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Annual report 2015/6

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Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry 2015/16 Annual Report

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

INTRODUCTION

The Durban Chamber of Commerce can proudly declare that it has played a fundamental role in building Durban’s vibrant business community for over 160 years, and through constant and

determined endeavour, it continues to exceed members’ expectations on a daily basis. One word best describes the Chamber’s current position; “landmark”! It has achieved many goals during 2015 and made giant strides forward. The past year was filled with remarkable activities that created a solid foundation for the Chamber to better support commerce in the Durban region. With fresh modern premises and visionary new leadership at the helm, the DCCI demonstrated that it has the ability to represent the regional business community and the resources to support and introduce initiatives which attract new businesses and industries to the region.

Through collaborations and dedicated committees, the Chamber’s efforts have led to the formation of many support structures for members, some of which will be detailed in the

report below. The Chamber will continue, in the years ahead, to collaborate with businesses, government, and other organizations to elevate the region. It will also advocate tirelessly ensuring that Durban has the best possible climate for doing business. With these goals in mind, the Chamber will continue to develop innovative, supportive and sustainable programs which will ensure that every member has a benefit they can draw on to grow and better their own business.

The Chamber will carry on collaborating with local organizations, communities and elected officials to guarantee that it remains the Voice of the local business community, advocating for commerce through public policy, economic development, health, and education.

As the Chamber moves forward with the clear undertaking, i.e. “to Leverage a Legacy”, it looks back on a year filled with hard work and team effort, and looks forward to celebrating the greatest milestone to date – its 160th Birthday.

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

POLICY AND ADVOCACY

The Chamber’s Policy and Advocacy Department made admirable strides this year. The Standing and Area Forums, the heartbeat of this Department, provided invaluable opportunities for Chamber members

to discuss matters of common concern and for the Chamber to intervene where necessary. The Chamber made submissions on the following in 2015: The Nuisances and Behaviour in Public Places By-Law; EThekwini Municipality’s Annual Report 2014/15; EThekwini Municipality’s Budget 2015/16; The Review of the 2014 Version of the KZN Provincial Growth and Development Plan; The Border Management Agency Bill; The National Export Development and Promotion Bill’s Call for Evidence; Draft Regulations Prescribing the Atmospheric Emission Licence Processing Fee; The Proposed SETA Landscape; Eskom’s RCA Application under the MYPD3 2013/14; The Proposed Amendment to the Price Preference System (PPS) Guidelines on the Exportation of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Waste

Scrap; The Demand Response Programme under the Department of Energy; Reports to the Ad-Hoc Parliamentary Committee on attacks against foreign nationals, and The Department of Home Affairs Amendments to the Immigration Act.Stakeholder engagements focused on the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network (IRTPN).

The first of these was an “Investor and Real Estate” breakfast in partnership with the EThekwini Transport Authority at which public private partnerships along new routes of the IRTPN were discussed. It also gave property developers insight into the potential land use along the transport corridor. Feedback was given to the City on the type of zoning which would see maximum investment along these corridors. Further engagements focused on the Freight and Logistics sector and discussed vital freight corridors and the improvement of the city’s transport network from the Harbour inland. Other engagements also highlighted key issues such as public private partnerships regarding

Truck Stops, Staging Areas, and Packing Stations. The Department engaged with the Port and Transnet regarding “Truck Appointment Systems” to ease congestion on the Durban Port Container Terminals. Chamber members are encouraged to use this system as this is seen as a solution to the congestion in and around the Port and the City as a whole.

Several other engagements where undertaken with Transnet and the Department actively encouraged the use of the Truck Appointment System to the membership.

The Department became involved with two working groups under the Aerotropolis Steering Committee, namely, Working Group 2 on “Economic Growth” and Working Group 4 on “Spatial Planning”. These working groups form part of the Provincial Strategy to develop the areas around Dube Trade Port. The Chamber is encouraging business to become involved in these projects from an early stage.

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

The Department partnered with the Port Evolution Conference to discount members’ attendance fees. This platform discusses key issues within the port environment, and the Chamber’s Durban Port Committee will now be at the centre of the 2016 African Port Evolution Conference strategy.

The introduction of The Border Management Agency Bill was closely monitored. Meetings with SARS, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Health were held to discuss operational efficiency within the Port environment together with the implementation of

a Border Management Agency.The Manufacturing Promotion Forum within the department partnered with organisers of the Manufacturing Indaba and arranged discounted access for Chamber members to attend the conference.

Subsequently, the department also negotiated free Energy Assessments with the National Business Initiative for our members to be involved in the all-important Industrial Energy Efficiency program to discover how to enhance our local manufacturing business practices.

The topic of “Innovation” was highlighted exten-sively during the Manufacturing Indaba and was regarded as key. As a result, the department partnered with the City on the “Innovate Durban” program and will continue to work closely with the City to put structures in place that will make Durban businesses more innovative and the city an entrepreneurial hub in all industry sectors.

GO!DURBAN STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM MEETING WITH PETCO GO!DURBAN STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

Load Shedding remains a concern. Several Electricity Stakeholder engagements where undertaken with the aim of establishing both a good understanding of the impact on business, as well as supply constraints faced by Eskom and the City’s Electricity Department.

As an interim measure, the department lobbied the city’s electricity department for a change in the Load Shedding schedule in April 2015 to assist with members’ operational requirements. Through the SACCI Policy Committee, the department met with the Chief Director for Energy under the Department of Energy and initiated negotiations on the Demand Response Programme. The Chamber had earlier established that current Load Curtailment agreements were clearly not proving to be effective as numerous complaints were still raised during the stakeholder engagements.

The Chamber has electricity usage statistics from NERSA on the KZN Province and arrangements to facilitate load curtailment agreements with the City as well as the Demand Response Programme with the Department of Energy. The Chamber has made submissions to NERSA on Eskom’s RCA Applications for the MYPD3 tariff increase proposal. This resulted in the application of a 16% increase being reduced to 9.4%.

Crime and Grime issues are fundamental to Durban’s reputation for being a top tourism destination. The department advocates for Durban’s inner city improvement. The department first interacted with the City’s Legislative Drafting Department and lobbying for the introduction of the Nuisances and Behaviour in Public Places By-Law. The “Durban Chamber’s Business Vision” addresses crime/grime and vagrancy/homelessness issues. The Chamber is now

formally represented on the HSRC Homelessness Committee through the Chairperson of the Central Area Business Forum, and has also engaged directly with City Management via the Tourism Forum.

Our lobbying efforts successfully resulted in: the introduction of two new By-Laws that deal with Crime and Grime namely the Nuisances and Behaviour in Public Places By-Law; and the Problem Buildings By-Law.

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

The City expanded its Durban Solid Waste (DSW) Department by more than 100 employees; approved the recruitment of more than 100 new Metro Police Officers and appointed a full time Beach Front Manager.

Through its Tourism Forum the department facilitated Concierge Tours for Hotel Concierges to familiarise themselves with the City’s Township Tourism offering.

Following the Xenophobic attacks and the negative impact of the Immigration Regulations, the Tourism Forum lobbied tirelessly for the City to improve Durban’s image.

The department also presented concerns to the Ad-Hoc Parliamentary Committee regarding the attacks against foreign nationals and highlighted the contributions made by the Durban Business community during that crisis.

The Tourism Forum helped to find employment for 100 youth in the Tourism Sector and thereby accomplished its Legacy Project. Our efforts culminated in The Tourism Awards Event which recognised Tourism Industry role players who dedicate themselves to promoting Durban as a world class tourism destination.

The Chamber’s Infrastructure and Northern Area Forums engaged with Umgeni Water and eThekwini Water & Sanitation to assess the impact of the 2014/15 drought on our members. Ongoing stakeholder communication regarding the state of water resources in and around the Municipality has been maintained. Both Forums intend to continue this exercise in 2016.

The department successfully partnered with the KZN EDTEA’s BEE Compliance and Women Economic Empowerment Departments. This initiative was created as a project to form the basis with which to compile the “2016 Women

in Business Directory”. “Women in Business Roadshows” took place across KZN in an effort to promote women-owned businesses.

“Women in Business Roadshows” were supported by SEDA, SEFA, Ithala Development Bank, Local Chambers as well as by KZN Municipal LED Managers.

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

TOURISM AWARDS 2015

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

XENOPHOBIA DISASTER RELIEF FUND AIDS 2016 BUDGET DINNER BUDGET SPEECH BREAKFAST

OPERATION PHAKISA SEMINARGO! DURBAN STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

TOURISM AWARDS COLLIN NAIDOO PHILIP SITHOLE

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

The Chamber plays a pivotal role within the global economy by supporting companies who trade internationally. It also encourages innovative business services, promotes export-led growth and provides unique platforms on which

to promote knowledge-sharing between the many Chambers around the world.

The Chamber also assists business to explore global markets and is committed to the exchange of good practice through cooperation in the area of existing and new businesses.

The Chamber enjoys excellent relations with local partners and benefits from International Cooperation Agreements with various other Chambers. Inbound Delegations included:

The North East Chamber of Commerce & Industry together with UK Trade & Investment; Namibia, through the Namibian High Commissioner in South Africa; Cameroon, through the Africa Desk at the EThekwini Municipality; Switzerland, through the Switzerland Embassy in South Africa, Consulate of Switzerland in Durban; Pakistan Electric Fan Manufacturers Association (PEFMA) through the Pakistan Embassy in South Africa; Lahore Chamber of Commerce and RICHARD COOKSON AND ROKEYA VALLI

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

BELGIUM TRADE DELEGATION

CHINESE TRADE DELEGATIONNECC AND THE DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND

INDUSTRY SIGNING A MOU

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

COMMONWEALTH BUSINESS FORUMIN MALTA

COMMONWEALTH BUSINESS FORUM

DURBAN CHAMBER WIB FORUM: CELEBRATING CULTURAL DAY

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

Outbound Delegations and overseas visits participated in during 2015 included: The World Chambers Congress held in Torino, Italy; East 3 Route to Seychelles, Mozambique, Swaziland and KwaZulu Natal; Technical visits to Zimbabwe and Zambia through our partnership with Trade & Investment KZN. While there, Chamber promoted KZN Export Week 2015 and the Exporter of the Year Awards; South African Business Seminar held in Torino, Italy and hosted by the Camera di Commercio di Torino (via San Francesco da Paola) and The Commonwealth Business Forum – Malta.

The Chamber has been hard at work taking Certificates of Origin to an online platform where members are able to process them via

ECert services. The KZN Exporter of the Year Awards remains one of the stellar events on the Chamber’s calendar. The annual KZN Exporter of the year awards took place in October 2015 and recognized companies in the manufacturing and service arenas. The number of companies entering the competition increased from last year. This initiative is supported by Transnet Port Terminals, The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Trade & Investment KZN, EThekwini Maritime Cluster, Export Credit Insurance Corporation and SEDA (Small Enterprise Development Agency).

The Chamber, through the Trade & Investment KZN – Pretoria office, hosted a breakfast for

African Embassies based in Pretoria. The breakfast, which was well attended, aimed at strengthening relations between the Durban Chamber and Africa. We intend to have more such stakeholder engagements in order to garner the necessary support for our KZN members.

“In Conversation with KZN” is a project initiated by Chamber together with TIKZN, RBIDZ, KZN Growth Fund, iThala and Dube Trade Port. The aim of this project is to join with other strategic partners to promote and market KZN to other provinces as a sound investment destination, and to establish business relationships outside of KZN. This common objective will be achieved through various brand activation campaigns.

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

HUMAN RESOURCES

The HR Forum met 10 times during 2015 under the dedicated and capable guidance of Chairperson Jacquie Bhana and Vice-Chairperson Fabian Fayers. The forum enables us to stay well informed about new legislation

and social policy issues and also provides a networking opportunity for HR/IR/Training Practitioners and Consultants.

During 2015 some of the focal points were: the IR landscape with insights into labour, political and socio-economic issues impacting on collective bargaining; the new amendments to the CCMA rules; the revised BBBEE Codes of Good Practice; a panel discussion on the question “Are South African Employees over paid”? and “Inequalities in South African Business”; presentations entitled “Why do good people do bad things”?, “Useful insights and practical implications for employers” and “SABPP HR Standards as a quality framework for high impact people management in business”.

Our CEO Dumile Cele shared her vision for the Chamber and how the HR forum can add value to this vision. She encouraged the HR forum to lead the direction of skills development and drive the up skilling of the unemployed. Other presentations included: “Developing youth skills and employment”; Workplace Wellness and feedback on the analysis of data from a survey among medium to large manufacturing firms. Legislation and Social Policy documents which were circulated included: Annual Employment Equity report; Code of Good Practice on Equal Pay or work on equal value within an entity; Amended CCMA rules; Revised Code of good Practice for People with Disabilities; CCMA arbitration award Assign/NUMSA; Employment Equity Road show notification; Summary of the National Youth Policy; Draft National Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and the BUSA commentary; Updated Explanatory note on UIF Amendment Bill; Extension of the NSDS and SETA’s to 2018; Call for comment on NSDS and SETA landscape.Issues dealt with by the front line human resource

support (via telephone, email and appointments) formed the basis for a weekly HR tip in the Digest Beat. Information sharing seminars are held as an extension of the HR forum and support the Services Department. Four such seminars took place:

• 5 Categories of Employment and critical points about fixed term contracts per the LRA amendments. (McGregor Erasmus Attorneys).• An introduction to Expatriate Employment in SADEC Countries. (Knowledge Resources).• Tax Laws Amendment Bill and draft default regulations/Introduction to Old Mutual Superfund. (Old Mutual and Fundwise).• Salary Increase Trend/Social Media in the Workplace. (PE Corporate Services and Owen Ardendorff and Associates).

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

HR BUSINESS FORUM

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

INTERNAL HR REPORTA number of changes took place internally: Dumile Cele accepted the position of Chamber CEO. This appointment was welcomed by both Management and Staff. Operations continued seamlessly; four staff members were promoted to junior management positions: a) Manager: International Business, b) Manager: Services, c) Manager: Events, d) Manager: Conference Centre.

Three other appointments were also made as follows: a) Manager: Finance and Administration, b) PA to the CEO and c) Acting Manager: Policy and Advocacy; job evaluation and remuneration review exercises took place. Anomalies were identified in terms of internal inconsistency and market rates and we

made affordable adjustments; we put an innovative Operational Plan into action which gives new direction;

The annual BBBEE verification audit was carried out and Chamber was awarded Level 1 Rating; we submitted the annual training return and skills development plans to the Services Seta and welcomed the mandatory grant refund; services Seta discretionary funding enabled four graduate interns to join the staff in June 2015.

Representative staff committee meetings continued during 2015 and HR Policies and Procedures have now been consolidated into an HR Handbook.

Performance Management reviews were conducted in December and formed the basis for salary increases.

Occupational health is considered a serious matter. The first emergency exit practice in the new premises took place and more regular safety checks will be carried out by the section 16.2 appointee and the Safety Representative.

January 2016 saw the promotion of the Manager: Policy and Advocacy after competently acting in this role. A new graduate Intern: Policy and Advocacy was also recruited.

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

FINANCIAL STABILITY

The Audited Financial Statements for 2015 showed that the Chamber achieved a net surplus for the year; a favourable variance to the budgeted deficit was also reported. This result was achieved in spite of difficult economic conditions. Thanks to the guidance of Investec and the Finance and Investment Committee, we achieved a fair performance of the investment

portfolio despite the uncertain market conditions.

Subscriptions increased by 6% in 2015 and after careful consideration the Board decided to limit the 2016 increase to 6.5%. Subscriptions accounted for 43% of operational revenue, while 50% was derived from services which showed a 20% improvement from 2014. Most of the revenue (R4 397 340)

came from attesting Certificates of Origin – a key Chamber service. Income from events was satisfactory and continues to increase. Overall expenditure increased by 3% and was contained. This was mainly due to higher operating costs which included increased rental expenditure, largely offset by the increase in sub-let revenue from the area occupied by ABSA.

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

EVENTS DEPARTMENT

Various events took place throughout the year including The Women’s Day Cruise, The President’s Breakfast, Women in Business Powerhouse Breakfast, Town and Gown Dinner (encouraging dialogue between business, Government and academia), President’s High Tea, Go Durban (eThekwini Transport), KZN Cultural Day and Women’s Empowerment Principles, Coffee Connections, a Golf Day, various International

Trade delegations and the Launch of the Women in Business Directory. Highlights were the Tourism Awards at the Coastlands Hotel in Umhlanga and the KZN Exporter of the Year Launch and Gala Dinner.The Chamber President Zeph Ndlovu supported the 21st International AIDS Conference and also addressed guests at KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu’s Business Gala Dinner.

EXPORTER OF THE 2015

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

SWISS TRADE DELEGATION

DURBAN TOURISM BUDGET SPEECH BREAKFAST WIB ROADSHOW GOLF DAY

GOLF DAY LAUNCH OF THE EXPORTER OF YEAR AWARDS

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

The Membership Department embarked on a proactive retention programme through constant interaction via courtesy calls and site visits in order to better understand what may have prompted members to either resign or to terminate their membership. In this way we are also able to determine how well our members know what services we offer and how much use they make of it. By the end of the year membership stood at 2731 active members

which included 324 new members.

We host “The New Member Forum” on a quarterly basis with the intention of bringing new members together so that they can network and introduce their products and services to one another in a relaxed environment.

This platform also allows Chamber Portfolio Managers the opportunity to showcase their own Departments’ facilities to these new members. The “New business through the Enterprise Development Initiative” enhances our existing membership recruitment drive. Corporate companies are encouraged to purchase Chamber membership for SMME’s so that they may have access to full membership benefits.

The Chamber’s Enterprise Development Department facilitated Transnet Port Terminal to sponsor full membership for 84 small businesses. We salute this undertaking.

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

The KBCC/Durban Chamber Entrepreneur Competition began in September with 21 entrants and culminated with top 3 finalists on 13 November 2015.

The top 3 winners are as follows:a) First Prize (R25 000.00) – Njabulo Sithole of Bakers Creation. Bakers Creation is based at Maphephetheni and manufactures confectionary. The company has standing orders from retailers, wholesalers and it also supplies individuals.

b) Second Prize (R20 000.00) – Adesh Naidoo of Clean Street Trading. Clean Street Trading manufactures bins for disposal of cigarette and gum litter. The double sided bins provide advertising space.

c) Third Prize (R15 000.00) – Namhla Ngubo of Harvest from Heaven Foods. Harvest from Heaven Foods manufactures, packages and distributes condiments (curried chillies and peri-peri sauce) to local food and retail outlets in the Durban area.

Other Enterprise Development Programmes included: Transnet Port Terminals sponsored three-year Chamber memberships for 84 Youth; Transnet Pipelines funded a Supplier Development Programme for Black owned companies and Chamber collaborated with Deloitte to undertake an ESD programme which targeted corporate companies and encouraged them to fund their ESD spend through the Chamber.

The Township Izimbizos took place during July 2015 as part of the Rural and Township

Development Programme. The Umbumbulu, Inanda and Klaarwater Izimbizos were attended by more than 60 people and our key partners were SACCI, SBDA, EDTEA and the eThekwini Municipality.

We hosted highly successful three-hour long free Human Resource training sessions throughout the year. Howard Bilson facilitated covered significant elements of human resources management.

The SMME Forum Meetings focused on Capacity Building and alternated between a formal meeting and a Business Clinic. Some of the topics covered included “Barriers to Accessing Funding” and “How to do a 5 minute Business Pitch”.

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

DURBAN CHAMBER AND ABSA WIB BOOTCAMP DURBAN CHAMBER WIB FORUM

DURBAN CHAMBER SMME FORUM DURBAN CHAMBER AND DELOITTE ESD PARRNERSHIP

DURBAN CHAMBER AND PWC FARANANI RURAL WOMEN INITIATIVE

DURBAN CHAMBER SMMEFORUM BUSINESS CLINICS

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

DURBAN CHAMBER AND TRANSNET ESD PARTNERSHIP THE ENTREPRENEUR 2015 COMPETITION

BUSINESS SERVICES DEPARTMENT WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS

WIB ROADSHOW

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

The advanced level Faranani Rural Women in Business Mentorship Programme encourages KZN Women in Business to mentor our programme participants. Individual profiles were developed in order to correctly match mentors with mentees.

Our members had the opportunity to meet and engage with the Pick n Pay team at the Pick n Pay ESD Seminar. They were given useful

information on how to become listed as a Pick n Pay preferred supplier. They were also familiarised with the Pick n Pay Small Suppliers Toolkit.

The Enterprise Development Department sponsored one day during the Global Entrepreneurship Week in November 2015. A group of more than 80 youth in business spent a day at the Chamber during which time a variety of

speakers drawn from the Chamber membership base were invited to address them on specialised topics.

The Chamber was also involved with the planning and execution of the Durban Fair, and with judging of the Best Stand Winner.

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

DURBAN CHAMBER CONFERENCE CENTRE

The Chamber Conference Centre is manned by a well-trained, helpful and friendly Team. It is a popular facility with our Members. They make use of it throughout the year to host a wide variety of functions

and events.

The Centre is competitively priced and this resulted in the high level of occupancy achieved during 2015. We expect to exceed this figure in 2016.

There is always something interesting taking place in the Centre, from member networking gatherings to information sharing events, forums to education sessions as well as celebrations and year-end functions. Once such experience is “The Entrepreneur Event”. This competition has seen small businesses mentored and nurtured to eventually become winners ...as well as champions and role models within their own Communities.

The Conference Centre also provides a platform for Members to speak their minds and highlight some of the most pressing and concerning issues of our time such as infrastructure and energy.

The Chamber “Supplier Development Initiative

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

DURBAN CHAMBER CONFERENCE CENTRE THE ENTREPRENEUR COMPETION EXHIBITION PNP SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

CENTRAL AREA FORUM DURBAN CHAMBER AND ABSA WIB BOOTCAMP

NEW MEMBER FORUM COFFEE CONNECTION

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

BUSINESS SERVICES The “Business Services Department”

ensures that Chamber Members derive the best value possible from their Subscriptions. The Chamber hosted 21 Seminars and Workshops during 2015

with the strategic objective of organising relevant seminars and workshops to interest small, medium and large companies, and to give them the necessary skills and knowledge to grow their businesses.

By virtue of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Chamber and one of South Africa’s leading law firms, we hosted “International Dialogues” where importers and exporters come and share their stories and challenges and get to hear first hand information from various Consuls and High Commissioners. These high level Diplomats agreed to share key information on how best to do business with or in their respective countries:British High Commissioner- Judy Dame McGregor, US Consul- Ms Frances Chisholm and India’s Consul General- Mr. Ragunathan participated. Other high profile guest speakers included Clive Smith–Ramathibela (“The State of the African Economy”), Clive Coetzee from KZN Treasury (“A Review of the 2015 Budget Speech”)

and Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng. The Chamber CEO Dumile Cele negotiated the following exclusive benefits for all members:

1. Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC): This partnership enables Chamber members and non- Chamber members to register companies, do name reservations, re-set passwords, apply for B-BBBEE certificates and file annual returns. This partnership was recently concluded and four Chamber staff members were flown to Pretoria by CIPC where they received two days of training on how to use the CIPC terminals correctly and efficiently.

2. Durban Chamber Procurement Portal:DurbanProcure is a Procurement Portal that provides members with an “access to market” solution. It facilitates business- to business connections between members and to the wider business community.

3. Medicare24:Chamber members, their families and staff are able to access this Primary Healthcare facility for as little R229 per month.

4. South African Airways (SAA):Chamber members receive up to 15% discount on flight bookings.

5. SA Express Airways:Chamber members receive 5% discount on peak flights and 8% discount for off peak flights.

6. Institute of Directors of South Africa (IoDSA):Chamber members receive 20% discount on IoDSA membership subs.

7. Old Mutual Superfund:Chamber members save R6 000 per year due to the R500.00 Participation Fee being waived.

8. Momentum Funeral Cover:Members or their immediate family can access funeral cover at lower, affordable rates.

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

CONCLUSION

We believe that The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry comprises of a dynamic team that understands business and collaboration, and who have created an environment for big and small businesses to leverage each other’s strengths.

We look forward to being of service for another 160 years to a diverse membership of businesses, of every size from nearly every industry and in each community within Durban and the greater KZN.

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYANNUAL REPORT | APRIL 2015 – APRIL 2016

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