Border-Kei Chamber of Business
Voice of Business
Founded in 1877, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) is the recognised βVoice of Businessβ 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.Β 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. (Tβs & Cβs apply)
- The Opportunity to βgive backβ 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 β 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 NGOβs.
- The opportunity to stay abreast of any topical issues or opportunities, through our weekly βChamber Opportunities and updatesβ 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 Β 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 βVoice of Businessβ.
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, βit declares the βnationalityβ 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 βVoice of Business"
Becoming a member of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business has never been easier. βοΈ
Our fast and convenient online application includes all required information and membership fees in one simple
Click link to online application form:
bkcob.co.za/membership-application/
Apply today via our website or contact us at members@bkcob.co.za
| 043 743 8438.
Border-Kei Chamber of Business In Partnership with the University of Fort Hare Launches 2026 NPO Development Programme
The Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) officially launched its 2026 NPO Development Programme at the Regent Hotel Premier Hotel EL ICC on 6 February 2026, bringing together non-profit organisations, partners, facilitators, and stakeholders committed to strengthening the regional NPO sector.
The programme included a welcome address by the Chamber Executive Director Lizelle Maurice, followed by a message from Good Deeds Committee Chairperson Linda van Heerden, during which the committee and Inspiration Awards Board Members were introduced.
Attendees received an overview of the programme structure, requirements, facilitators, and key milestones, including linkages to the Inspiration Awards and Chamber Business Awards. Participating NPOs were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and were warmly welcomed into the 2026 programme.
BKCOB extends its sincere appreciation to the Regent Hotel for fully sponsoring the event, as well as to all attendees, members, facilitators, and the NPOs joining the programme and Ted Keenan from the Daily Dispatch our media partner for attending the event. Special acknowledgement is given to the University of Fort Hare, whose partnership is essential to the programmeβs success.
The launch marks the beginning of a collaborative journey to develop sustainable, high-impact NPOs in the Border-Kei region.
Inspiration Awards
π CORPORATE GOLD CATEGORY β NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN π
The Border-Kei Chamber of Business invites nominations for established businesses that have demonstrated sustained success, strong leadership, and profitability.
This prestigious category recognises businesses that:
β Have been trading for more than 5 years
β Have an annual turnover between R10 million β R50 million
β Are profitable and financially sustainable
π Celebrate businesses that continue to drive economic growth and excellence in the Border-Kei Region.
π
Closing date for nominations: 30 June 2026
π More information: bkcob.co.za/business-awards/
π Submit your nomination: forms.gle/tDxJPR6pdFhS7VQX7
#borderkeibusiness #BusinessAwards #CorporateExcellence #supportlocalbusiness #RecognisingSuccess #bkcob
π’ Calling All Members & Stakeholders in HR, Recruitment, Wellness & Finance!
Advertising Opportunity β 2026 Business Hi-Lite Edition (Q1)
Be featured in our first Business Hi-Lite Edition for 2026, themed HR, Wellness & Financial Health
π Available in print & digital
π£ Promoted across all our platforms and sent to 800+ email subscribers
βοΈ Includes a FREE article page to share your insights
π Content deadline: 13 March 2026
π© Limited advertising space available β bookings essential!
π View previous editions: bkcob.co.za/business-hi-lite/
π Contact Amanda for the rate card and more information:
π§ communications@bkcob.co.za
| βοΈ 043 738438
Interested in membership?
To join as a member, please fill in the application form or email members@bkcob.co.za
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
– Henry Ford
GET IN TOUCH
EAST LONDONΒ
Tel: 043 743 8438
Email: info@bkcob.co.zaΒ
Chamber House, The Hub
Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay, 5201
KOMANI
Tel : 060 555 5392 /Β 063 229 3511
Email: admin@bkcob.co.zaΒ
Sign up for newsletter: communications@bkcob.co.za