Border-Kei Chamber of Business
Voice of Business
Founded in 1877, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) is the recognised “Voice of Business” in the Border-Kei region. Headquartered in East London in the Buffalo City Metropolitan municipality, with a satellite branch in Komani, Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business is a not-for-profit, A-political, A-religious, membership-based organisation, representing a wide array of businesses in the private sector, academic institutions, public enterprises as well as the NGO sector.
At a national level, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business is a member of the Association of South African Chambers (ASAC), a national lobby body, that focuses on and addresses matters of national economic importance.
The BKCOB has five specific mandates, namely: – Investor attraction, investor retention, stimulating the economy, business support services and business recognition, through our Annual Business Awards programme. As the voice of business, the BKCOB also advocates for the creation of an efficient and sustainable enabling environment, with the local and provincial authorities.
The Border-Kei Chamber of Business also creates a platform for businesses to network, build new business relationships, maintain existing ones, facilitate strategic conversations, make deals and transact and is a platform where members can connect to like-minded individuals outside of their normal circle of influence. The BKCOB continues to support local municipalities in our region, to create towns and cities that attract and retain Investors and where every citizen aspires to live, work and play in.
Membership to the Border-Kei Chamber of Business is open to any registered business or organisation, running ethically compliant operations, from sole proprietors to large multi-nationals public and private sector Companies.
We invite all businesses to become members of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business and to partner with us to ensure that we fulfil the above mandate effectively and efficiently. This will ensure that we, together, create an enabling environment for all businesses to thrive in, so that jobs are created and poverty is eradicated.
WHY JOIN THE CHAMBER
Membership Benefits
- Raise your company profile, and boost your Company status in the Border-Kei Region.
- Tax-deductible membership and event fees.
- Excellent networking opportunities with like-minded business owners outside of your normal circle of influence.
- Marketing Opportunities at various Chamber events and on digital platforms. (T’s & C’s apply)
- The Opportunity to “give back” by joining our Chamber Committees who meet on a monthly basis to facilitate the change we want to see in our region.
- The Opportunity to Mentor and be mentored.
- Access to information on a wide range of topics from funding opportunities to the latest legislative industry trends and changes, etc.
- The Opportunity to build and grow your Social Capital.
- The Opportunity to gain access to new markets.
- The Opportunity to write an article or to be featured in our Quarterly Chamber magazine – the Business Hi-lite.
- Letters of support/ good standing to members trying to access Government tenders.
- Reduced rates for Certificates of origin to exporting members.
- Municipal Billing Help Desk.
- The opportunity to grow personally and professionally, through personal and professional workshops.
- Small Business Support for growing businesses.
- Corporate departmental support, e.g. HR Forum.
- The opportunity to place your CSI spend with trained & vetted NGO’s.
- The opportunity to stay abreast of any topical issues or opportunities, through our weekly “Chamber Opportunities and updates” newsletter.
Services
Trade & Information
We provide a comprehensive service to all members pertaining to business, including assistance with import and export, as well as trade leads.
Letters of Support
We provide letters of support to members wishing to access government tenders, including letters of introduction to Chambers, locally and globally for members attempting to expand their business abroad.
Website
All members details are available on our membership online directory available on our website, where members are entitled to link from the Chambers website to theirs. Members had to sign a form in compliance with the POPIA act.
Committees
The Chamber has a robust and effective committee system to facilitate members participation, growth and development and to enable us to fulfil our role as the “Voice of Business”.
Seminars & Workshops
A variety of seminars and workshops are offered by the chamber to provide information sharing as well as personal and professional training.
Business Support Services
The Chamber serves on several committees and fora. It works with other organisations where the Border-Kei chamber believes strongly in business unity and the transformation of the South African economy.
What support can the Chamber offer your business?
- Employee development
- Training in international trade
- Direct assistance on business challenges
- Export/import support and advice
- Assistance with employee matters
- Information on business regulations & amendments
- Policy, lobbying and advocacy
- CSI database and advice
- Access to markets
- Business-2-Business support and connections.
SME EXPORT SERVICES
What is a CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN and when do I need one?
A Certificate of Origin is a certified document that states what the country of origin is of a specific product. As the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) states, ‘it declares the ‘nationality’ of your product. Certificates of Origin are one-time documents that accompany your shipments. The Border-Kei chamber of business provides export business services to members and non-members!
What accompanies a certificate of origin?
- An Original Invoice
- Packaging list stating the consignment
What Determines the Country of Origin?
The country of origin is determined by:
- Where the product originates from.
- The production process and where the production process takes place.
- What parts or ingredients are in your product.
- We have member and non-member rates.
- The Border-Kei Chamber of Business processes Certificates of origin for the SADC region and internationally.
- We provide export & Import support/advice and training in international trade.
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FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR LATEST NEWS & EVENTS
Border-Kei Chamber of Business
Founded in 1877, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) is the recognised “Voice of Business"
Photos from Border-Kei Chamber of Business's post
Delighted to be sharing Ordinary Magic with the Border Kei Chamber of Business WomensConnect on 12th June.
DON'T FORGET TO BOOK YOUR SEAT FOR OUR HR FORUM
Date: 11 June
Time: 07h30 - 09h00
Venue: Blue Lagoon Hotel and Conference Centerl, Beacon Bay, Blue Bend, EL
TOPIC: Understanding the Impact of the Employment Equity Amendment Act and regulations on companies
Guest Speaker:
Nomfundo Douw-Jack
BOOK YOUR SEAT NOW!
Members R120 I Non-Members R170
CON;
BKCOB Banking Details
Bank: Standard Bank I Account no: 081082894
Branch code: 050021
Reference: HRF - Company name
Please send POP to accounts@bkcob.co.za
RSVP with Volenti at: 043 743 8438 or email members@bkcob.co.za
The Chamber hosted a successful Night Networking at the Buffalo Cricket Stadium
The Border-Kei Chamber hosted a highly successful Night Networking Evening on Wednesday, the 29th of May, at the Presidential Suite of the Buffalo Cricket Stadium. The event brought together over 100 attendees, creating valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and community engagement.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our prize sponsors – Crankbore, Makro SA East London, Cartrack, SA Home Loans, and SEESA (Pty) Ltd – for their generous support, which added excitement to the evening. A special thank you to our exhibitor, Red Alert Service Solutions, and to Drake Flemmer & Orsmond for kindly sponsoring water for the event.
Mr. Greg Fredericks from Border Cricket Administration delivered an inspiring talk on the ongoing efforts to revive the iconic Buffalo Cricket Stadium. He outlined the vision to restore the venue as a hub for both local and international cricket matches. Mr. Fredericks emphasized the critical need for sponsorship and business partnerships to bring this vision to life, highlighting how community and corporate involvement can rejuvenate sport in the region.
Additionally, Mr. Sean Beyer, Acting CEO, presented an overview of the venue’s hospitality offerings. His presentation covered the availability of Chalets, Executive Suites, and Venue Hire options, showcasing how the facilities can cater to both corporate and leisure clients. These offerings present valuable opportunities for businesses and event organizers to partner in unlocking the full potential of the region’s sporting and hospitality assets.
We are especially grateful to the staff and the Buffalo Cricket Stadium team for their exceptional hospitality, ensuring the evening ran smoothly and that guests enjoyed a delightful spread of food and refreshments.
The evening also featured impactful presentations from two of our NPO Development Programme beneficiaries – Loaves and Fishes and Small Projects Foundation. These organisations shared insights into the important work they do in our communities and appealed for support from the business community to further their missions.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the evening a memorable and meaningful success. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR FARMERS MARKET!
The BKCOB Farmer’s Market, hosted every second Saturday at Spargs Superspar in Beacon Bay, is an initiative championed by the Agriculture Committee of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business.
The market is supported by a dedicated group of 35 vendors. hosted every second Saturday of each month, where vendors consistently participate, offering fresh, locally grown produce and handmade items. The market places a strong emphasis on organic farming and sustainability.
This past Saturday, two small-scale local farmers attended. They showcased a variety of organic produce, including several items available for pre-order. The market was a success, with both vendors selling out their stock.
Contact intern@bkcob.co.za if you would like to become a vendor!
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
– Henry Ford
GET IN TOUCH
EAST LONDON
Tel : 043 743 8438
Email: info@bkcob.co.za
Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay, 5201
KOMANI
Tel : 060 555 5392 / 063 229 3511
Email: admin@bkcob.co.za