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The motor industry strike is very worrying as our economy is only starting to show signs of strengthening after 2009’s recession, and this could take us back to that low point. With strikers demanding an increase of 15% and the Automobile Manufacturers’ Employers’ Organisation (AMEO) offering 7%, the strike may end up creating distress with export orders, portraying a rather poor outlook to the rest of the world. Not only will the market be affected, but workers will be without income – creating more stress on families and breadwinners, pulling the economy down further. Kevin Hustler, PERCCI CEO

We respect employee’s rights to strike and to negotiate for improved wages. Public servants are urged to bear in mind the affordability of increases in a time of economic stress and rising unemployment. The public service plays a pivotal role in delivering to the needs of the people of our country, and we are concerned at the impact of the strike on service delivery.

We do however welcome unions’ statement that they are open to negotiations. And we hope that the parties will reach agreement soon as this is not the picture our country should be portraying after such success and positive ratings after the World Cup. Kevin Hustler, PERCCI CEO

NMB on the international map

Hosting the World Cup has put Nelson Mandela Bay on the international map and given the city’s business community a bumper winter holiday season, PERCCI CEO Kevin Hustler said on the eve of Friday’s quarter-final.

The crucial Brazil-Netherlands match is set to be the high point of the city’s World Cup experience and has seen demand for accommodation soaring and the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium readying to experience its first full-house.

He said the Chamber had received numerous reports from satisfied accommodation and hospitality providers, and foreign tourists delighted by the city’s attractions, safety, friendliness and spirited atmosphere.

Hustler congratulated the municipality and the business community on a sterling job thus far in hosting the tournament. “The organization has been slick and efficient, and our fan park is providing a great family experience for locals and visitors alike, its success reflected in the third highest attendance figures of all the fan parks in the country,” he said.

The event has provided great brand exposure for the country and Nelson Mandela Bay, showcasing our infrastructure, superb tourism facilities, and proving the nay-sayers wrong by demonstrating South Africans’ can-do attitude, efficiency and friendliness, he said.

“The potential benefits of hosting the event have been hotly debated and difficult to predict but, now that it is here, the reports of full accommodation, bustling restaurants, jubilant international fans, and a vibey fan fest in St George’s Park, confirm the lasting benefit to the city,” he said.

“Business is heartened by the nation-building impact of people from all backgrounds becoming overnight Bafana fans and avid soccer watchers. Flags, mirror socks, Bafana shirts abound, and these all contribute to building our unity and a spirit of togetherness which it is vital to sustain after the tournament,” he said.

He said it was crucial to begin planning to capitalize on the legacy of the tournament for tourism and investment promotion. Over the next month, the city is expecting at least three foreign business delegations, and the success of the World Cup provides the ideal platform to market the city to these visitors as a viable investment destination, he said.

PERCCI welcomes the focus by MEC Mcebisi Jonas on controlling public spending more tightly, enhancing revenue streams, and closely managing funding to ensure the public derives value and true service delivery from provincial government, as highlighted in his budget speech today. The progress with the provincial industrial development strategy is also encouraging, and business looks forward to the opportunity to engage with government to ensure delivery in this area.

The flagrant disregard of the law earlier today by the metro’s traffic officials is strongly condemned by the Chamber. The blocking of the M4highway caused enormous disruption to traffic flow, and subsequently to  business in the Bay area. The economy cannot afford such happenings at a time when we are just recovering from a recession and preparing to receive tourists for the 2010 event.

As rate-paying citizens, we expect traffic officials to uphold the law and serve as role models. A dispute with their employer is not a valid reason to take unlawful action.

We urge the parties to this dispute to resolve their differences urgently and constructively, in the interests of providing an efficient and effective public service that the citizens of this metro deserve.

Emphasising a strong need to introduce more entrepreneurs to the Eastern Cape, Ufikile Khumalo, division executive of resource sectors at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), said that sustainability and employment are main factors to be considered going forward. Speaking at a business breakfast hosted yesterday, he showed statistics from the corporation that indicate a slow down to the economic problems if Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) increases. “There is still uncertainty, but world trade flows are improving,” he said.

The release yesterday of South Africa’s crime statistics has indicated a cause for concern regarding the 75% increase in business robberies in the Eastern Cape.

28 August 2009

Making a difference in society:  Steve Koch

Having made a valuable strategic contribution in the leadership of the Chamber, GMSA Head Steve Koch, announced his retirement recently and at yesterday’s PERCCI Board meeting, members paid tribute to him for this contribution.

28 August 2009

Making a difference in society:  Steve Koch

Having made a valuable strategic contribution in the leadership of the Chamber, GMSA Head Steve Koch, announced his retirement recently and at yesterday’s PERCCI Board meeting, members paid tribute to him for this contribution.

06 August 2009

Rescue plan welcomed by organised business