Business Chamber Mailbox - Vanderbijlpark Sakekamer

DID YOU KNOW?
MAY/ JUNE 2015
 Coca
Cola was
originally GREEN…
 You weigh
less on top of a mountain than
at sea level…
 Computer
Keyboards can carry more than
200 times as many bacteria as a toilet
seat…
 According
to studies: The key to happiness is spending your money on
experiences rather than possessions...
 Apparently, if you eat
a Polar Bear’s
liver, you will die of a vitamin A
overdose.
 A snail
can sleep for more than three
years at a time
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Nersa
Eskom’s request to the National Energy
Regulator (Nersa) for an additional 12.6 %
increase in the price of electricity will
have tremendous implications for the South
African businesses and consumers. If the
application is successful, it will boost
electricity rates by a total of 25.3 %
(Municipalities’ tariff increases will further
contribute negatively to a struggling small
business sector which will come under
further pressure).
The AHi, therefore, urges all its
members to attend Nersa’s public
hearings and comprehensive
submissions to oppose it, given the
negative impact on their businesses.
Eskom’s defence that the proposed
increases are needed to cover the higher
operating costs of their open-cycle gas
turbines and to pay for power supplied by
independent procedures, must be placed
under the magnifying glass as it will result
in the cutting of all operating costs and
personnel on all levels. South Africa’s
economy is already discouraged, under
pressure and excessive tariff increases to
investment, large-scale closure of
businesses will result in unemployment.
Business Chamber Mailbox
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WORD FROM THE CHAIRPERSON
I was fortunate in the month of May 2015 to travel a little in Europe and Australia. Klippies and Stefan
relieved me on the Business Chamber. I thank them both sincerely for the hard work. It was an
incredible experience to see how other countries and cultures make a living and live. My impression of
the two continents that I visited was lovely, but I came to realise that we have a beautiful
country. Not only are we officially awarded the “most beautiful” country in the world, but we live in a
land of milk and honey, and a lot of opportunities. We have space, fruitful land and first world cities,
we live in beautiful homes, and if we all stand together we can make South Africa not only the most
beautiful country, but also a place of prosperity and economic growth. Let us be united as ONE in
South Africa the “Most Beautiful Country in the World.”
For the month of June 2015 it is an honour to announce that Klippies Kritzinger was elected as
Vice-Chairperson of AHi and I was elected as Secretary on the 19th of June 2015. I wish Klippies all
the best with his position as Vice-Chairperson. We are proud to have two “Vaalies” on the AHi Gauteng
management team.
Not such good news is the Greek state of monetary affairs. The crises is not just a reflection of the
failing of the Greek state, it is also about the failure of an Australian dream of unity, peace and
prosperity. The question now arises, is this the beginning of a dangerous disintegration of the
Australian Union, and will the euro now actively destroy wealth, stability and Australian solidarity?
Time will tell… until then let’s not forget our dream in working together; making South Africa’s dream
of prosperity, wealth and peace a reality.
Hester Davis
Chairperson
ATTENTION VANDERBIJLPARK BUSINESS CHAMBER MEMBERS
Important Dates
15 July 2015 - Snoek Festival
August 2015 - Horses Day
October 2015 - Golf Day
AHI NEWS
AHi CEO
The AHi require the services of a dynamic Chief Executive to expand the following focus areas in order to
achieve the AHi mission of self-care and inclusiveness:




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Economic development and mobilization of local businesses;
Entrepreneurs and chamber development;
Network development and labour support to employers;
Growth of the Electronic Business to Business Platform (ABCONN); and
To make advocacy on behalf of the business sector, the media and input on BUSA and NEDLAC level
supply
The successful candidate will be proficient in English and Afrikaans. The person will also have a relevant
tertiary qualification and will be supportive to be a true visionary and innovative leader to establish an
environment which can help create a business in which the investor will thrive and confidence and employment
are increased. An in-depth knowledge of international and national socio-political, business services to
members; fundraising; extensive interaction with corporate sector/ donors; and media liaison is a prerequisite.
Good financial management and administrative experience; communication, facilitation and organizational skills
will enable the person to be successful. The person must also be willing to travel and to represent the AHi on
a variety of business platforms.
Interested parties are requested to submit their CV’s, not later than 5 June 2015 to Ria Goosen at
riag@ahi.co.za via email. A competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate. The
provisions of the Employment Equity Act applies. Starting Date: August 1, 2015.
MAY/ JUNE 2015
Business Chamber Mailbox
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AHI NEWS CONTINUES...
AHi BUSINESS NETWORK MEDIA STATEMENT
REGARDING APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE AHi
To all Media, AHi Business Chamber Chairpersons, Provincial and National Council, Specialists Forum, Trustees and AHi Employer’s Organisation
Please note that Dr Ernest Messina has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the AHi Business Network as from 1 August 2015.
Dr Messina has been involved in the AHi serving in various capacities for the past fifteen years. Among others as a member of the AHi executive, as chairperson
of the AHi Western Cape and as second vice president of the AHi Board of Directors this year.
He was also deeply involved in the broader organized business environment, the establishment of CHAMSA and later BUSA. He also represented the AHi on the
Transformation Committee of BUSA.
He also has many years of practical experience as an entrepreneur, businessman and academic. Herewith an overview of his involvement in various businesses and
academic institutions:
Since 2013: Director and Co-Chair with Anant Singh at Cape Town Radio (Pty) Ltd. It trades as Smile 90.4FM
Since 2013: Director and President of Radio 021FM (Pty) Ltd.
Since 2003: Director of the Groot Constantia Trust (Chairman since 2008)
Since 2010: Director and Chairman of the Governing Body of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls
1997-2009: Director and Shareholder of National Scrap Metal (Cape Town) (Pty) Ltd.
Since 2012: Isipani Construction (Pty) Ltd.
Since 2013: Director Dinheiro Risk Management (Pty) Ltd.
Since 2012: Founder and First President of the Franschhoek Valley Transformation Charter
2006-2012: Trustee of the West Coast Fossil Park Trust
Since 2004: Member of the AHi. Serves on the National Executive and was Chairperson of the AHi Western Cape for two years during this period.
1994-1997: Founder member and Executive Member of the Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum (Wecbof).
1987-1997: Lecturer at the University of the Western Cape, History Department
1983-1984: Part-time Lecturer University of the Western Cape, History Department
1981-1982: Teacher at Schoonspruit Senior Secondary School, Malmesbury
Dr. Ernest Messina is highly familiar with the AHi, business chambers and its members. The Board wishes him all of the best with his appointment and trust that
he will take the organization to even greater heights.
|Prof Tommy du Plessis - AHi President
ABCONN PRESS RELEASE
The establishment of ABCONN (Africa Business Connect) as an online and interactive electronic
platform to promote businesses in Africa, is a major boost to local as well as enterprises in Africa to
promote growth and exploit new markets, thus Theo Vorster Executive Head of Galileo Capital and
Director of ABCONN.
ABCONN emerged from research done by the AHi Business Network and ascendance in succession of
businesses that have expressed the need to improve trade relations with Africa and opportunities
optimally. The technology that brought ascendance to the table, together with the business network
which has the AHi, has spawned a unique platform.
This platform establishes a network of businesses in the context of a business area, but because
ABCONN is subscriber rather that member based, with additional benefits for members in any
business area, it strengthens the value proposition of existing organized businesses. In a sense, this is
a first in having a Business Network integrates with all social networks and ease business-to-business
interaction on online level. According to Vorster this opportunity is available to any local or foreign
businesses, whether it belongs to a business forum or not. It enables businesses to promote, advertise, to seek opportunities to follow events, make contacts, to gain knowledge, to hold
discussion forums, webinars to rule - and much more. Everything on an electronic basis and costs
effective, according to Vorster is an extremely important consideration for businesses that want to
exploit new opportunities without having to incur high expenses. There are already more than 3,500
businesses and 100 local chambers of commerce and their members participating in ABCONN.
He mentioned that ABCONN is also very timely in light of the international focus on Africa as the
fastest-growing region in the world. It is a market with enormous potential as proven during the last
World Economic Forum in Cape Town and ABCONN is the perfect thoroughfare to utilize this
opportunity. The ideal is to transform business chambers in extensive local business networks. Africa
Business Connect in conjunction with, for example George Business Connect, Graaf Reinet
Business Connect, Upington Business Connect does not only create possibilities for exploiting new
business opportunities, but can play a major role to the factors of sustainability and competitiveness in
business environment industry.
MAY/ JUNE 2015
Business Chamber Advertisements
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MAY/ JUNE 2015
Business Chamber Mailbox
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Dear members of the NWU Vaal Alumni fraternity,
friends of the Vaal Triangle Campus, colleagues
and partners
It is that time of the year again! Yes, you've guessed
it - it is time to celebrate with the NWU Vaal Alumni
Office.
This year our theme is "YEAR OF IMPACT" .
Join us on Friday, 21 August 2015 at 18:00 for a
celebration of note!
Musician and one of the most successful artists in
our country, ELVIS BLUE will keep us entertained.
Dear Business Colleague,
We would like to extend a word of appreciation to
everyone that attended the
Business Network and Launch of
ABCONN. We trust that you
enjoyed the evening as much
as we did.
Venue: Quest Conference Estate
Date:
Friday, 21 August 2015
Time:
18:00 for 18:30
Dress code: Smart casual
Costs: R2500-00 per table of
10
( when booking per group for 10
people)
OR R270-00 per person for
individuals.
Payment details will be forwarded
on request.
A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
MANY
THANKS TO
THE BON
HOTEL RIVIERA ON
VAAL FOR THE
VENUE
MAY/ JUNE 2015
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Business Chamber Mailbox
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Municipal Elections
Election Type: 03 Jun 2015 By-Election
Province: Gauteng
Municipality: GT421 - Emfuleni [Vereeniging]
Ward: 74201005
Voting District: All Voting Districts
Registered Voters: 2,645
CANDIDATE SUMMARY
CANDIDATE NAME
PARTY NAME
MAUREEN SYLVIA DOROTHY
AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
PHILLIPUS NOTHNAGEL
DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE
VOTING
VALID
% VALID
DISTRICT
VOTES
VOTERS
32940435
18
1.78%
32940457
15
1.48%
32940503
10
2.28%
32940514
17
1.90%
32940907
12
3.53%
72
1.95%
32940435
995
98.22%
32940457
999
98.52%
32940503
429
97.72%
32940514
878
98.10%
32940907
328
96.47%
3,629
98.05%
WARD SUMMARY
VOTING DISTRICT
REGISTERED
VALID VOTERS
SPOILT VOTERS
TOTAL VOTES
% SPOILT
% POLL
32940457
2645
1013
9
1022
0.88%
38.64%
32940457
2865
1014
1
1015
0.10%
35.43%
32940503
1738
439
2
441
0.45%
25.37%
32940514
2924
895
3
898
0.33%
30.71%
32940907
962
340
0
340
0.00%
35.34%
TOTAL
11,134
3,701
15
3,716
0.40%
33.38%
BY-ELECTION WARD WINNER
CANDIDATE NAME
ID NUMBER
PARTY
VOTES
%
PHILLIPUS NOTHNAGEL
4802235071
DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE
3,629
98.05%