MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – The local Chamber of Commerce is adding value to its comprehensive services to the business community, by also serving the wider community as a very effective champion for important general civil issues.

This was the consensus when the Chamber called on the community to evaluate its present and future role, during the annual general meeting of the Chamber. The meeting was held on Tuesday and was attended by predominantly younger members of the business fraternity, who expressed their appreciation of the major role played by the Chamber in the local community.

The meeting welcomed the enquiries by businessmen from nearby Madombidzha, on the possibility of joining the Chamber. Chairperson Jana Smith emphasised that the services of the Chamber are available to members from all business sectors.

The official chairperson’s report to the meeting reflected the impressive list of activities embarked upon during the past year. A new management committee was elected.

Highlights from the chairperson’s report include the Chamber’s fourth very successful Entrepreneurs Week which reached 10 000 to 15 000 learners in and around the town.

During April 2004, the Soutpansberg Chamber of Commerce, with other role-players, succeeded in focussing Government’s attention on the dangerous situation at the first stop street on the N1 coming down from the mountain. Positive remedial action started as a result of this. The Chamber was also involved with the upgrading of the Vivo Road by the provincial roads agency.

The Chamber took action on various fronts to assist the police in combatting the run-away crime rate. The Sector Policing Forum was established and the Chamber assisted with two training sessions. Representation to the provincial authorities resulted in an increase in the available vehicles for the local police and a change in the station command. As a result of pressure from the Chamber, the high crime rate in the area received wide media coverage. The chairperson was interviewed by several radio and TV programmes. The opportunity was used to carry the message to the central government that they have to act to make the area safe and restore the peace.

The name change issue of the town was initiated by the Chamber and handed over to the Chairperson’s Association to finalize.

The Chamber is represented on the AIDS Council, gave input in the commercialization of the National Park and attended the Nkuzi Association Conference on Land Reform presented by the Minister and MEC of Agriculture, the World Bank and the Land Claims Commissioner.

The Chamber also attended the Trade and Information Seminar arranged by the mayor, Cllr Nkuzana, where a PowerPoint presentation about the Chamber’s activities and mission was presented. Those who attended were impressed by the major role which the Chamber and its members have to play towards positive trade and business activities in the area.

The Chamber had two meetings with the Mayor to advise him against the controversial plans for business development on the sport grounds. The chairperson also took part in a meeting with a director of Pick & Pay in Johannesburg.

Regular members’ functions were arranged, culminating in the annual gala evening, during which members and top performers received awards in four categories. It was decided to make separate awards for small and large businesses in future.

The Chamber has been registered as a tax exempted organization.

The Chamber’s Constitution is in the process of being updated.

Chairperson Smith expressed appreciation for the members who attended the various functions and for members of the management for their time and input.