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Cape Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Established in 1804, the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the oldest member-based business organisation in Africa. It is mandated to serve, enable and lead business. This is achieved through a multitude of services, networking opportunities as well as robust advocacy on behalf of business.

The Chamber represents business of all sizes and virtually all sectors. Our members count on us to be their eyes and ears in the Western Cape as well as on a national level, and we work tirelessly to ensure that we serve our members’ needs.

As a key player in the business landscape, the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry truly believes that we are Where Opportunity Meets.

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Upcoming Events

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Mastering Your Social Media Strategy - Workshop

20th June 2018 08:30

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Innovation Initiative Networking Event - Futurist Framework

20th June 2018 17:00

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Improving profitability through smarter work practices - Workshop

21st June 2018 09:30

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Trusts, Wills & Estate Planning Workshop

25th June 2018 09:00

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Employment Equity - Workshop

28th June 2018 08:30

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Celebrating Youth Month - Taking the Opportunity While You're Young

28th June 2018 10:00

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Developing Leadership Standards - An SABPP Perspective

28th June 2018 11:00

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Cape Chamber Central Chapter Coffee Club

3rd July 2018 08:00

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Events

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LATEST NEWS

14 Jun
Problem areas in the dti’s subsidy plan

Problem areas in the dti’s subsidy plan

The Department of Trade and Industry’s subsidy plan designed to encourage industrialists to start new manufacturing businesses needs to be revised to eliminate a number of problem areas. One problem is the tight time lines. In the Western Cape a lot of manufacturing is tied to agriculture and that means it is seasonal. In terms of the subsidy rules projects have to start within 90 days of the dti’s approval, but that may not be possible as the manufacturer will have to wait until the fruit is ripe for picking. A second requirement says that claims to the dti have to be made within six months of approval. Our members in the agri-processing industry tell us that manufacturing equipment is mostly imported and has to be specially made. This can start only after a deposit has been paid and the whole process of manufacturing, importing and installing the machines can take a lot longer than six months. Another concern is that even approved projects are subject to the availability of funds and that makes planning very difficult as there is no guarantee that the grants will come through when needed. Many of the problems relate to a lack of clarity […]

Featured Item Press Releases
11 Jun
Property valuations will be abused to increase income for the council from property rates

Property valuations will be abused to increase income for the council from property rates

  It is easy to understand the concern that the new Cape Town property valuations will be abused to increase income for the council from property rates. Government grants to local authorities have been reduced and income from the sale of water and electricity is down because people have found ways to use less power and water so we do have a city hungry for more revenue from property rates. The real problem, however, is the high cost of running the city. That includes a dozen years of above inflation salary increases. The fix is to reduce administrative costs and not to bleed property owners dry. The problem of high pay for bureaucrats is not confined to the municipalities but to the whole public service and State owned enterprises like Eskom. Ironically, Eskom has been the first to make a stand against ever increasing-salaries with a decision for zero increases for next year. Municipalities should follow Eskom’s example. Salaries in the public sector are now significantly higher than in the private sector and public sector staff also enjoy water tight job security. It should be clear to any thinking person that this pattern is not sustainable. People are sensitive to […]

Featured Item Press Releases
4 Jun
Ombudsman for SMMEs to prevent corporate bullying

Ombudsman for SMMEs to prevent corporate bullying

An ombudsman to help small and medium size businesses deal with the problem of late payments by the State and “corporate bullying” could save many jobs and make it easier to do business. It is estimated that Government departments are sitting on more than R7 billion in unpaid invoices submitted by small and medium sized enterprises and many of the firms who submitted the invoices are in danger of collapse. There are also complaints that big companies postpone payments to small firms for as long as possible, knowing that small firms cannot afford to hire lawyers or go to court. SMEs generate nearly 50% of the country’s GDP and nearly 60% of the jobs and South Africa cannot afford to see this whole vital sector of the economy abused in this way. Running a small business is tough at the best of times but if the invoices are not paid it becomes impossible. Maintaining a steady cash flow is essential for survival. Staff have to be paid every month and if the invoices are not paid jobs may have to be cut. The main problem is that small businesses are powerless in their dealings with government and big corporations. An […]

Featured Item Press Releases
31 May
State of our City – Survey to Business

State of our City – Survey to Business

A survey by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry has revealed some major problems in central city area that could damage the growing tourism industry. The survey was undertaken after a leading tourist guide reported that he and other guides had taken a decision not to do any more walking or driven tours through the city and surrounds because of deteriorating conditions. More than 56% of respondents said informal trading was out of control. Nearly 82% said that they did not feel safe as a pedestrian in the city at night and 23.7% said that they felt unsafe during business hours. This contrasts sharply with the response to similar questions on the Waterfront where 95% of respondents said they felt safe and that conditions there were clean and orderly. Law enforcement was highlighted as a problem but views were mixed. Nearly 26% said law enforcement was better than a year ago but 21% said law enforcement had got worse. A big problem was traffic control and traffic law enforcement with 53% of respondents saying the situation was worse than a year ago while 14% said there had been an improvement. Nearly 58% of respondents said the city was cleaner […]

Featured Item Press Releases
24 May
Chaos in Philippi East

Chaos in Philippi East

Crime, traffic chaos, land invasions and pollution in Philippi East have become so bad that businesses in the area are now considering closing down or moving to safer areas. The situation appears to be out of control and neither City of Cape Town, nor the police have been able to restore any semblance of order to the area. If business withdraws many jobs will be lost and the situation will get even worse. According to firms in the area, hijackings, shootings and break-ins are regular weekly events and so is stoning and tyre burning. One factory was recently damaged by petrol bombs. The land invasions have brought an extra 1 200 people into the areas and the result has been more crime and grime and a huge refuse collection problem. Business owners have spoken to their local councilors and to the City but the only result has been a suggestion that businesses should put a rent-a-cop scheme in place and pay for it themselves. The Chamber has taken the issue to the SA Local Government Association (SALGA) at a public stakeholder meeting on March 15 but the only response has been a request for more information. One of the problems […]

Featured Item Press Releases
15 May
Bus strikes ends with no real winners

Bus strikes ends with no real winners

The national bus strike has been a disaster and it has left behind only losers and no winners. If the unions had accepted the employers initial offer of a seven percent increase the workers would be better off than they are today. Instead the unions started a strike and settled for a nine percent increase, but the workers lost nearly a month’s pay because of the no-work-no-pay rule. It will take a year of higher wages to wipe out their losses and pay back the loans many of them needed to put food on the table for their families. They are worse off now than they were before the strike and a lot worse off than they would have been if they had accepted the initial seven percent offer and continued working and earning. Employers had also lost money as they were not allowed to operate and therefore had no income. Worst hit were the bus passengers who had to pay higher travelling costs to get to work as most of them were forced to use taxis. Employers also lost out as a result of higher absentee rates, workers arriving late often making it impossible to start production lines and […]

Featured Item Press Releases
15 May
City drastically reduced the proposed increases in water tariffs

City drastically reduced the proposed increases in water tariffs

The Chamber welcomes the City’s decision to drastically reduce the proposed increases in water tariffs in the draft budget, but belies the City can do even better. According to a statement by the Acting Mayor, Ian Nielson, the overall increase in water tariffs has been reduced from 26.9% to 19.9% after complaints in a record 40 000 “comments” on the budget from the public. What we cannot understand is how the City could ever have contemplated imposing these tariff increases on a population that has done an incredible job in saving water and investing in water-saving equipment, grey water systems and rainwater tanks to ensure future savings. I think this shows that both officials and councillors are out of touch with the paying public. The draft budget proposed a 55.16% increase in the tariffs for people using less than 6 kl (six cubic metres) of water a month. This has now been reduced to 10.1%. If the city can do this now, why did it not do so in the draft budget? We can only speculate that they did not try hard enough and that is a shocking indictment of both officials and councillors. They are simply too focused on extracting […]

Featured Item Press Releases
2 May
Small Business Development Expo – FREE to the public

Small Business Development Expo – FREE to the public

The Cape Chamber, with support from ABSA, will once again be hosting the landmark Small Business Development Expo. If you’re a current or potential small business owner in the Western Cape, you can’t afford to miss this. Running a small business has unique challenges and opportunities, and this expo explores them all. This is a landmark event where delegates can connect with the business community that empowers small business – including civil society, private enterprise and government. This platform will not only give small business a better idea of all the opportunities available to them, but also allows delegates to network among their peers and be left with the most important ingredient for success: inspiration. Entrance is free and the expo runs from 10 am to 3 pm on Thursday the 10th May at the River Club in Observatory. For enquiries, contact Denise  or Chantal at the Cape Chamber on 021 402 4300 or denise@capechamber.co.za or chantal@capechamber.co.za, alternatively you can book online here.

Featured Item Press Releases
25 Apr
City needs to gain control of it’s staff costs

City needs to gain control of it’s staff costs

Unless the City Council can gain control of its staff costs, Cape Town is headed for serious financial problems. In a detailed examination of the draft budget for this year we found that provision has been made for pay increases of 17 and 18 percent for the top executives, turning them all into multi-millionaires. Senior managers are set for a 13.8 percentage increase. According to the draft budget, the municipal manager will earn a total package of R4 064 276 a year or R339 000 a month. The chief finance officer is set to earn about R3.8 million. The executive director of the Mayor’s office will see his salary rise by 18 percent to nearly R3.3 million. Others in the R3.3 million bracket (R274 000 a month) include the executive directors for corporate services, informal settlements, water and waste services, safety and security, social services, transport and urban development. The Executive director for energy gets a 10 percent increase and moves up to R2.3 million a year. By contrast the Mayor and Deputy Mayor earn R1.45m and R1.2 m. When the unions see increases of 18 percent and multi-million rand packages for other senior staff, their demands will rocket. Negotiating in these […]

Featured Item Press Releases
5 Apr
Total ban on scrap copper exports

Total ban on scrap copper exports

The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for a total ban on the export of scrap copper, most of which is stolen. In a letter to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, we’ve said that a new approach was needed as copper theft was destroying the infrastructure of the country. The disruption to the Metrorail suburban train system in Cape Town is an example of the economic damage caused by metal thieves. One of our members reports that if 20 or 30 people are late for work, the rest of the 250 staff on the floor cannot work until Metrorail has delivered enough workers to reopen the production line. Others point out that if a thief steals an item worth R1 000 the loss is R1 000, but if R1 000 worth of copper is stolen from the railway signalling system, the loss can run to many millions of rands.” Most of the stolen copper is exported and this is the big problem as the international market has an insatiable demand for scrap copper that could never be satisfied. We can therefore expect copper theft to continue with increasing damage to the infrastructure of the country. […]

Featured Item Press Releases
4 Apr
City has budgeted for another three years of above-inflation rate tariff increases

City has budgeted for another three years of above-inflation rate tariff increases

At a presentation of the City Council’s draft budget it became clear that we will all be giving the City of Cape Town a lot more money in future. Projections of budget and tariff increases up to 2021 all feature increases above the expected inflation rate. Only the increase in refuse tariffs for 2018/19 matches the predicted inflation rate of 5.7%. This comes after decade of increases above the CPI. The biggest increases are for water and if any consumer uses more than 10.5 cubic metres (10.5 kilolitres) he will pay R127.13 per cubic metre. Commercial and industrial water users will pay a basic rate of R45,75 a cubic metre but they will have the option of buying recycled water for as little as R5.90 per cubic metre. Before the drought, Commerce bought water for just under R19 a cubic metre. These tariffs are based on level six water restrictions and if we have good rains they will come down, but not to pre-drought levels. In addition, fixed charges for all water consumers have been introduced. These are based on the size of the water meter. For most people they will be either R56 a month or R100. There will […]

Featured Item Press Releases
30 Mar
Provincial fuel levy an outdated concept

Provincial fuel levy an outdated concept

The idea of a provincial fuel levy is not new but it is rapidly becoming an outdated concept. The idea was proposed and approved by the Treasury 13 years ago when the ANC ran the provincial government, but it was never implemented and a lot of things have changed since then. In the present circumstances it will be unfair and hard on the poor. Cars have changed a lot in the last 13 years. Modern diesel and turbo-charged petrol vehicles have become a great deal more fuel efficient, but the poor mainly drive older cars which are not fuel efficient. That means they will be paying more than the people who can afford new cars. The Province predicted it will be four or five years before the levy, if approved, will be introduced and by that time there would be further changes to cars. In five years we can expect to see more electric cars on the road and in 10 years there will be a lot of electric cars. A fuel levy will look pretty silly then. Another way to avoid the levy would be to run cars on LPG which would avoid the fuel levy altogether. In Europe cars are available […]

Featured Item Press Releases
29 Mar
Tariffs continue to increase above inflation rate

Tariffs continue to increase above inflation rate

The businesses and the residents of Cape Town will be paying a high price for the drought and the lack of preparation for it by the City Council. The first thing we noticed in the Mayor’s budget speech was the 26.9% increase in water and sanitation tariffs. This comes after a decade of water tariff increases well above the inflation rate, and in some cases double the CPI. The Mayor’s speech was short on detail but it was clear that more than R1.4 billion would be spent on developing aquifers and upgrading treatment plants to recycle more water. This is a good thing. We have been calling for greater reuse of water for years but little was done and now we are paying for it. A lot of this work should have been done and financed by the steep increases in water tariffs we have seen over the last decade. The upgrading of water treatment works will cost more than R720m and that includes R500 m for the Zanvliet water re-use plant. Property rates will go up by 7.2%, electricity by 8.1% and refuse tariffs by 5.7%. The tariff increases are obviously averages and we have yet to see how […]

Featured Item Press Releases
20 Mar
Farmers help to save Cape Town from Day Zero

Farmers help to save Cape Town from Day Zero

Cape Town is well on the way to avoiding day zero thanks to the huge sacrifices made by the agricultural sector. We have all learned to use less water and set new standards for water saving, but we couldn’t have done it on our own. Our hope is that many of these savings become a permanent feature in our pattern of water use in both business and the domestic sector. This should ensure that there is more water available for agriculture in future. Farmers deserve the extra water. It’s important to understand that agriculture in the Western Cape relies on trees and vines. If a farmer loses an orchard it takes years to replace. Trees also remember. They have been punished by the drought and they will produce less fruit next year to improve their chances of survival. That’s nature. The planners, especially the engineers, understand the effect the drought and the reduced water rations have on agriculture, export earnings and jobs, but they’ve had no option but to restrict water supplies. The people of Cape Town have shown their appreciation by dramatically reducing their water consumption, but we have to do more. The Chamber has already urged the City Council […]

Featured Item Press Releases
28 Feb
The threat of Expropriation without Compensation

The threat of Expropriation without Compensation

Expropriation of land without compensation in a manner that increases agricultural production and improves food security is impossible. Farming has become capital intensive and without security of tenure, farmers will not be prepared to make the huge investments in modern irrigation systems and banks will not finance these projects while there is a threat of expropriation without compensation. In the last 20 years there has been massive investments in agriculture in areas like the Western Cape where exporting food, fruit and wine have become a major creator of jobs and essential part of the economy. As a result, the whole landscape of the province has changed. Productive farms use drip or micro irrigation systems, plastic tunnels and even shade netting to protect orchards against hail and sunburn as well as to reduce evaporation losses. All this costs a great deal of money but it has proved to be worthwhile and if we want productive farms to feed a growing population and our export markets we have to make sure that the investment continues. Drip irrigation systems have made it possible to plant orchards on hillsides, something that wasn’t possible with the old flood irrigation system. Modern farmers have actually increased […]

Featured Item Press Releases
27 Feb
The cabinet reshuffle still retains some problem ministers

The cabinet reshuffle still retains some problem ministers

  The new cabinet is a big improvement on the old one, but it is still too big and it does retain some problem ministers. We are surprised at the decision to move Minister Malusi Gigaba to Home Affairs. He was a disaster when he was last in Home Affairs. His impossible new visa regulations and the requirement for unabridged birth certificates did serious damage to the tourist industry and the good name of the country. He also proved to be a stubborn man who refused to listen to reason or even appeals from fellow ministers. Most of the other changes are welcomed and the Chamber is glad to see the back of “Gupta ministers” as well as the energy minister, David Mahlobo, who has strong Russian and nuclear power connections. I think that is a chapter we can now close. The big positives included the return of Minister Nhlanhla Nene to Finance and Minister Pravin Gordhan to the difficult job of sorting out the Public Enterprises. This will be a real challenge and it will take a long time, but I have no doubt he is the best man to get the process started. We should bear in mind […]

Featured Item Press Releases
23 Feb
SOPA 2018 address remarkably positive

SOPA 2018 address remarkably positive

SOPA 2018 Despite the devastating drought and fires in the Western Province, the picture that emerged from the State of the Province address by the Premier, Helen Zille, was remarkably positive. When we see the number of jobs growing in agriculture and the 11% increase in tourism then it is clear that the Western Cape is the best place in South Africa to do business. I was pleased to learn that 62% of the land reform projects in the Western Cape have been successful against a failure rate of 90% for the country as a whole. That is enormously encouraging and I hope our new president takes note of this achievement and the partnerships that made it possible. When success like this is achieved, it makes nonsense of radical and destructive measures like expropriation without compensation. The Chamber fully supports the Premier’s appeal to make military land in Cape Town available for housing. Building on land at Ysterplaat, Wingfield and Young’s Field aerodromes could bring people closer to town, their places of work and public transport while boosting the economy and creating thousands of new jobs. These are opportunities to transform the City and make wasted urban land productive. Other […]

Featured Item Press Releases
22 Feb
Increase in VAT doesn’t come unexpectedly

Increase in VAT doesn’t come unexpectedly

The VAT increase announced today reflects the price South Africans are paying for Zuma’s years of corruption, wasteful spending and low growth. VAT and the other tax increases are going to hurt, but we really have no option but to deal with the damage and set the scene for some healthy growth in the future. The Chamber would have preferred deep cuts in government spending with a wage freeze for senior civil servants. That would bring in some extra revenue but, more importantly, it would concentrate the mind of the public service on the desperate situation and the need to take drastic action to reduce wasteful spending. The increase in VAT was not unexpected. Our VAT rates are low by international standards but very difficult to increase because of strong opposition from trade unions and others. However we are in a crisis situation and still in danger of a credit downgrade so it was the time for Government to put the crisis to good use. In the circumstances it was right that a Minister appointed by former President Zuma should make the unhappy announcement. The zero rating of basic foods and an increase in social grants will cushion the blow for […]

Featured Item Press Releases
21 Feb
H2Know Summit & Expo – Call for Exhibitors

H2Know Summit & Expo – Call for Exhibitors

H2Know Summit & Expo What you need to know about H20 River Club, Observatory, 13th March Our relationship with water has changed forever. So the Cape Chamber has organised this unique, exciting and informative event. In addition to a host of speakers with fascinating case studies (such as the Cochabamba Water War), you also have the chance to exhibit your products and services that relate to water security. The cost to exhibit is modest, and entrance is free, so we expect substantial feet through the door. Please note that exhibition space is limited, so book yours right now – Contact Denise on 021 402 4300 or denise@capechamber.co.za The quicker you take space, the sooner we can feature you on our social media. Exhibition opens at 08:00 Speakers from 09:00 to 13:00 Exhibition closes at 14:00 See you at the expo. PS: There are also some amazing sponsorship opportunities – contact Dave on 021 402 4300 or email dave@capechamber.co.za If you’d like to register to attend the expo, please click here (attendance is FREE):

Featured Item Press Releases
19 Feb
The President’s SONA address was like drought-breaking rain

The President’s SONA address was like drought-breaking rain

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address was like a week of cool, drought-breaking rain. The dark mood has lifted, the air smells better and, like farmers, we can now plan new crops and investments. We have lived through a long season of bad news and suppressed hope, but some of the things the new president has said and done have been heartening. This is already reflected in the improved exchange rate and the rise of business confidence. The whole tone of the address was a pleasant change from the past and the commitment to serve the people was welcome. There is a long hard road ahead, but President Ramaphosa has got the priorities right. Corruption requires urgent attention and it’s already clear that the government is no longer just making promises. The clean-up has actually started and accountability is not just a word anymore. The Chamber will watch the coming cabinet reshuffle with great interest because it will give strong indications of the new direction the country is taking. We welcome his promise of a smaller and less expensive Cabinet. Some of the things that have to be done are obvious and he can expect broad support, but there […]

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ABOUT CAPE CHAMBER

Established in 1804, the Cape Chamber of Commerce is the oldest member-based organisation in Africa. The Chamber has remained contemporary and relevant with a wide range of services, including information, training, networking, trade facilitation and robust advocacy on behalf of our members. We are the voice of business.

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