DECEMBER 2014

AHi in a nutshell The AHi’s new officials

• National Organised Business Second vice- platform president Dr • 110 business chambers Ernest Messina, • 20 000 business members one of Western (corporate, medium, small and Cape's top Employers’ Association) business • Average turnover: >R3 million leaders >R1 billion annually • 500 volunteers driving the national and provincial council, specialist committees and business chambers of the AHi • Between 450 to 500 business network sessions at local, provincial, national and inter- President - Prof First vice-president national level annually Tommy du Plessis, Christo Botes, CEO of • Development of 600 young Director of the NWU Business Partners entrepreneurs thus far Business School • CoGTA and SALGA endorsed co-operation with local munici- palities. AHi shares concern Read inside about country’s economy

Highest honour for he AHi recently held its annual congress at Umhlanga along the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. The discussions 3 Tover two days were constructive and very positive. Development This organisation shares in the concern of many business people about the country's economic situation: programme for start- up entrepreneurs 4 • The triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and in- equality has to be addressed and this is not only govern- George wins ment's responsibility. • There is a shortage on the trade account of the country's President’s trophy 5 balance of payments, government spending is too high and the ordinary South African's debt is shockingly high. Don’t underestimate • We cannot afford a further downward adjustment of the country's credit rating. the power of women • With a growth rate of about 1% the country cannot do all the 7 things necessary to achieve its economic potential. • Nevertheless, the AHi has the structures, through its Continued on page 2 continued from page 1 in this country. • Corporate and business members as well as its business chamber network, to Then there is the networking function unlock this potential. within and outside our country's boundaries. International ties include It is now more or less three years since the chambers of commerce in Belgium, the National Development Plan came to fruition Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan, SANEC due to a variety of business leaders and the countries and the USA. facilitating role of Mr . The upliftment and training role that is After a lot of debating about the pros and played among existing and potential cons of the plan over the last three years, business enterprises should also be there is consensus among the majority of mentioned. business people that we do not have another choice but to make this plan work. What is However, unnecessary duplication exists clear is that “planning” has been completed because there are several organisations and that “implementation” is crucial. similar to the AHI, pursuing the same aims and one should look for “mutual ground” in At the recent AHi congress in Umhlanga two order to increase the synergy and impact ministers were present, namely Mr Pravin of organised trade and industry. In order Gordhan, responsible for local government, to play a proper role in especially the and Ms Lindiwe Zulu, the new minister of country's policy aspects, the different Small Business. In these two areas an organisations should be better organised. organisation as the AHi's relevance can be undoubtedly proved. At the congress in Umhlanga it was again confirmed that the AHi is an inclusive • At the congress it was heard that nu- organisation concerning language and merous business chambers are working race. In the majority of the business with their local governments, in a critical chambers, Afrikaans is most probably the but constructive way, to improve especially lingua franca, but this does not restrict service delivery. Business chambers are access to membership. At our recent keen to continue and extend this involve- congress more English than Afrikaans ment. They don't want to argue, they want was spoken! to help, as in this way they also assist local business people. For individual members of business • In the past year the AHi has started with a chambers the relevance of the AHi would programme of entrepreneur development. increase, should the value proposition to More than 500 young entrepreneurs of all members be adjusted and extended in languages and creeds have been trained such a way as to make provision for and the top 16 were honoured at this modern business practices and congress. These young upcoming entre- technological developments. preneurs need guidance. Where will you get better teachers or mentors than within This remains one of the AHi’s major the business chamber network? challenges in 2015. • The majority of our members are small businesses and I don't have to elaborate Prof Tommy du Plessis, on the important role that the small President, AHi business sector plays in our country as job creators. The National Development Plan also indicates that about 90% of the Congress 2015 11 million jobs that have to be created by 2030, should be created by the small and medium-sized business enterprises. In consultation with the directorate, the provincial and national council, the These are only two practical examples that decision was made to hold the confirm the relevance of the AHi and its Congress for 2015 in George, in the members. In addition, there is the influencing Western Cape. role that the AHi can play on the highest level

2 AHi congress 2014

Pravin Gordhan receives AHi’s highest honour

ravin Gordhan, right and served on the Gordhan's 'Back to PMinister of boards of Sanlam and basics' campaign, aimed Cooperative Governance Sasol. Sanlam entrusted at improving service and Traditional Affairs, the M.S. Louw award to delivery and was this year's recipient the AHi in 1976 to be accountability at of the MS Louw Award. It bestowed on business municipal level. is the highest honour the leaders who made an AHi annually awards to a exceptional contribution In his response Gordhan South African personality to the South African pointed out that given the that plays an influential business world and history of our country, he role in the South African economy at large. values the award a lot economy. and regard it as one of Ben Deysel, former the highlights of his Previous recipients were president of the AHi, in career. Louis von Zeuner, former his speech paid tribute to deputy chief executive of Pravin Gordhan 's He praised the AHi as an ABSA in 2012 and Sipho contribution to the affiliate of BUSA for its Nkosi , CEO of Exxaro, transformation of the role in promoting local who received the award South African Revenue economic development in 2013. Service. and building an inclusive economy. The M.S. Louw award He also praised Gordhan refers to Dr MS ( Tinie ) for his role as the former It is especially the role of Louw, a co-founder of the Minister of Finance and chambers at local level AHi and who served as the footprint he left on the and the entrepreneurial AHi president from 1944 international economic training provided by the to 1956. He was also an stage. He also pledged AHi that impressed him entrepreneur in his own the AHi's support for most.

Minister Pravin Gordhan receives the AHi’s highest honour, the MS Louw Award, from former AHi President, Ben Deysel

3 AHi congress 2014

Development programme for start-up entrepreneurs

In her presentation, minister Zulu endorsed the National Development Plan (NDP) as the basis for the development of small business. Not only does the NDP emphasise the role of the small business sector to create jobs, but it promises extensive support for small businesses through better coordination of all relevant agencies, development finance institutions and public and private incubators. Minister of Small Business, Lindiwe Zulu, with start-up entrepreneurs during the AHi congress Furthermore, it promises to reduce the cost of financial support and to provide better access for small and medium The recently held AHi Congress was a turning enterprises to financial services. It further point for the organisation's role in enterprise commits itself to reduce red tape, to development in . Sixteen start-up provide ongoing training to all workers and entrepreneurs from all over South Africa to support local industries and job creation attended the congress which was held at the through ensuring that preference is given Sibaya Conference Centre in Durban. They to local industries when it comes to public were selected from more than 600 and private procurement. entrepreneurs throughout South Africa who attended the AHi's entrepreneurial Minister Zulu also referred in her programme for start-up entrepreneurs. presentation to the commitment and zeal of Afrikaans-speaking businesspeople and It is rolled out in cooperation with local encouraged the young entrepreneurs to chambers and the participants had to submit follow in their footsteps. business plans which were then evaluated by experts. ABSA, as the national sponsor, She however made it clear that her enabled the AHi to pay for their travelling and ministry will not tolerate abuse of financial accommodation costs. The opportunity to support provided by her department to interact with Minister of Small Business, assist start-ups, as well as poor financial Lindiwe Zulu and to rub shoulders with management and extravagance. experienced business people was a Conversely accountable, growing and memorable experience second to none. The sustainable businesses under leadership of BUSA was also in attendance. leadership will be rewarded.

4 AHi congress 2014

Business Chamber of the Year Award George wins President’s trophy

The winner of this year's AHi financial training to emerging and professionally run Business Chamber of the entrepreneurs in Thembale- chambers play at the Year competition is the thu, mentoring the Kanna-- local level. Both pledged George Business Chamber land Small Business their commitment to that won the AHi's Development Chamber and work closer with local President's Trophy. the establishment of business chambers and George Business Chamber, chambers in the Great Brak want to see local with its 263 members, is River area. Willie also serves chambers actively highly active in the Southern on the board of AHi Western participating in local Cape and focuses on Cape and has a weekly slot government ward activities aimed at promoting discussing various aspects committees. networking between related to business and the established business local economy on Eden FM. The AHi, as a member members and providing of BUSA, also empha- training opportunities for Cooperation with munici- sised its commitment to young entrepreneurs. palities is a priority for both work with municipalities George and Waterberg and the ministry for Networking sessions for the Business Chambers. small business develop- past year provided a host of In their speeches, both ment to improve local contact and business ministers Pravin Gordhan, economic circumstances opportunities for members. responsible for local and to help bring about More than 15 such events, government, and Lindiwe an inclusive economy which focussed on themes Zulu of the ministry of small through the such as why networking, business, emphasised the empowerment of young first impressions, personal important role that inclusive entrepreneurs. branding, success stories, body language and attitude, pitfalls of networking, the im- portance of follow- up, management of cultural diversity and conflict were organised.

Dr Willie Celliers, current chairperson of the George Business Chamber is also passionate about empowering business people. Initiatives related to this involve entre- preneurial training in cooperation with the AHi for young Dr Willie Celliers, chairperson, and representatives of George business entrepreneurs in George, chamber, with ministers Gordhan and Zulu

5 AHi congress 2014 Business Chamber of the Year Award Waterberg wins Vice-president’s trophy

The chairperson of Waterberg Business Chamber, Fernando Goncalves receives the vice-president’s trophy

he Waterberg Business Chamber in different business role players in South TModimolle was appointed the Business Africa. Chamber of the Year in the medium category at the AHi's congress in Durban on 10 October Two issues stood out during the congress, this year. namely: • There are still incredible business This congress was attended by representatives opportunities in South Africa notwith- of the largest companies in South Africa and of standing several challenges that our business chambers right through the country. economy faces. In this regard the Messrs Fernando Goncalves (chairperson), central message is that with each Gerhardt Breytenbach (management member) change a new opportunity is created and Ms Sonette Ebersöhn (PRO) represented and that positive people are needed to the Waterberg Businesss Chamber at the see and exploit those opportunities; congress. • There is a need for closer cooperation between the role players in the private Some of the prominent guest speakers at the business sector and government, which congress were Mr , Premier of includes local government on grassroot KwaZulu-Natal, Minister Pravin Gordhan, level. The AHi and the business Minister of Cooperative Government and chambers can, together with other Traditional Affairs, Minister Lindiwe Zulu, business organisations, such as BUSA, Minister of Small Business and Messrs Willie in an organised way, play a construct- Lategan of Barclays Africa and Theo Vorster, ive role in this regard. well-known financial expert and TV personality. The highlight of the congress was the gala Business representatives of the Waterberg dinner that took place after the formal agreed that it was a privilege to attend the activities and where Waterberg Business congress and that it was a revelation to Chamber was appointed as the winner of experience the positive spirit between the medium business chambers. 6 AHi congress 2014 SA Chamber of Business Women Don’t underestimate the power of women

The year 2014 will be remem- We were privileged to have mobilise and up-skill the bered for a number of mile- Deputy Minister of Commu- ordinary South African to stones. These include South nications, Stella Ndabeni- deliver extraordinary Africa celebrating 20 years as a Abrahams, as our main business results. Anita democratic nation, holding free, speaker. The Minister has Botes, an agent at Harcourts fair, transparent elections and encouraged the women to fully Witbank, was the winner in the first year that as a nation participate in the country's the Corporate Category. She we celebrated former President decision-making processes. “It is a success-driven person Mandela's birthday in his can never by correct that we, with a passion for people absence. politicians, sit somewhere and and wants to see positive Furthermore, 2014 reaffirms SA draft policies ... But when we results in all she does. Council for Business Women as hold public hearings or The President for 2015, an organisation that has meetings, people do not come Cerita Nagy, and the two remained true to its commit- to engage and propose ideas vice-presidents, Diana ment of women empowerment that will benefit them. She also Jansen and Mallory Lambert as it marks our 26 years in said that it is important for were also announced at the existence. I have personally women to make use of plat- Gala function. appreciated the platform that forms such as the SA Council The partnership with The the organisation has provided for Business Women in order Job Club will open oppor- for women from all back- to increase the participation of tunities to create sustainable grounds in relation to personal women in the mainstream income and business and business growth. This has economy. through the members of the been in numerous forms, but The highlight for the year is SA Council for Business importantly it's through travel- finding the “diamonds” for our Women. Their support to ling across the country to Business Women of the Year create job and business branches and networking with competition. I am always opportunities will bring a women that I have come to amazed to listen to the suc- positive change to our appreciate that as a collective cess stories of the participants communities. we share more similarities and who succeeded and are proud The iDuc project, our social passion for both the organ- to enter the competition. The responsibility initiative, aim- isation and the country in transformation process is ed at promotion of “No relation to the plight of women important to grow our organ- violence against women and and their advancement thereof. isation and it is noted that the children” has touched the Amidst great progress in the national finalists this year lives of many. The pilot in past twenty years in advance- represent the different Potchefstroom set the ment of women, there remains nationalities and the youth. benchmark for the support of huge responsibility on our The Council's 2014 Business crises centres and the shoulders to continue to seek to Women of the Year received training of laymen council- empower other women on the awards during the gala dinner, lors to give support in com- periphery. Too many women and Ivy Meyer of Lakeside in munities and to create jobs. both in South Africa and around Cape Town, walked away with Negotiations with the NWest the world continue to face the award for Woman Entre- University is in progress. barriers to financial independ- preneur of the Year. Meyer The members of the SA ence. When women lack was awarded for successfully Council for Business economic power, communities running two projects that em- Women with their expert suffer! We must remove econo- power her community, espe- knowledge are our greatest mic barriers for women in our cially youth and people with asset. We have to use this value chain. We can no longer disabilities. Meyer, who is the asset to grow this organisa- afford to waste the potential of Director of Rapitrade 458 Pty tion and to be seen and half the world's population. It is Ltd and a founder of Out of experienced as an organis- both a matter of justice as well Africa Dance Academy, was ation that women would as good business and econo- thrilled to be recognised as desire to become members mic sense. one of the outstanding women of. We must not underesti- The SA Council for Business among many. Abigail Mahlan- mate the power within Women celebrated its achieve- gu, owner of Tushiyah women and the difference ments with its National Con- Services won the Professional we can make if we stand gress and Gala on the 13 category and her business together and have the same September 2014 in Pretoria. was born from a desire to focus and goals in mind.

7 A H I C O N G R E S S ‘14

Business Woman of the Year Ivy Meyer, Cerita Nagy, newly elect president for 2015, Elise Coetzer of the Job Club, Hester du Bruyn, previous SACBW president, Anita Botes, winner of the Corporate Category and Abigail Mahlangu, winner of the Professional Category

From left, Riaan Oden- daal, Christo van der Rheede, Mr Banie Claasen, Barclays Africa, main sponsor of the AHi congress, KZN MEC for Social Development, Mrs Weziwe Gcotyewa Thusi, Mr Edward Senzo Mchunu, Premier of Kwazulu-Natal, who opened the congress, and Ben Deysel

From left, Christo van der Rheede, guest speakers Mr Theo Vorster, Minister Pravin Gordhan, Minister Lindiwe Zulu, Mr Willie Lategan, Ben Deysel and Prof Carolina Koornhof

Sakkie Jacobs of Vanderbijlpark receives an honourary award from the AHi and Vanderbijlpark Business Chamber for his involvement over 40 years

8 Ansie Nieuwenhuis, A chairperson of AHI- H KZN, host of this I year’s congress, with C Theo Vorster O N G R E S S ‘14

KZN-leaders Aart Verrips (left) and Riaan Odendaal (right) with Minister Pravin Gordhan

Santam representatives John Lomberg and Ms Ray-Ann Sedres with Minister Pravin Gordhan

9 MEMBER LIST PROVINCIAL COUNCIL Chairperson:Hettienne von Abo-Moolman

Ms H Von Abo-Moolman Vice-chairperson: AHi Free State 056 515 3549 of 083 439 1140 [email protected]

Mr M Claase Mr W Venter President: AHi Mpumalanga Vice-chairperson: AHi Mpumalanga [email protected] 082 452 9306 [email protected] Ms L Claase Alternative: AHi Mpumalanga Mr C Thomas 013 656 1567 of 084 556 8414 Vice-chairperson: AHi Free State [email protected] 051 407 8374 of 082 575 9268 [email protected] Ms A Nieuwenhuis President: AHi KZN 031 903 8158 of 082 923 7850 Mr R Odendaal [email protected] Alternative: AHi KZN 082 923 8480 Mr G Marais [email protected] Chairperson: AHi Gauteng 012 664 6559 of 083 284 1993 Mr E Coetzee [email protected] Alternative: AHi Gauteng 012 305 2380 of 078 120 0162 Ms Y le Roux [email protected] Chairperson: AHi Eastern Cape 083 649 9378 Mr W Cronje [email protected] Vice-chairperson: AHi Eastern Cape 083 432 8108 Mr J Janse van Rensburg [email protected] Chairperson: AHi North West 082 450 0451 Mr P Malan [email protected] Vice-chairperson: AHi North West 082 801 5038 Mr O King [email protected] Chairperson: AHi Western Cape 028 424 2890 of 082 613 9183 [email protected] Mr S Rayban Vice-chairperson: AHi Western Cape Mr C Vermeulen 082 578 1572 Vice-chairperson: AHi Limpopo [email protected] 082 897 2766 [email protected]

10 AHi - CALENDAR 2015 DATE MEETING TIME VENUE FEBRUARY 2 February Audit committee 15:00 - 16:30 AHi offices 10 February Directorate 09:00 - 12:30 AHi offices MARCH 19 March Chairperson’s forum 09:00 - 11:00 Western Cape Provincial Council 09:00 - 11:00 National Council 11:15 - 13:00 Lunch 13:00 - 14:00 NR work session, speakers 14:00 - 17:00 Network function 19:00 20 March Board of Trustees 12:00 for 12:30 Western Cape MAY 18 May Audit committee 15:00 - 16:30 Ahi offices 26 May Directorate 09:00 - 12:30 AHi offices JUNE 11 June Chairperson’s forum 09:00 - 11:00 Pretoria Provincial Council 09:00 - 11:00 National Council 11:15 - 13:00 Lunch 13:00 - 14:00 NR work session, speakers 14:00 - 17:00 Network function 18:30 for 19:00 JULY 13 July Audit committee 15:00 - 16:30 AHi offices, Pta 21 July Directorate 09:00 - 12:30 Sandurst President: Lunch 12:30 - 14:30 Sandhurst AUGUST 13 August Chairperson’s forum 09:00 - 11:00 Midrand Provincial Council 09:00 - 11:00 National Council 11:15 - 13:00 Lunch 13:00 - 14:00 NR work session, speakers 14:00 - 17:00 Network function 18:30 for 19:00 31 August Oudit Committee 15:00 - 17:30 AHi, Pretoria SEPTEMBER 8 September Directorate 09:00 - 12:30 Sandhurst Trustee meeting 12:30 - 14:30 Sandhurst OCTOBER 21-23 October Congress George NOVEMBER 2 November Audit Committee 15:00 - 17:30 AHi, Pretoria 12 November Chairperson’s forum 09:00 - 11:00 AHi, Pretoria Provincial Council 09:00 - 11:00 National Council 11:15 - 13:00 Congress, resolutions, pl. 11:15 - 13:00 Lunch 13:00 - 14:00 National Council (cont.) 14:00 - 17:00

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