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

Present

M. Smook, B. Smook, J. Friedenthal, S. Botha, H. Pappas, S. Rowan, F. Roos,
C. Minnaar, T. Venter, E. Brandt, F. van Niekerk, V. Koorzen, S. Botha, R. de Wet, J. Barnard, R.A. Brady, L. Molwantwa, K. van Heerden, E. Brown, L. Fraser, M.A. Khuzwayo, C. Hyman, T. Ntsizi, K. le Roux, D. Fouché, R. van Jaarsveld,
J. Kruger, F. van Wyk, R. Groesbeek

Apologies

M. Madonsela, R. Holmwood, V. Nicholls, D. Matlou, W. Fick, M. O'Hare,
T. Janse van Rensburg, T. van den Berg, M. Dreyer, E. Algera, J. Faul

WELCOME / APOLOGIES

The Chairman welcomed all present and extended a special welcome to 8 new members, attending our meeting for the first time. Apologies listed.

2

MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES 21 NOVEMBER 2002

All matters were discussed under the agenda. The minutes were accepted as read and correct, moved by C Hyman seconded by E Brown.

3

FEEDBACK

• Safety & Security
  Ferdi van Niekerk reported that there is still a moratorium on crime statistics. Burglaries have again occurred in Doringkruin but the perpetrators move around to other suburbs as soon as the citizens become organized and alert. Frans mentioned that since various Neighbourhood Watch Committees have been reestablished, crime decreased considerably as this is a very effective deterrent.
  
  Riani de Wet said that crime statistics can be viewed on the website of the police www.saps.org.za.
  
  Frans Roos was requested to approach some of the organizers of Neighbourhood Watch to come and address our meeting in March to share their statistics with us. We would then be able to obtain crime statistics first hand. Representatives from all townships should be invited.
  
  Bobby Brady said that transparency is required in order to address the issue holistically. The media can assist to reflect the bigger picture. Frans and Ferdi to report their progress with Business Watch to the Record, as well as statistics obtained form the various Neighbourhood Watch Committees.
  
  Ferdi mentioned that he and Frans will go and repossess the bicycles and other property of Business Watch, as a mandate was given at the previous meeting in November. They are awaiting a reply from the Commissioner for a date to discuss the revival of Business Watch.
  
  Riani raised the point of the cost of installing cameras in high crime areas. Frans mentioned that criminals soon get to know where the cameras are and avoid those areas. They then move on to soft targets, i.e. elderly people and unguarded areas. There was general agreement that visible policing is still cheaper and more effective. It was resolved that the police be drawn into a discussion on this issue.
  
  Car watch guards are registered with various private individuals. There is no specific by-law regulating these. Riani said that regulation on this should come from the police.
  
  Ferdi said that the Police are keen to establish closer co-operation between themselves and privately owned Security Companies. Sector policing is operational and the entire region has been divided into sectors 1 - 7, with a commanding officer in charge of each sector. Ferdi will report back on their progress at our next meeting.
  
• Education & Training
  Elsa Phillips reported that the training of entrepreneurs is going ahead. She once again appealed to business to take in students on a Friday afternoon to shadow in various positions, for them to gain practical experience in a typical work situation. The Global Enterprise Olympics will be held in Klerksdorp on 18 and 19 June 2003.
  
  This is the last year in which grade 12 learners will write an official matric examination. From 2004 learners will write the OBE (outcome based education) examination. Learners are only legally required to remain in school up to grade 9 (std 7).
  
  The first meeting of the colleges will be held in February after which she will report back.
  
  She circulated the NASA Certificate that was officially handed to the South African National winning team in the Global Enterprise Olympiad, at a ceremony held on 3 December 2002, hosted by our Executive Mayor doctor Magome Masike.
  
  She pointed out that the International Enterprise Olympic Committee will possibly have their Annual meeting in Klerksdorp in March 2004.
  
  Elsa was invited to become a member of the organization for Street Children, of which Mexico and India are also members.
  
  Elsa felt that the lotto money should be channeled back to the public in the form of repairing of roads, equipment for hospitals, assistance to old age homes and care for street children and AIDS sufferers. It is very well to apply for money for various projects but it takes a long time before the project receives the assistance. Funds should be allocated to specific projects directly and not through various government departments. Thembile Ntsizi and Ferdi van Niekerk supported this. It was suggested that Elsa should apply for funds for the street children project and the Entrepreneurial project.
  
  Elsa reminded the meeting that a virtual concert via web streaming would be held in Klerksdorp on 9 April. Participants will be the Zephyros Orchestra of the Technical High School and the Arifadimeheng Choir.
  
  The Child Protection Unit (CPU) has put up Post Boxes at schools for children to report information of abuse.
  
• Proudly Klerksdorp
  Ronnie reported that another meeting on the progress of this campaign will be held soon. Marlene Dreyer will report back at the next meeting.
• Local Government
  Bobby Brady reminded everyone of the bi-monthly business/council meeting to be held on Wednesday 29 January. All business people are welcome to attend this meeting.
  
  Bobby reiterated that business should be consulted in matters that impact on business before any decisions are taken by local government. Organised business will then obtain a mandate from their members. The issue of acceptance of a tender for parking meters is a typical example. Although we understand that tenders are confidential, business was never given the opportunity to make any input. No response was received on letters written from chamber to council in this regard and other matters. We should learn from this and make sure that this does not repeat itself.
  
  Bobby mentioned that 2 office blocks in the CBD have been converted into accommodation facilities. This issue to be taken up with local council in order to establish what the by-laws stipulate and who granted permission.
  
• Tourism
  Sandy Botha reported that a Tourism Officer, Annette Koekemoer has been appointed. The local tourism association has drawn up their constitution. Pressure will now be exerted on the Southern District Council for their input to promote and develop tourism.
  
  AK informed the meeting that Sandy has been appointed as Liaison and Corporate Communications Officer in the LED department. The chairman congratulated Sandy on her appointment.

  Collin mentioned the excellent presentation, which was given by Robbie Holmwood at the last business/council meeting held in November 2002. This is an ongoing matter, which should be monitored carefully, and available infrastructure carefully considered for private enterprise utilization. The viability of the mines has a great impact on this area.
  
  AK mentioned the IDP meeting that will be held on Friday 24 January at 14h00. Business was requested to attend and make an input. Bobby responded by saying that the time has come to measure progress, delivery from people elected is the issue.
  
  Chamber has made considerable input; we now need to see progress and implementation.
  
  

  Report back on Transport, Mining and Agriculture will be given at the next meeting as these portfolio managers made apologies for this meeting.

4

FUNCTIONS

• Mervyn Niland - Wednesday 12 February 2003. A breakfast would be held to introduce this world-renowned speaker.
• Tourism Kgotla - Thursday 20 February - Saturday 22 February 2003.
• One day MBA course with Mervyn Niland - Wednesday 19 March 2003. This course will be held at the Village Square at Vaal Reefs.
• Business Week - Mopani-Salga Development Train, Monday 19 May to Thursday 22 May 2003.

The above events and dates will be displayed in the Chamber newsletter, which can be viewed on line at
http://www.koshinfo.co.za/business/wcob/archives.htm

5

GENERAL

Frans Roos mentioned that CD's would now become available to members with the entire database of business categories in the area. Enquiries can be made to the chamber, which is now the central call office for information in the Klerksdorp area.

Collin mentioned the great extent of the recent hail and flood damage experienced in Klerksdorp. This type of weather phenomenon occurs once in a 100 years.

Elsa pointed out that 2 residents in Hancock Street in Flamwood had raw sewage running through their homes. AK was requested to place this on the agenda for discussion at the bimonthly business/council meeting on Wednesday 29 January.

6

The meeting concluded at 19h06. The next meeting will be our AGM on Thursday, 27 February 2003.