Business chamber wants to drive the economy of Standerton

Lekwa Ratepayers Association’s (LRPA) meeting at the Standerton Country Club on Tuesday, 9 March had the desired effect of establishing a business chamber for Standerton.

It was not a forgone conclusion since a few residents in the audience questioned the viability of a business chamber taking on the legal route and not the association per se.

The chairman of the association, Mr Fanie Potgieter, said a chamber would be the more elegant tool to use, as proven in Koster and Swartruggens.

The above advice is also subscribed to Mr Andreas Peens, attorney for the association.

In his introduction, Mr Potgieter did not beat about the bush.

“We don’t agree with just about everything regarding service delivery in this town.”

“The alternative is that everything I have invested in my house and business is null and void.”

He summarised the areas of concern where the sewage and water works are according to him, not acceptable.

“Our intention is to take over the water and sewage plant, based on legal precedents.”

The idea is to challenge the recent increase in the rates and taxes of businesses in a higher court.

Some roads furthermore, were described as being uneconomical to use.

“We are going to have a town that is not fit to live in,” he said.

A Public Private Partnership can be applicable after a court orders the business chamber to appoint a suitable and reliable contractor.

Mr Peens has explained the procedure for claiming back the money spent.

That bone of contention, electricity supply, was also discussed and Mr Potgieter said the excuse of ageing infrastructure does not hold water.

“We are going to be told that for the rest of out lives, but everything ages.

“Ratepayers’ vision revolves around taking as much away from a non-functioning municipality and a business chamber driving this initiative.

“We have to pull together and follow a legal route to become self-sustainable,” was the sentiment expressed.

Lekwa Municipality will however, not be persona non grata.

“We have been trying to engage with the municipality for more than a year,” Mr Gary van Aswegen said.

“We will engage with the municipality, but on equal footing,” Mr Potgieter said.

The election of a board of directors, affiliated with the association, was discussed.

It was decided that the committee will approach these businesses and present the plan.

Medium and small businesses should be demographically represented.

As regards any political influence, the opinion was expressed that the business chamber is there to promote business, and the intention should be clear on how to attract revenue streams back into town.

“Economic development should be the priority.”

The question as to why one committee can not represent all the issues, was answered succinctly.

“LRPA is not sustainable to fund a business model and with a chamber, membership fees are involved.

“The business chamber will have continuous support from businesses on the committee.

“This is a much stronger platform.”

Morgenzon, which is part of Lekwa, could also be part of the action.

A committee that will set their own standards and measures was envisaged, consisting of representatives from companies such as Cofco, Goldi, Meadows, Highveld Milling, Morgenzon, Total and Van Wyk Eiendomme.

The elected members of the business chamber are Mr Rozanne van Deventer from Cofco, Mr André Kallel from Highveld Milling, Mr Koert Henrico from Clear Water Plumbing, Mr Boysie Naidoo from Meadows, Mr Gary van Aswegen from Standerton Sport Academy, Mr Corné van Dijk from Morgenzon, Mr Hendrik Dippenaar from Total, Engen and BP, Ms Marli van Wyk from Van Wyk Eiendomme and Mr Ferdie Weyers from Maximed.

Mr Willem Breedt from Goldi still has to confirm the nomination.

Mr Potgieter added that these are not lofty dreams.

“Someone once said: The future is not something we dream about, it is something we grab.”