No formal agenda was presented, because the meeting was regarded as the sharing of information and the first of a close and a continuous relationship between MLM and BCCI. Three discussion points were raised by Mr Motshumi:

• BCCI to have influence in decisions by local and provincial government

• Representation of MLM on the BCCI council

• Participation of BCCI in foreign and other trade missions

2.  By-Laws

The first issue was the involvement of BCCI regarding the tabling and passing of by-laws. Specific areas mentioned were:

• Rates and taxes, especially regarding prime areas

• Outdoor advertising

• 2010 Soccer World Cup

• Challenges facing the city, which is and African city, but competing with first world countries. An example given of the complexity of this issue is the selling of live stock, etc in any area by unlicensed vendors. Should there be any negative consequences, MLM could be held responsible.

RESOLUTION
After by-laws have been tabled, it will be presented to BCCI who can involve business and other stakeholders to make proposals on the by-laws. These proposals will be referred back to the MLM committees after which normal protocol will be followed: adoption by committees; tabling of by-laws for public inputs and referral back to committees.

3.  Representation of MLM on the BCCI council

The meeting acknowledged the fact that Mr Besani would not be available to represent MLM on the council. The lack of representation from MLM the last year was a disadvantage to BCCI in achieving some of its main objectives.

RESOLUTION
Mr Thabo will speak to Mr Besani as soon as possible to decide on the appropriate person, with executive authority, to represent MLM on the council and to formally indicate the decision to the chamber.

4.  2010 Stakeholder’s meeting / Business Breakfast

Stakeholders must be informed about the real challenges of and more importantly the practical implications of being a host city and province for this event. Processes need to be put in place so that there are no repercussions afterwards and people felt that they were excluded from the activities – prevention of the “unattended consequences”

PROPOSAL
To have a major event for the stakeholders in the Free State to inform them on latest developments, by-laws, etc. regarding 2010. That this event be hosted in collaboration with BCCI. Stakeholders will include associations representing construction, transport, security, hospitality & tourism, other chambers (FS and NC) and sectors within BCCI.

RESOLUTION

• That Mr Thabo speak to the Mangaung CEO, 2010 in this regard and present this proposal to him

• BCCI will use its publication to inform the public on current developments regarding 2010

5.  Foreign Trade Missions

MLM has benefited from trade relations (youth centres, etc), but not business. Trade missions do not include organized business and are not creating any business opportunities.

PROPOSAL
That a meeting be scheduled with Mr Nepo Masitela to strategize how BCCI can get on board. That Mr Masitela then present this proposal to the executive mayor so that this issue can be taken up at policy level. The proposal should also include the financial assistance of MLM to include representatives from BCCI to accompany foreign and other trade missions.

6.  Mangaung to obtain Metro status

MLM wants business to support its proposal to the National Government to grant Mangaung metro status. Issues regarding municipal bonds were discussed as well as the importance of the private sector investing in the municipality and its infrastructure.

For this to realize business must have confidence in the municipality and there is currently a lack of collaboration between the province, the city and the private sector.

RESOLUTION
BCCI needs to play a major role in driving this collaboration

7.  Specific areas for proposed developments & investments:

7.1              Railway line to Maseru
7.2              Development of human settlements
7.3              Urban development process
7.4              Rapid transport system
7.5              Redesign and development of taxi ranks

In some cases funds have already been approved but no mandates are in place.

RESOLUTION

• BCCI must act as drivers in the processes as indicated above as well as  other issues to be identified

• BCCI will arrange a breakfast meeting where Mr Thabo will inform business and other stakeholders on the proposed RAPID TRANSPORT SYSTEM.

8.  Conclusion

BCCI and MLM need to have meetings like this on a regular basis to address issues that will be mutually beneficial to the province the city and the private sector. This collaboration is vital for all parties.
 

ARTICLE IN MEDIA 24  |  THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2008

After a turbulent time in 2006 - 2007, the turnaround strategy of the BCCI council is now bearing fruit. Since the new council took over around June 2007, a new management model has been implemented and its focus is to make the BCCI more relevant and dynamic in serving its members.

A full time CEO (also acting as CFO) has been appointed and cost saving strategies have been implemented as well. BCCI’s bi-annual statements already show a surplus and the council is positive that there will be a positive cash flow towards the end of the financial year. The standing Audit and Finance committee revises financial statements every month and act if problems arise.

The BCCI council consists of 16 elected members and 4 co-opted members from the business and corporate world who add know-how and vast experience to the council.

Membership of the BCCI has great potential and many advantages. The BCCI is the largest business organization in Mangaung and serves the interest of business through continual interaction and interventions with the Provincial government, the MLM and other stakeholders. A close working relationship has also been established with the foreign relations office of the MLM.

The BCCI can save business people time and money through participation in its networking and other events, publications and website. With these opportunities people are introduced to potential partners, suppliers and clients. Important contacts are made.

Apart from negotiations at local level, the BCCI is also very active in building business relationships with prospective foreign investors. We are currently in negotiations with the People’s Republic of China (through its ambassador, the Consulate General and trade missions from the People’s Republic of China), the United Arab Emirates (through its ambassador and embassy), and Indonesia (through its ambassador and embassy). We will soon see the ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh as well as the High Commissioner of Namibia.

The BCCI’s goal is to build a network of local and international contacts and to do everything in our power to serve our members and the central region to the best of our ability.
 

 
BCCI hosted a very successful meeting between members and non members with a panel from ESKOM, CENTLEC and MLM. Other key attendees were from the local Traffic Department and BloemWater. The meeting was attended by +/- 80 people including members of the media.
 

 
A meeting was held at the SAB offices, where a strategy was adopted prioritizing guidance and assistance to businesses in the province to be more vigilant against crime specifically those on the increase. The first course of action will be to inform business on what measures to implement to protect them against crime, especially during the next months of regular power cuts. BCCI will keep its members informed on developments.
 

 
The Plato Project:
The BCCI in partnership with VOKA Chamber of Business (Belgium) embarked on the Plato Project. Last mentioned is the first project of its kind, launched in SA, for existing SME’s to enhance/develop entrepreneurs with regard to business skills and problem solving at all levels in the business environment.

GTZ project:
The Department of Labour together with the German Government launched the GTZ project, with BCCI as an important stakeholder. The project will consist of “on-hands” training in the working environment for new entrepreneurs who want to start their own new businesses.
 

 
Ongoing negotiations are taking place between BCCI and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China regarding investment opportunities between businesses in the central region and its twin cities of Wuhu and NanJing in China. In the near future a date will be published for a special meeting to be addressed by the Consulate General and will focus on the envisaged cooperation and investment prospects.
 

 
BCCI has established a relationship with the Foreign Relations Office at MLM and we hope to be included in all foreign trade missions in the future.