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

Present

Thembile Ntsizi Chairman, Heather Pappas & Thys Brits Digicore, Freda van Wyk & Ronnie Groesbeek Chamber, Emél Brown AVA Studios, Mandla Madonsela Vaal Technikon, D Mochwanaesi Vuselela College and Pule Lesotho Shy Guy Interactive (KOSH Excellency Awards) M A Khuzwayo City Council, D Bezuidenhout Copy Manie, Ben Mosala Kopano Brickworks, Liz Smith BMF,Isaac Tshabalala SMEDI and 8 people representing Management and Tourism Council, Ventersdorp.

Apologies

Frans Roos Kosh Info, Collin Hyman, Ferdi van Niekerk, Robbie Holmwood, Elsa Phillips, Marlene Dreyer, Daan Adlem, Casper Minnaar Mitch Hill, Johan Bezuidenhout, James Venter, Eaan Algera & Joubert Barnard

WELCOME / APOLOGIES

The chairman welcomed all present and requested those present to introduce themselves and the companies they represent. He extended a special welcome to the group representing the Ventersdorp Business & Tourism Council, who wishes to start a Chamber of Business in Ventersdorp and approached us for some assistance.

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ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES 18 SEPTEMBER & 16 OCTOBER 2003
& MATTERS ARISING

Both sets of minutes were accepted as read and correct.

Ronnie referred to the minutes of 18 September and the concern of Director D Govender i.r.o. Hooliganism, during the weekend of the Street Festival, of people who see this as an opportunity to have drinking parties. They start on the Friday before the Street Festival and continue until the early hours of Sunday morning. They cause great disturbances and fights ensue which results in the police spending a lot of time and manpower to attend to this. Another problem is that the criminals are aware of this and then target areas outside the CBD. Ronnie approached some of the committee members of the Street Festival to come and address us at a meeting. They were not available and we will invite them again in the New Year. RG

AK referred to page 4 of the minutes of 18 September and informed the meeting that the Youth Summit has been postponed. The date will be communicated as soon as it is available. The SMME Expo has also been postponed to end January 2004.

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FEEDBACK

Ronnie reported that the Firewalk had to be cancelled due to lack of interest. We will arrange the Firewalk for 14 February 2004 (Valentine's Day).

A letter was sent to the MEC for Transport regarding the N12 as well as a letter to the MEC for Local Economic Development regarding the 2012 Development process; as a follow up to questions posed on the subjects, at the recent Imbizo held in the Banquet Hall on 23 October.

The chairman gave some feedback on his attendance of the BEE Workshop in Mmabatho on 18 November, where he gave a 15-minute presentation and signed an agreement in support of Black Economic Empowerment. 100 Signatures were added to the list from various business organisations such as Khula and Ntsika as well as the MEC for Economic Development & Tourism.

Ronnie commented on a reply received after enquiries about teachers being brought in by the Education Department, from England and Whales. (See minutes of 18 September). When the Minister Mr Kader Asmal was in Ireland to meet with Minister Clark, the UK offered to sponsor 200 teachers to come to South Africa to conduct second language teaching (in deprived areas). The Minister made it clear that South Africa was not interested in importing Teachers to teach, but is interested in a programme for upgrading the Teaching Skills of English Second Language Teachers and to advise on Teaching Strategies.

The intention is to bring in about 12 Teachers from England for this purpose. South Africa will only pay for their accommodation. The UK will carry all other costs.

This is exactly the same arrangement as is presently in place with the Cuban Teachers who are assisting with the upliftment of Mathematics Teaching skills of Teachers in certain areas.

Dr Mochwanaesi of Vuselela College mentioned the Launch of the new College to be held in the Auditorium on 25 November.

AK requested information from the Colleges on specific guidelines as to the subjects or areas that students available for in service training, should be mentored in. D Mochwanaesi & M Madonsela

M Madonsela said that a logbook is kept of the student's areas of interest and training. Many students approach businesses for in service training themselves.

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SEMINARS/ACTIVITIES/FUNCTIONS

Ronnie requested members to submit suggestions for events which they would like us to host for 2004 i.e. seminars, workshops networking events, etc. Members were also reminded of the last networking breakfast for the year on Wednesday 3 December at 07h30 for 08h00 At L'Zardz Restaurant. WTH Management Services will give a presentation on safety management and compliance in the workplace. ALL

AK reminded all present of the last Council meets Business meeting to be held on Wednesday 26 November in the Council Chambers at 17h00.

Liz Smit the Chairperson of Black Management Forum extended an invitation to all members to support the BMF Banquet on Friday 28 November in the Jaap Steyn Hall. Tickets are R150 per person and R250 per couple. A table seats 10 people and costs R1 500.

AK reminded members of the Stop & Stretch project in support of the Arrive Alive campaign on Tuesday 16 December from 08h00 to 18h30. Motorists en route through Klerksdorp will be stopped and given some refreshments and the opportunity to stretch their legs. He requested support from the business sector for this project. ALL

AK will send a schedule of planned activities and meetings for 2004 to the Chamber office for distribution to our members. AK

A schedule of Chamber meetings for 2004 will be sent to all members and City Council Representatives. RG

Pule Lesotho of Shy Guy Interactive, informed the meeting of the KOSH Excellency Awards to be held at the Markotter Stadium on Saturday 6 December 2003. There are 8 Categories: Education, Sport, Social Development, Business/Entrepreneurship, Entertainment, Media, Local Government and Honorary/Lifetime Achievement. The purpose of the event is to motivate business to constantly improve service and to support local. Nominations will come from the public and 4 awards will be made in each category. For more information, Pule can be contacted on 072 634 5494 or nominations can be submitted to the Chamber office (details above). Various well known groups will ensure excellent entertainment and several well know TV celebrities will be attending, i.e. Generations, Pasella, Geraas, Top Billing, 7de Laan, Sport Stars and more.

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GENERAL

The chairman extended warm Christmas wishes to all members and their families.

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CLOSURE

The meeting concluded at 18h40. The Chairman invited all present for refreshments in the adjoining hall.

NEXT MEETING 22 JANUARY 2004