the old R200 notes until the close of business on Monday, May 31st
• Banks are not allowed to charge for exchanging the old notes
• ATMs only issue upgraded R200 notes, they do not issue old notes

If anyone misses the deadline of Monday, May 31^st to exchange their old R200 notes, they can still be exchanged in future at any Reserve Bank office.
The South African Reserve Bank has branches in:

• Bloemfontein
• Cape Town
• Durban
• East London
• Johannesburg
• Port Elizabeth
• The Reserve Bank head office is in central Pretoria and will also exchange old notes after May 31st

Ahead of the World Cup, the message on South Africa’s money is clear:

• The latest security features available internationally ensure that all of South Africa’s upgraded banknotes are secure
• It is important for everyone to know their money
• This includes shopkeepers, traders, and government departments who can be sure that South Africa’s banknotes and coins are safe
• It is not acceptable for business owners to refuse upgraded R200 notes

To check the upgraded banknotes, look, feel and then tilt them. Check for at least three security features. These are some of the key features of South Africa’s upgraded banknotes:

• Banknote Paper
  The special quality of banknote paper and the raised print give it a distinct feel. Unlike normal paper, banknotes have a distinct crackling sound when handled
• Coat of Arms
  The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently in the front top left corner, in the gold shimmering band on the back, and in the silver shining strip in the security thread of the R200 banknotes
• Watermark
  The watermark includes the note’s value number. When the banknote is held up to the light the watermark and the value number are visible, with the light shining through
• Windowed security thread
  On the R200 banknotes the silver shining strip security thread is 4mm wide. The words SARB and RAND and the note’s value number appear when held up to the light and a Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted
• Colour changing ink
  On the R200 banknotes, the note’s value number on the front bottom right is printed in ink that changes colour when you tilt the note
• Diamond shapes
  There are five diamond shapes with a raised feel on the front of the R200 banknote that assist the blind
• Gold shimmering band
  This is a very prominent feature, in gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the banknote’s value number appear

Further Information for the Media:
Brian Hoga
Tel: +27 12 313 4448
Cell: 082 896 7730
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Networking session - 25 May 2010

Thursday, 06 May 2010 10:28

Networking session: CAN BBEEE WORK FOR MY BUSINESS?

Estcourt Umtshezi Chamber of Commerce and Industry is proud to present an informative networking session. A great opportunity to learn from each other, source new clients and enjoy the company of those who are involved in a similar pursuit of development and prosperity.

Organised by: Estcourt Umtshezi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Presented and sponsored by: Zamokuhle Zwane of Ntshosho & Associates
Venue: Estcourt Golf Club
Date: Tuesday, 25th of May 2010
Time 18:00pm
Cost: R20/person, light snacks provided

The presentation is aimed at improving understanding of how BBBEE works. 

It is targeted at business owners, procurement managers and any person who wants to improve their knowledge on the subject.

The session will be interactive and will allow you to engage and learn from others.

BBBEE affects us all, you just have to know how to navigate the process!

Please come and join us, all businesses are welcome!

Network Session - 23 March 2010

Tuesday, 02 March 2010 19:23

Network Session - Why Businesses and Projects fail

The often disastrous assumption is that people who are experts regarding technical details of a product or service will also be expert at running that sort of project or business. Many people fail to realize that just as they had to learn their technical skills, they have to learn business growth and project management skills too.

Being honest with yourself and realizing your weaknesses enables you to build systems to counter act them. A positive result of systemizing your business and your life is more free time to grow your business and equally important,
enjoying a better quality of life.

Whether you run your own business or manage a department within a large corporate company you can benefit from the concepts of this simple but powerful talk on the keys to building systems and managing projects.

Organised by: Estcourt Umtshezi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Venue: Estcourt Golf Club
Date: 23 March 2010
Time 18:00
Speaker: Grant Vernon
Cost: R20/person