What is the geographic footprint of the Chamber?

Biography

What are the key functions of the Chamber?

Primarily to promote business, to facilitate introductions, to be the voice of business at municipal, provincial and government levels, in defending business in areas of poor decision-making or unintended consequences of various acts that are passed. We also facilitate opportunities into the SADC regions and work very closely with many embassies regarding trade and tourism.

We cover Region B, which includes Westcliff, Northcliff, Melville, Parkhurst, Greenside, Emmarentia, Linden, Franklin Roosevelt Park, Coronationville, Westbury, Riverlea and Langlaagte, Rosebank, Randburg, Richmond, Parktown (west of Jan Smuts Avenue), Cresta, Maraisburg and Industria.

What are the key functions of the Chamber?

To promote business, to facilitate introductions, to be the voice of business at municipal, provincial and government levels in defending business in areas of poor decision-making or unintended consequences of various acts that are passed.

What does the Chamber do to support SMMEs?

One of the Chamber’s primary focus areas is the development of SMMEs, finding opportunities for them, business enhancement in training, helping with business plans, company registrations, giving direction to ideas that entrepreneurs might have. Teaching them to form joint ventures with other small businesses and have an opportunity then to tender for work. We promote our local businesses being awarded work in our areas.

We also facilitate opportunities into the SADC regions, business introductions to other African countries and work very closely with many embassies regarding trade and tourism.

What does the Chamber do to support SMMEs?

Linda Blackbeard ran her own interior design and hospitality company before taking up the reigns as CEO of the RCCI. She is the SACCI Chamber Forum Chairlady and a member of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry board of directors. She was awarded the Pan African Award in 2018 in recognition of her achievements in the Continental Lifetime Achiever sector, CEO Global Most Influential Women in Business & Government 2018 Awards.

One of the Chamber’s primary focus areas is the development of SMMEs, finding opportunities for them, business enhancement in training, helping with business plans, company registrations, giving direction to ideas and building them up so that they can run sustainable businesses of their own.

Does the RCCI interact with government?

RCCI is affiliated to the only national chamber body, South African Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SACCI). Through SACCI important issues are dealt with directly at government level. We are also heard at provincial level and the Chamber works with the City of Johannesburg, Trade and Investment SA as well as various national government departments responsible for economic development.

Also teaching them to form joint ventures with other small businesses to grow and have an opportunity then to tender for works that may be available through the City of Johannesburg (CoJ). We promote local businesses being awarded the work that needs to be done in our areas instead of using outsiders.

Does the RCCI interact with the government on issues relevant to business?

Are there particular challenges?

Randburg Chamber would love to embrace more businesses. There is so much opportunity around and we could facilitate more if businesses joined. The more businesses stand together with their local chamber of commerce, the stronger our voice will be at municipal, provincial and government level.

RCCI is one of the chambers which is affiliated to the only national chamber body, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI). Through SACCI important issues are dealt with directly at government level. Any chambers affiliated and who are represented on the SACCI National Chamber Forum are able to bring important issues affecting business to the attention of the SACCI Board.

What does the future hold?

Our Electronic Certificate of Origin programme for export saves time and is designed for South African markets. Businesses and members can look forward to renewed focus, positive opportunities, and facilitation in the SADC region for business growth and opportunity.

RCCI has two directors on the SACCI Board. We are also heard at provincial level and endeavour to work with the CoJ and their relevant business sector committees as the local voice of business.

We are able to engage with NEDLAC, DIRCO and provincial and government departments, based on the requirements of members.

The Chamber works with Trade and Investment SA as well as various national and provincial departments responsible for economic

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