EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Windhoek Unesco Workshop

SACOB participated in an UNESCO Workshop on Science and Technology Education and Training in the SADC region that took place in Windhoek from 28 to 30 July 2003. The objective was to exchange information and ideas on science and technology education in the SADC member states.
SACOB has subsequently been requested to advise UNESCO of any initiatives that South African business has in this field. Members are requested to advise Peggy Drodskie how they are assisting to overcome the shortage of technological expertise in the country, such as supplementing the salaries of science and/or mathematics teachers, or funding the establishment of laboratories, conducting site visits to their companies for pupils etc. Business organizations in other SADC states have been requested to do likewise. Copies of inputs will be made available once UNESCO has consolidated them.

SMALL BUSINESS

Video to Train Small Business on how to Interact with Collective Bargaining Structures

SACOB has concluded an agreement with the Services Seta to produce a video to assist small business on how to interact with bargaining council structures. It is envisaged that the video will be made available at business breakfasts around the country whereafter questions will be fielded by experts. The National Association of Bargaining Councils has agreed to assist with the content of the video.

Hiv/Aids Toolkit for Small Business

The HIV/Aids toolkit that was compiled especially for small business, is nearing completion. The toolkit will be made available to interested Chambers for distribution to their small business members. A nominal amount will be charged for each toolkit.

African Connexion Magazine

African Connexion recently approached SACOB advising that they are to introduce a 15 to 20 page insert with each edition – there are five per annum – and requesting SACOB to become a partner. The insert will receive its own identity, and will be called Small Business Connexion. After due consideration of the proposal SACOB has agreed to work with the magazine on the basis that it will give their reporters leads, and where feasible, source copy for them. Members who have a story to tell are requested to contact Peggy Drodskie who will then facilitate coverage in Small Business Connexion.

Small Business Congress and Matchmaking Opportunity, Singapore

SACOB has been invited to take a delegation of small business representatives to a Small Business Congress and Matchmaking Fair scheduled to take place in Singapore.

SACOB has approached the DTI with the request that they provide EMIA funding for such a delegation. The DTI is considering the request.

In the meantime, if any member is interested in participating, or would like further details, please contact Peggy Drodskie.

Small Business Committee

Over the past two years there has been a progressive decline in attendance at Small Business Committee meetings. It has therefore been decided that a concerted effort be made to rejuvenate the committee. Accordingly a strategy meeting will take place on 09 September during which members will be invited to identify issues of concern to small business and give SACOB direction on what it should be doing. Part of the proceedings will include a discussion on the results of a survey carried out by SACOB on the needs and aspirations of small business.

CO-OPERATION AND LIAISON

La revue de I’intelligent

The publishers of La revue de I’intelligent, a French language magazine distributed in some 90 countries, has approached SACOB to assist it in documenting profiles on South Africa which will become regular features of each edition. It is intended to translate the magazine into English, and to broaden the distribution. The objective of the initiative is to facilitate and promote increased trade between France and South Africa.

It does appear that South African business will be able to get considerable global exposure if they are covered in the magazine. The first feature will be on South African wines and wine growers.

SACOB is considering the proposal, and will decide in the near future if it will assist or not.

Korean Trade Office

The Korean Trade office in Johannesburg has approached SACOB with a request that we sign a memorandum of understanding with them on co-operation between South African business and their trade office with the objective of improving two-way trade between our countries. The MOU will have no financial implications, but will make it easier for business to trade.

The Korean office has advised that their President will be visiting South Africa at the end of September, and would like to have the MOU signed at an event arranged to coincide with that visit.

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