Chamber of Commerce seeks stable business environment
One of the main purposes of a Chamber of Commerce is to attract business, industry and skills to its area of responsibility.
To this end, the Eastern Gauteng Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EGCCI), now in its 101 years of existence, strives to create an environment that will encourage business and economic growth.
The EGCCI sees its area of concern as being Springs, Nigel, Brakpan, KwaThema, Tsakane and Duduza.
It is in the interest of all the residents of these areas to have a vibrant and growing economy and this can only be done by attracting commerce and industry which create jobs.
Why do businesses choose one environment over another?
Firstly, they need markets.
To this end, Ekurhuleni East is ideal as it is close to the largest markets in South Africa, the whole Gauteng Province.
They also need infrastructure conducive to moving their goods around.
We have a network of roads that allows commerce to move easily in all directions.
Business also wants a safe and pleasant environment for their workers and their businesses.
To a very large extent, the business environment is affected by the policies of government at a local, regional and national level and it is for this reason that the EGCCI sees its mission as “promoting regional growth by uniting business in lobbying and communicating with the government – at all levels.”
We encourage all businesses to join the Chamber and participate in the Chambers affairs so that we can clearly identify the needs, problems and obstacles that enterprises experience in trying to maintain their business.
The Chamber has strong support from major industries in Springs and counts among its members’ concerns such as Impala Platinum, P.F.G., Element 6, Cobra Watertech, Lonmin Platinum, Distell, Bevcan, Liebherr Africa and many other large and medium size enterprises.
The Chamber is part of the South African Chamber of Commerce that lobbies government through business unity South Africa.
Our secretariat is in contact with all the main municipal departments about service problems.
We engage on a regular basis with the customer service manager and heads of department.
We co-operate closely with the SAPS, metro police and the local CPF in the fight against crime.
The EGCCI is involved in many other activities aimed at improving the environment for economic growth and over the next few months, we shall communicate these activities and projects in greater detail through the Springs Advertiser.
Mike du Toit
EGCCI vice president
