MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY CHAMBER MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY
19 JUNE 2003 AT 17H30 IN THE ESKOM BOARDROOM

Present

Emél Brown, AVA; Marlene Dreyer, NW School of Design; Eaan Algera, Your City; Collin Hyman, Old Mutual; Johan Kruger, DRD; Gerard Naus, SBDC; Suné Rowan, Ad Value; F van Wyk, Chamber of Business; Mohau Selebalo, Shadrack Thobedi

Apologies

Robbie Holmwood; Ferdi van Niekerk; Amareza Buys; Kobus le Roux; Ben Mosala; Thembile Ntsizi; Ronnie Groesbeek; Joubert Barnard; Johan Grobler; Susan Botha; Mitch Hill; Daan Adlem; Danie Oosthuizen

WELCOME / APOLOGIES

The chairman Emél Brown, welcomed everyone present.

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MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES, 24 APRIL 2003 & 22 MAY 2003

The minutes of 24 April were accepted as read and correct, moved by E Algera and seconded by C Hyman. There were no matters arising from the minutes.

The minutes of 22 May were accepted as read and correct, moved by E Brown and seconded by F van Wyk.

E Algera felt that people doing presentations take up too much time and that the topic should be relevant to the business sector. Emél mentioned that a decision was taken that in future presentations will only be given every alternative month and that it should only be 15 minutes. The presenter should fax or e-mail the presentation to the office, 2 weeks before the meeting.

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FEEDBACK/PORTFOLIOS

• PROUD2B KLERKSDORP
  A logo was designed for Proudly Klerksdorp though they foresee problems with Proudly South Africa. The majority of feedback received was in favour of the name Proud 2B Klerksdorp as opposed to Proudly Klerksdorp. More information can be obtained from Eaan Algera 462-2122 or 084 702 3499. Your City designed and sponsored the website, www.p2bk.co.za
  
  All chamber members are invited to become members of Proud 2b Klerksdorp. Certain criteria will apply and an acceptance clause should be signed. Stickers will be displayed in shop windows, car bumper stickers and on letterheads. Eaan and Sandy Botha will make a media release. Proud 2 B Klerksdorp signage will be put up in Klerkdorp.
  
• LABOUR
  Johan Kruger reported that due to the strong Rand, the mines are downscaling and reducing their labour force. Hartbeesfontein Mine laid off 1200 labourers. ARM Gold merged with Harmony Gold. The merger is due to influence the labour force. Johan mentioned that before staff are laid off, they negotiate with other mines to determine whether labourers can be transferred.
  
• ARTS & CRAFTS
  Vaal Triangle Technikon, North West student's artwork, as well as posters of the Ubuntu Centre for Enterprise, were exhibited on 27 April at the Oppenheimer Stadium at Vaal Reefs, that formed part of the Freedom Day celebrations.
  
  The History of Mural Painting Workshop was presented to 15 unemployed youths by the Fine Arts: Communications 3 students of the Technikon. On 6 June an exhibition of lecturers and students' artworks was held at the Rethabile Children's Home. The exhibition formed part of the RCH's annual fundraising event.
  
  Amareza Buys received a VTT Holiday Research Study Bursary to investigate ‘Children and Creativity’ in Paris, France.
  
• LOCAL GOVERNMENT/SMME
  Collin said a Budgeting office will be set up before budget is approved. Black Business Forum wants each item to be displayed.
  
  According to the Clinic sister no exact figures can be given on HIV/Aids as it is not a notifiable disease in terms of legislation.Collin reminded everyone of the bi-monthly meeting between City Council and businesses.
  

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SEMINARS/ACTIVITIES/FUNCTIONS

• Marlene mentioned that she and Ronnie met with the people from the National Productivity Institute. The NPI wishes to identity manufacturing companies with 40 and more employees. Klerksdorp is one of 9 areas that have been identified by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in co-operation with the NPI to help build productivity capacity and better co-operation, collaboration and understanding between management and staff. Response is awaited from the companies to whom the invitation was sent. A workshop will be held to explain the programme in more detail.
  
• BEE conference will take place on 23 July in the Auditorium. Letters were sent out to all members. Marlene mentioned that especially young people do not know what BEE is. If all Business, and not only big businesses, (where BEE programmes are in place) implement a BEE programme, everyone can benefit financially. We should all support this initiative to make South Africa a better place.
  
• Business Promotion & Networking Supper 6 August: Detailed information will be sent out to all members.

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GENERAL

• A Khuzwayo (Manager Economic Affairs and Corporate Comm.) reported that the President, Mr Thabo Mbeki, visited Klerksdorp on Freedom day, 27 April. On 12 April, the Minister of Public Enterprise Mr Jeff Radebe, was the key note speaker at a gala Dinner of the SACP.
  
  Unisa is training 40 students as tourist guides, 10 of which are kids from this area - they will graduate in September.
  
  During July Mr Ronnie Kasrils will visit Klerksdorp to participate in the "Walk for Water" event.
  
  A policy decision was taken, that hawkers will not be allowed to trade in certain specified areas.
  
  Negotiations were held with Shoprite to erect a shopping mall in Jouberton.
  
  Regarding the name changes in the city it is reported that a meeting was held but attendance was very disappointing. Names suggested for the Council were Matlosane, Matlobe, Bishop Tutu. The names of prominent streets will not be changed.
  
  The pay rate for services, is still poor. Khuma is a problem area. An 80% pay rate should be maintained to break even, whilst their pay rate is only 7.5%.
  
  A centralised report on crime was requested in order to determined what the crime trends in the KOSH area are.
  
  A traffic court will be established in Klerksdorp in order to reduce the number of court cases in other courts.
  
  The pay card parking system was accepted.
  
  To put up CCTV cameras will cost about R2,8m. Line rental is about R500,000 per year.
  
  Klerksdorp was voted the CLEANEST CITY in the North West as well as the ENGEN City of the year, for 2003.
  
  Damage done to street signs remains a problem, and increases during school holidays. Marlene suggested that a campaign be launched at the schools to encourage learners not to steal or vandalise street signs and name boards.
  
  A Tourism Lekgotla was held earlier this year. Speakers were Simon Kerr (who was involved in the establishment of the Midlands Meander, and Marian Brooke, CEO of the Crocodile Ramble (Hartbeespoortdam). The Potchefstroom University and the Northwest Parks and Tourism Board also gave presentations. Places of interest were visited. The meeting took note of the newly formed Klerksdorp Community Tourism Association. The idea of establishing a meander was raised, and talks were already held with residents of Ottosdal where there is a great interest in planning and establishing of such a meander.
  
  The Mopani/SALGA development train will stop at Klerksdorp from 29 to 31 July.
  
• Inspector Koloane reported on crime statistics. During May the crime rate was down compared to April, although the statistics do not include Jouberton. There was an increase in drug related crimes. The decrease in crime can be related to more visible policing. People are still leaving visible items in motor vehicles. It is the aim of the sector policing forum to get the public more involved. Collin mentioned that the ban on shopping bags can be a problem for the storekeeper, and asked whether SACOB has any recommendations in this regard.
  
• Collin asked about the involvement between Toyota and Hoër Tegniese Skool. Eaan explained to him that the workshops at the school were upgraded by Toyota and that the motor mechanical training will be done by trained mechanics of Toyota. They are able to train between 20-30 per annum. It is extremely important that business people become involved in education. Collin suggested that a visit should be paid to the facility. Chamber must inspire other businesses to get involved.
  
• Eaan enquired after Business person's breakfast because it is a good opportunity for networking amongst all business people. He will approach a restaurant for possible participation.
  
• NW School of Design will host a Ladies tea on 21 June. Dezzo Trading (Mandy Wessels) from Pretoria, opened a boutique at 70 Central Avenue, Flamwood where they will sell the students’ designs. Marlene said that the proposed designs for the redecoration of the Halls at the Civic Centre (re: Minutes 27 March), are ready for presentation to the City Council. CTM approached the School to assist them in the revamping of their shop.
  
• Emél mentioned that the problem of street children begging at certain intersections and shopping centres was discussed at an executive meeting. A possible solution was to erect street signs “DO NOT KEEP THE CHILDREN ON THE STREETS BY GIVING THEM MONEY” and the Chamber’s telephone number, where donations may be made towards the Atamelang shelter, where these children are clothed and fed.
  
• Collin mentioned that the Rotary club got involved with an entrepreneur and Bolt and Engineering supplied electrical tools to a coffin maker.

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The meeting concluded at 19h10, and the next meeting is on 17 July 2003.