The annual KZN Top Executive Breakfast took place on 12 May 2022 at the Durban ICC. The breakfast is an initiative of the KZN Growth Coalition, which is partnership between the KZN provincial government and the private business sector. Co-chaired by KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala and executive Moses Tembe, its primary function is to provide a top level platform for collaboration between business and government in order to drive investment and growth in the province. Due to the economic and social impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the July 2021 civil unrest and most recently, the catastrophic floods in April, much of the Coalition’s current focus is on rebuilding investor and business confidence in the province. The emphasis is therefore on mapping a strategic plan of action that will enable the restoration of the businesses and business activity that were negatively affected in the course of the past two years. The breakfast event was sponsored by Investec and was well supported, with more than 250 business executives and government officials in attendance. They included KZN Growth Coalition co-chairs Premier Zikalala and Moses Tembe; Ravi Pillay, KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs; Julia Taylor, Regional Head: Investec Specialist Bank; Stavros Nicolaou, Group Senior Executive, Strategic Trade Aspen Pharma Group; and Nigel Ward, President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In his address, Moses Tembe said that despite the devastation left by the July 2021 unrest, the province is still seen as a good place for investment, with projects worth billions of rand in the pipeline for KZN. He added that the opportunities for the province “far outweighed the challenges” and that the government was committed to working with business to rebuild the KZN economy. Premier Sihle Zikalala said that what we are currently facing as a province is unprecedented. He reported that: During the second week of April 2022, KwaZulu-Natal sustained devastating floods caused by inclement weather. To date, it is estimated that over 445 people have died, with 48 people still unaccounted for. No less than 7 639 people were affected, about 6 847 were left homeless and 43 were reported injured. Greater eThekwini has been most impacted by this inclement weather and the floods have regressed the provincial economy further after the devastating looting and Covid-19. The estimated economic impact of the floods is around R20 billion which has affected both economic and social infrastructure. A survey by the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic) shows that at least 826 companies were affected and the cost of the damages to the companies is estimated at R6.4 billion. The majority of businesses affected were in agriculture (22%) followed by manufacturing (12%). Funding for Recovery In order to fund the recovery of business the following funds are available: · The KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs will reprioritise R67.5 million towards SMME/Cooperatives Relief which has been approved by Provincial Treasury. The Relief Fund will prioritise township and rural businesses and informal traders affected by the recent floods. · The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) Infrastructure Support Grant which aims to provide 50% cost-sharing grant funding to SMMEs and large businesses affected by the floods for the reconstruction of physical and bulk infrastructure inside the premises. · The dtic Working Capital Grant which aims to provide 30% cost-sharing grant funding to SMMEs and large manufacturing businesses affected by the floods. The support includes working capital shortfalls (excluding salaries) as a result of supply chain disruptions, which could result in delayed receipt of raw materials and subsequent cancellation of sales orders. · The Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP) Industrial Loan Component seeks to assist SMMEs and large manufacturing companies affected by the floods through financing businesses that are not covered by insurance or funding the insurance cover shortfall. The fund offers an interest-free loan to affected businesses for the replacement of stock, machinery and equipment, refurbishment of machinery and equipment, fittings, shelving and/or storage facilities, commercial vehicles and material handling systems. It also covers information and communications technology equipment; and business development services which include costs for preparations for certification and pre/initial assessment costs. · The Industrial Development Corporation’s Flood Relief Fund will assist companies affected by the floods through financing businesses that are not covered by insurance or funding insurance shortfall. Those companies that are fully insured may also be funded through Bridging Facility. The funds will be used to finance working capital shortfalls, buildings and/or building improvement and fittings for the affected premises. This will be done through debt, bridging finance and term-loans. · The Flood Recovery Support Grant. Targeting businesses for inventory and based on invoices provide this support will be limited to 30 % of qualifying costs with a capped amount. · The Infrastructure Fund provides grant funding to businesses affected by the floods for the reconstruction of infrastructure. The scope of the existing Infrastructure Programme which covers companies affected by the unrest will be broadened to include support to companies affected by the floods. · Government has also set aside R500m for the Flood Relief Fund to help restore businesses, communities and livelihoods. This covers the recovery process and the rebuilding of affected infrastructure (roads, bridges, water supply, electricity, rail, and commercial buildings). The Fund is from R1 million as per the minimum funding amount and is capped at R60 million per applicant targeting companies within IDC mandate. Companies outside IDC mandate such as traders, retail, logistics, transportation, infrastructure and construction will be considered on a case by case basis with the funds limited to R10 million per strategic implementing partner (SIP) and R1.5 million per business. · Small Enterprise Finance Agency Flood Relief which is aimed at providing financial assistance to formal small enterprises affected by the floods in KZN and EC during the floods. It seeks to help restore businesses, communities and livelihoods. This is a full grant and is nonrepayable providing amounts between R10 000 and R2 million per applicant targeting non-insured and underinsured small businesses. The fund will support small enterprises requiring funding for working capital such as (equipment (including stock), furniture and fittings, tools and machinery provided that this remains below the threshold). Premier Zikalala paid tribute to the business community of our province and country for lending a helping hand in the relief efforts and initiatives aimed at rebuilding KwaZulu-Natal. He said, “We look to you captains of industry to ensure that we weather this storm and emerge out of it wiser, stronger, and more resilient.” Stavros Nicolaou, who delivered the vote of thanks, called the KZN Growth Coalition a great initiative and applauded both government and business for continuing the partnership. “This coalition sends a strong message that problems can only be transcended if people work together – and walking the talk will make a difference,” he said.

Durban businesses are in a “critical condition” following the latest flash floods that hit the city and the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast at the weekend, devastating homes, businesses and infrastructure. Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO, Palesa Phili, said the latest heavy rains had halted the recovery process in a city where businesses were already “hanging on by a thread”. Phili called on the government to swiftly repair infrastructure to improve efficiency and minimise operational disruptions. “The high-intensity rainfall over the last two days has unfortunately grounded the restoration and disaster recovery efforts that were slowly being implemented in and around the city of eThekwini.” The devastating rains come after April’s floods that caused severe damage to infrastructure, homes and businesses, and claimed the lives of more than 400 people. Major road and highway networks were again flooded this weekend, including the M7, M13, Umgeni Road, Higginson Highway, and the South Durban Basin. “This latest flash of rain, which can only be described as distressing, poses a serious and real challenge for businesses in eThekwini, as businesses are already fragile,” said Phili. Businesses were committed to rebuilding in the province, however the private sector needed the help of the government to find sustainable long-term solutions, she added. “We believe it is essential for business and government to work together to co-create workable and sustainable solutions. Due to the frequency and intensity of disasters that keep happening in the province, business have found themselves in a critical condition, and we, as the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, continue to reiterate the need for financial support, alongside the rebuilding of key infrastructure that will help businesses to recover. “We are leaning on government to be swift in their response times and to attend to the road infrastructure urgently so that employees can commute to work, cargo can move as scheduled, and the economy can experience minimal disruption in its daily operations. Rehabilitation and maintenance of key infrastructure such as roads, canals and stormwater drain systems, especially in the south of Durban, where the most damage (occurred), is an urgent issue, as this area is an operational area.” She said this was the appropriate time to activate contingency plans identified in the business sector’s meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa on 15 May 2022. Communication channels from local government were clear and consistent regarding this weekend’s flooding. She added that the government had provided information on early warning systems, including the South African Weather Service’s timeously issued level-10 warning alert. ( Original source www.freightnews.co.za )

The much-anticipated Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business Global Export Accelerator Programme (GEAP) recently got underway at an orientation session at the Fernleigh Conference Centre. The programme is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The Global Export Accelerator Programme has an overall development objective: supporting export-led economic activity, to unlock entrepreneurial opportunities for emerging Black businesses and create export-oriented employment. The programme aims to stimulate job creation and income generation for 40 SMMEs by providing them with a suite of export-oriented development support, ranging from training, mentoring, product development and international market research, to international market access and business linkages. In 2016, GIZ partnered with the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) to pilot the first export focused accelerator. Following the successful completion of that project, a number of key national stakeholders, including chambers of commerce, were interested in the model. Representatives of the enterprises from across KZN were addressed by PMCB CEO Melanie Veness and Project Manager Shân Cade who outlined the way forward. The successful GEAP participating companies are: Afritim, Alude Arts, Artxss Investments, Bright Shadow, Cheapish Online, Crosol Engineering, D Chem Group, Diya Valves International, Dlungwane Nainda Trading, Ella Academy of Design, Enermous, Hermosa Flor Cosmetics, Incasa Foods, Isivuno Food Company, Mfan Steel Fabrications, Miracle Touch Products, Monde Le Grand, My Basket Shop, Naidoo’s Wholesalers, Nonna’s Foods, Ntsu Africa, Obees Brands, Phumla Horizons, Protea Leather Natal, Qhawekazi Styles, Sibocali Traders, Simply African Made, Sindisiwe Uzuri, The Silk Route Trading Company, Top Roti’s, Vuna Seeds, Willowbrew Coffee Merchants, Zan Zan Décor, Zillon Trading and Zuri Skincare. W: www.pmcb.org.za

“The only man who sticks closer to you in adversity than a friend is a creditor.” - ( Unknown) The ranking of creditors’ claims during business rescue is, to a creditor, one of the most important aspects of business rescue. This is dealt with by the Companies’ Act, No. 71 of 2008 ( “the Companies Act” ) and has been considered of business rescue and the latter to those provided after. Further, if a creditor holds security for its claim, it’s claim will enjoy preference. Goods and services provided after the commencement of rescue can constitute post-commencement financing ( “PCF” ) and will also enjoy a preference in ranking. However, this is not automatically the case. Of particular importance is the judgment handed down in the matter of The South African Property Owners Association v Minister of Trade and Industry and Others 2018 (2) SA 523 (GP) (29 November 2016) ( “SAPOA case” ). This matter dealt with the ranking of claims of creditors who continues to provide goods or services to the distressed entity under an agreement which came into being prior to business rescue. The court determined that the provision of such goods or services does not fall within the definition of PCF and will therefore not enjoy a preference in ranking. In the SAPOA case, a landlord had requested an order stating that amount payable for rental and ancillary services qualified as PCF or costs arising from the business rescue. The court held that post-commencement financing as intended in section 135(2) of the Companies Act “relates to obtaining of financing in order to assist in managing the company out of its financial distress … It does not lean to an interpretation that encompasses existing obligations … of the company that are utilized to assist in managing the company during the business rescue proceedings.” Creditors must consider whether a basis exists upon which their claims will enjoy a preference during business rescue to ensure that claims are ranked correctly. Ranking of claims in business rescue The courts have confirmed that claims rank as follows in business rescue proceedings: first, the fees and expenses of the BRP and associated with the business rescue; second, remuneration due to employees which became due and payable after commencement of business rescue; third, secured claims by creditors for the provision of PCF; fourth, unsecured claims by creditors for the provision of PCF; fifth, secured pre-commencement claims by creditors; sixth, remuneration due to employees which became due and payable prior to commencement of business rescue; and seventh, all other claims including creditors’ unsecured pre-commencement claims and claims for goods or services provided during business rescue under a pre-existing agreement. Can a business rescue practitioner alter the ranking of claim? Practitioners have tried to alter this ranking in business rescue plans. Whether this can be done has not yet been canvassed by our courts but was considered by Retired Justice Harms when presiding over dispute resolution proceedings between the South African Pilot’s Association ( “SAAPA” ) and South African Airways SOC Ltd ( “SAA” ) during the course of the SAA’s business rescue proceedings. SAA’s business rescue practitioners had classified employees’ pre-commencement claims for meal allowances as concurrent claims in the plan. The plan was adopted. SAAPA, on behalf of the employees, argued that these are unsecured preferent claims under section 144(2) of the Companies Act and should be treated as such. SAA argued that the adopted plan overrides the statutory preference and that the employees would have to set aside the plan to enforce the claim. Retired Justice Harms found that the plan (as adopted) could not override the statutory preference and that the employees’ claims should be dealt with as prescribed by the Companies Act. If the order or preference were to be decided by the practitioners or majority of creditors, the provisions dealing with ranking in the Companies Act would have been unnecessary. Retired Justice Harms considered the structure of the Chapter 6 of the Companies Act (which deals with employees’ rights before that of other creditors) and the wording of section 144(2) when making his ruling. He found that to the extent that the plan altered the ranking, the specific provisions are ultra vires and it is not necessary to set aside the plan to enforce the employees’ claims. When a reasonable prospect of rescue no longer exists When there is no longer a reasonable prospect of rescuing a company, business rescue proceedings will be converted into liquidation. Thereafter, creditors’ claims will be dealt with by a liquidator according to the principles applicable in that scenario. The Companies Act expressly provides that the order of preference confirmed in section 135(4) will remain in force in liquidation proceedings preceded by business rescue, except for the ranking of claims for the costs of liquidation. The order of application of proceeds realised in liquidation proceedings preceded by business rescue, as set out in the Insolvency Act No. 24 of 1936 and considered in various case law, is as follows: first, secured creditors in respect of the proceeds realised from their securities and after the costs of realisation of such securities. In Diener N.O. v Minister of Justice and others 2018 (2) SA 399 (SCA) and National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and others v VR Laser Services (Pty) Limited and others [2020] 2 All SA 536 (GJ) the courts reiterated that a secured creditor’s security could not be diluted or undermined in favour of other claims such as the BRPs remuneration or that of employees post commencement claims; second, the costs of liquidation; third the BRP’s remuneration and expenses, together with the costs of the business rescue proceedings (as considered in the Diener case); fourth, employees’ post-commencement claims (as considered in the VR Laser case); fifth, post-commencement creditors’ secured claims; sixth, post-commencement finance creditors’ unsecured claims; seventh, costs of execution as prescribed in section 98 of the Insolvency Act; eighth, salaries and wages of former employees as prescribed in section 98A of the Insolvency; ninth, preferent claims afforded the statutory obligations as prescribed in section 99 of the Insolvency Act; tenth, preferent claims for taxes obligations as prescribed in section 101 of the Insolvency Act; eleventh, the claim of a general bondholder under a general mortgage bond; and finally, the claims of non-preferent concurrent creditors. Conclusion Creditors should consider their claims and surrounding circumstances carefully to ensure that their claims are ranked and afforded the requisite preference (if any) during both business rescue and subsequent liquidation proceedings. by our courts in several judgments. There are various factors which must be taken into account to determine where a creditor ranks and what dividend it will receive during business rescue. Creditor’s claims From the outset, it is important that a creditor distinguishes between its pre-commencement and post-commencement claims (if any). The former relates to amounts payable for goods and services provided prior to the commencement For more information about our Insolvency and Business Rescue Law practice and services, please contact: Magreet Henning Associate Insolvency and Business Rescue Law Tel: 010 015 5800 mhenning@coxyeats.co.za Gareth Cremen Partner Insolvency and Business Rescue Law Tel: 010 015 5800 Email: gcremen@coxyeats.co.za http://www.coxyeats.co.za

The Tronox Board of Directors has approved a total sum of R3 million to be distributed to the Solidarity Fund Floods Response pillar; as well as NGO, Gift of the Givers in their efforts of providing the much-needed support in assisting communities who were most affected by the April floods that cause great devastation in the eThekwini Metro and the districts of iLembe, Ugu, King Cetshwayo, and uMgungundlovu. “Nothing could have ever prepared us for what we saw on the 11th and 12th of April. This act of nature resulted in devastating flooding which destroyed roads, homes, businesses, schools, and areas of worship, and as big business, we cannot sit back and do nothing,” said Mpho Mothoa, Managing Director; Tronox South Africa and Saudi Arabia (KSA). Tronox’s vision is to see the donation provide relief where it is most needed and make a meaningful impact in assisting local communities in rebuilding. It is reported that nearly 4 000 homes were destroyed with an estimated 40 000 people displaced by the floods. To date, 435 died as a result of the floods with close to 55 people who are said to be still missing. “This tragedy came at a time when the KZN province had just recovered from the unfortunate events of the 2021 looting. As Tronox, we are deeply saddened by the negative impact that the floods have caused in our province and extend our heartfelt sympathy to those families who were left destitute as a result,” said Mothoa. “In line with our value, of honouring our responsibility to create value for our stakeholders, we believe this is one of the best ways to show our commitment not only to our government stakeholders but most importantly, communities as they start rebuilding from this horrific event,” added Mothoa.

Since humble beginnings in 1991, the Woodford Group has always been driven by a passion to bring to the market a product that not only caters to needs, but that also succeeds in enhancing lives. In 2022, the Woodford Group took this offering to the next level, with a comprehensive suite of services based on the concept of mobility. Mobility is more than just being about transport. It's about the holistic approach to movement - not only on the road - but beyond it as well. Over the past three decades, the Woodford Group has made this shift in thinking, having begun as a car hire company, and then branching into logistics. The company's varied history has since seen the Woodford Group become the holding company for Woodford Car Hire (South Africa's largest independent car rental company), Woodford Logistics, Woodford Bid, and WhyBuyCars - a fascinating alternative to finance that introduces the concept of car subscriptions. Committing to unparalleled quality of service and renowned client satisfaction across multiple divisions and brands is no mean feat in a shifting dynamic like mobility, yet amazingly, the Woodford Group has managed to establish itself firmly in the landscape by completely reshaping the mould that has surrounded South Africa's vehicle industry. Woodford has done this by constantly thinking beyond what's currently offered and staying ahead of the curve with the guidance of a simple, yet far-reaching, question: "How do we keep people moving?" As Group CEO, Owais Suleman explains: "We want to provide benefits to people in a way that not only gives them a product or service, but that gives them freedom to move forward in life. This means looking at the needs of people and coming up with mobility solutions that keep them moving." Woodford's fleet sits at around 2500 vehicles and its operations extend to most of the country, but the real investment towards this endeavour has come in other avenues. Ease of access, logistics infrastructure, corporate welfare and structure, financial modeling, social responsibility and the latest in technology and systems are some of the areas that the Woodford Group has focused on to improve its service, and work toward the common goal of mobility. "We've been guided by this vision of mobility in everything we do and everything we've implemented across our brands," says Mr. Suleman. "You'll find that all our divisions have been geared toward providing convenience and freedom to their respective customers - we take the concept of customer experience and journey very seriously and you'll see it in how all our brands operate." And this becomes apparent when looking at the brands themselves. Woodford Car Hire , for example, offers an industry-first all-inclusive waiver with zero excess, taking a weight off the shoulders of the renter. Woodford Bid allows people to list their vehicles for sale on an online auction site and forego the stress of dealing with buyers who may haggle and waste time. WhyBuyCars gives a very viable solution for having a car that doesn't go the route of finance and caters for changes in your needs. What's more, each brand isn't only inspired by the product or service it presents - multi-skilled teams, including in-house developers, marketers, and strategists have worked together to craft offerings that are constantly being turned around and looked at for any opportunities and potential for improvement or upgrade. On an almost daily basis, the brands are challenged to consider how the vision of mobility fits in with the changing landscapes and context of the market. The experience of lockdown in 2020, looting and riots in 2021, and most recently, flash floods in KZN this year has revealed just how quickly the needs of customers can change and need to be catered to. Woodford's response to this has been: "We'll keep you moving, no matter what." The idea is central to plans that are immediately on the horizon, including the introduction of electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles (with hybrid vehicles already part of the fleet), and partnering with global innovators for more tech-based solutions. So, what else is next for the Woodford Group? According to Mr. Suleman, bringing it all together for the sake of the customer. "Mobility is such an expansive concept and there's benefit in it for every South African. Our vision is to offer all these mobility solutions in one place - Woodford." "From renting a car to leasing one, from selling your car to finding the right way to get around -- we do it all for you in a way that is convenient and fits in with your needs and lifestyle." The Woodford Group is making waves in the industry with a focus on mobility. You can find out more about their solutions by visiting any of their divisions. Article: News24 03 May 2022

KZN has experienced the worst flood in its history and has been declared a national state of disaster. This catastrophic event has impacted the lives of many people, and the leadership of Standard Bank empathise with each and every one who has experienced the devastation. Lives were lost, homes and businesses were destroyed and roads and infrastructure damaged. As a consequence of the impact and devastation of the floods in KZN, Standard Bank has decided to postpone the annual KZN Top Business Awards event to 27 July 2022. The Top Business Awards are a highlight of the annual business calendar and are open to businesses and organisations of any size based in KwaZulu-Natal. All entrants are required to send in a written submission explaining what their company has achieved against a set of key criteria as appropriate e.g., benefits for the company, employees, or community. “We would like to convey our deepest condolences as Standard Bank KZN, to all the families that have lost loved ones due to floods and rains. Our sincere sympathy goes to all business communities and households that lost property or suffered destruction. We are aware that many businesses and households are busy trying to rebuild their businesses, infrastructure, and properties,” said Reggie Gambushe – Standard Bank KZN Head: Local Market Consumer Clients. “At Standard Bank we remain committed to assisting our clients and communities to rebuild what has been lost, by supporting humanitarian relief initiatives. As a community we have displayed immense resilience through the Covid 19 pandemic as well as the July unrest last year, and we remain confident that together we will bounce back from the recent floods and rebuild our beautiful province to what it once was,” added Gambushe. “Standard Bank and KZN Top Business are cognisant of the fact that there are many businesses who have performed phenomenally well, under extremely challenging conditions, and these businesses deserve to be recognised for their contribution to the economy and society.” Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business encourages all qualifying businesses to enter the awards. He said, “The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards are undoubtedly a fantastic way to share your story and showcase the calibre of the work you’re undertaking in the province. The emphasis is on what makes your business standout in the category selected.” The 2022 categories are: • Business Innovation • Entrepreneur Resilience • Digital/System Implementation • Employee Wellbeing • Small Business Start-up • Community and Social Responsibility • Family Business • KZN Top Brand • Business Personality of the Year You may enter your own organisation for an award or nominate a third party. Entries close on 1 July for written submissions. The Top Brand award is based on public SMS vote only and voting for this category closes on 24 July at 8 pm. To vote SMS the letters KZN to 33808 and follow the prompts. The award proceedings on the 27 July at The Capital Zimbali will be live streamed to ensure greater opportunity for participation by all stakeholders. For more information on entering visit www.kzntopbusiness.com If you have any questions about the awards, entry process or event, please email gayle@mweb.co.za . #BankOnUs For more information Gayle Adlam 0836530465 gayle@mweb.co.za

Barclays International Banking has become the first Patron Member of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK Ltd. As the first Patron Member, Barclays will work with the South African Chamber of Commerce UK on promoting commerce into and out of South Africa and supporting Barclays clients resident in South Africa seeking overseas financial solutions and those looking for wider wealth advisory support around relocation or financial emigration from South Africa to the UK. From 16th – 25th May 2022, Barclays International Banking will be holding a series of in-person events in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, supported by the SA Chamber UK. The events will see Barclays’ specialists come together to give their views on the fast-escalating global events and their potential significance for wealth management. Barclays’ behavioural finance expert will offer tips on how to avoid making knee-jerk financial reactions in volatile conditions. Those interested in attending can register via the Barclays International Banking website . The South African Chamber of Commerce is a conduit for trade and investment into and out of South Africa and through its SA regional Chapters, the SA Chamber creates a forum and meeting point for businesses who have an interest in developing local and international business activities. The symbiotic partnership between Barclays and the South African Chamber of Commerce will add value to the members of the SA Chamber through its own regional and international networks and the Barclays International Banking proposition. Barclays has over a century of history of serving clients on the continent and furthermore, has an extensive track record as one of the world’s oldest financial institutions, having been around for over 330 years. In Africa, Barclays is fully operational across Private, Investment and Corporate Banking and is focused particularly on Sub-Saharan Africa. It has a state of the art office in Johannesburg with an experienced team of bankers as well as over 75 staff globally that have deep ‘Africa experience’ and bring the full ‘Power of One Barclays’ to clients - connecting them to the broader Barclays’ offering and unlocking the full capabilities across the group. Sharon Constançon, Chairman of the SA Chamber, commented: “Barclays and the South African Chamber of Commerce have a long standing relationship and we are delighted that Barclays Private Bank has become our first Patron Member. Together we will be able to provide our members with a variety of solutions to meet their very individual needs and make a positive impact on South African trade.” “It is through these quality members that the SA Chamber are able to provide business solutions at so many levels to our members, from sourcing ideas, to finding markets, to supporting businesses to export for the first time, and in this case, providing a solution to international banking needs.” Amol Prabhu, Country CEO: South Africa and Africa Market Head, Barclays Private Bank added: “We are pleased to have become the South African Chamber of Commerce’s first Patron member and look forward to working with the members of the Chamber to further develop strong UK and South African links. In addition to our multi-business presence in South Africa, this patronage is yet another example of Barclays’ commitment to South Africa as a key market.” As a result of Barclays’ history, UK headquarters and global reach, many South African clients have ‘an emotional connection’ with the Barclays brand having held their first bank account with Barclays or some having even benefitted from a Barclays’ scholarship to the UK. As an independent, stable, financial partner with a strong South Africa / Africa - UK corridor, Barclays aims to support clients in every part of their journey.” Melanie Aimer, Head of International Banking, Barclays Private Bank, said: “Barclays International Banking has a strong presence in South Africa and connects individuals with local market expertise and a financial network that spans the world. I’m delighted that as the South African Chamber of Commerce’s first Patron member we will be able to work with their leadership to bolster the positive impact they are having in South Africa and support members’ core financial needs across the South African - UK corridor.” About South African Chamber of Commerce UK Limited The South African Chamber of Commerce UK Limited, is a UK based not for profit organisation that promotes global trade and investment for South Africa with a direct focus on the trade between the UK and SA and into Africa. As a Chamber we support South Africans trading from and into South Africa, relocating to the UK, finding markets or sourcing investment. We provide a global community for South Africans reaching into many continents through local UK regional Chapter communities, SA based regional Chapters and links to other SA Chambers of Commerce internationally, complemented by networks and links developed by the SA Chamber in the UK. Being relevant at many community levels we allow for face to face networking at a local level in the UK, South Africa and in many other geographic locations.” About Barclays Barclays is a British universal bank. We are diversified by business, by different types of customers and clients, and by geography. Our businesses include consumer banking and payments operations around the world, as well as a top-tier, full service, global corporate and investment bank, all of which are supported by our service company which provides technology, operations and functional services across the Group. For further information about Barclays, please visit our website www.barclays.com Contact details: South Africa Chamber of Commerce UK Limited: Annette Christie, Head of Administration achristie@sachamber.co.uk Barclays Private Bank: Melanie Hunt, Media Relations Melanie.hunt@barclays.com

The 30 April is looming; It’s that time of the year again. Businesses should be compiling their workplace skills plan (WSP) and annual training report (ATR) and submitting them online before this deadline. Skills development has become a strategic priority for enterprises wishing to attain or retain an acceptable B-BBEE level and also meet the requirements of the Skills Development Act. In addition, the WSP and ATR play a role in the creation of a demand-led skills development system which is reflective of the social and economic needs of South Africa. Employers that pay total salaries of more than R500 000 per year are liable to pay a Skills Development Levy (SDL). The contribution is 1% of the total amount paid in salaries to employees (including overtime payments, leave pay, bonuses, commissions and lump sum payments). You can claim back up to 20% of your SDL by submitting an ATR and WSP to the sector education and training authority (Seta) with which your business is registered. These payments, which are called mandatory grants, are paid by the Seta every quarter. The WSP documents the skills needs in an organisation and describe the range of skills development interventions that an organisation will use to address these needs. Businesses are required to report against their WSP in an ATR that shows how they have addressed the priority skills defined in their WSP. As per the Amended B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice October 2013, Skills Development is identified as a priority element. Submitting your WSP and ATR is a pre-requisite for recognising any points under Skills Development on your B-BBEE Scorecard. In addition, you can claim back more of your contribution in the form a discretionary grant. This grant is allocated at the sole discretion of the Seta and depends on the availability of funds, adherence to specific criteria, and approval from the Seta’s accounting authority. Ensure that you submit your ATR and WSP to your SETA by no later than 30 April 2022. https://www.kzntopbusiness.com/kznbusinessgurus

Many expectant mums face the quandary of what to pack in their hospital bag. The temptation to add loads of cute baby outfits received at baby showers is strong! The reality is that moms pack their bags with baby in mind and very seldom are they thinking of themselves. The trick to packing a bag that has the best for both mum and baby is to have realistic view of what your birth and hospital stay will entail. Natural birth vs C- section will determine how long you will stay in hospital and the outfits that will best allow you to be comfortable and heal appropriately. We have found that moms prefer our hospital nightie as it ticks the box on comfort for both types of birth. It is designed for breastfeeding success and can even be used as a day dress in and out of maternity!

The weekend? 7 - 9 October 2022 The challenge? To make a film in only 48 hours! Filmmakers from all over the Durban, ZA area will compete to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours. Write, shoot, and edit a short film over the weekend and see it PREMIERE on the BIG SCREEN! All Welcome! First-timer to Hobbyists to Amateurs to Professionals! Take your filmmaking to the NEXT LEVEL ! Wherever you are currently in your filmmaking journey, the 48 Hour Film Project is a valuable next step! •. Make your FIRST film... the first of many! •. Create a film (or another film!) for your reel • Practice new techniques -- in a low-risk setting •. Find new filmmaking partners to work with, beginning on a (very!) short-term basis • Create work to help show off your skills to find that next job! The winning film will go up against films from around the world at Filmapalooza 2023 (in Los Angeles!) for a chance at the grand prize and an opportunity to screen at the Cannes Film Festival 2023 Short Film Corner! Plus, new this year… the top three teams will be eligible for the soon-to-be-announced 48HFP “Yes We Cannes” challenge in December!

Less than a year after being forced forced to close during looting and unrest, KwaZulu-Natal businesses have been now been hit by floods. They have been unable to move and receive goods, due to damaged roads, and the Durban harbour suspended operations for almost a week. Chairperson of KwaZulu-Natal Business Chambers Council, Dominic Collett speaks to #eNCA Courtesy #DStv403 #kznchambners #kznbusinesssesnse https://kznchamber.co.za/About-Us/