Eastern Cape Business 2018 edition

INTERVIEW Black

INTERVIEW Black Management Forum – Eastern Cape Building a capable development state. Please outline the main objectives of the Black Managenent Forum. The BMF is a non-racial, thought leadership organisation founded in 1976, with the main purpose of influencing socio-economic transformation in pursuit of socio-economic justice, fairness and equity. The BMF has been keeping corporate South Africa in check and encouraging participation of the broader South African stakeholders. The organisation stands for the development and empowerment of managerial leadership, primarily among black people, within organisations and the creation of managerial structures and processes which reflect the demographics and values of the wider society. Whereas the BMF is non-partisan, it is not apolitical. The BMF is not neutral on matters of transformation but rather pro-transformation. Cuma Dube, Provincial Secretary - BMF Eastern Cape What is the BMF’s current focus? Public sector reform for the building of a capable development state and understanding the role of the black professional in driving the transformation agenda. What are the most recent achievements of the BMF in the Eastern Cape? The BMF Eastern Cape in 2017 successfully provided a platform and hosted panel discussions regarding the challenges facing black professionals in public service. The discussions tackled the roles of officials, managers and politicians; procurement and corruption; managerial excellence, the recruitment and the retention of the best talent into public service. The role of the black professional was interrogated and whether there is reputational risk for the black professional in public service. These discussions culminated in a research report with which we aim to continue our engagements with the political leadership, civil society, labour and government officials towards strengthening the state. The Black Management Forum has always enjoyed a cordial and productive relationship with other civil society organisations, labour and the government. Our events and programmes are regularly attended by representatives of these organisations and institutions and ideas are shared in the Eastern Cape. Communication, coordination and bilateral initiatives can be improved. There is real work to be done in the Eastern Cape and it must begin with strengthening these relationships. BIOGRAPHY With an LLB from the University of Fort Hare, a Master’s in Sustainable Development and a diploma in development and renewable energy, Cuma Dube advises the Chris Hani District Municipality on low emissions and is the Managing Director of SIG Energy. Cuma is the former Executive Director of the Eastern Cape Youth Chamber of Commerce and was the BMF Eastern Cape’s Young Professional of the Year (2015) and in The Sowetan’s Top 100 Young Bosses of the Year (2016). EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2018 12

East London Industrial Development Zone INTERVIEW Incentives are attracting new investors, as ELIDZ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Simphiwe Kondlo, explains. What are the most attractive incentives for investors? A number of incentives assist our investors to lower their operational costs and maximise their profits. Specialised Customs Controlled Area benefits include: VAT exemption on imported goods, capital equipment and electrical and water supply; no import duties on raw materials and other consumables for manufacture, goods for storage and capital goods used in the custom controlled area. There are also specialised local incentives such as preferential land rental and utility rates, competitively priced land, access to national manufacturing and other generic government incentives. Additionally, after the finalisation of the transition process from an IDZ to a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) there will be new incentives such as reduced corporate income tax. Simphiwe Kondlo Have you received any new investments? Despite the gloomy economic outlook, the ELIDZ managed to buck the trend and surpass its own investment target by attracting four new investors valued at R1.6-billion combined. These developments augur well for the diversification of our investment portfolio. Once fully operational, the new investments will yield an estimated 1 422 jobs. Our geographic location, quality sea and airports, abundance of natural resources, skills and world-class infrastructure bodes well for the growth of export-oriented industries. As such, the ELIDZ has hosted numerous delegations on fact-finding missions. What support services does the ELIDZ offer? We offer soft landing support to investors through the provision of business streamlining and support services. These aid investors in the completion of investments and the start-up of local operations. A skilled team of experts assists with relocation planning, market research and intelligence, business set-up requirements including company registration, compliance, access to government services and incentives, labour recruitment and skills development facilitation. Will the upgrades to the Port of East London assist? Our value proposition rests heavily on access to sound infrastructure such as freight, road and rail. Government has been making notable progress in revitalising infrastructure for the good of the region. Upgrades to the port will grow our international footprint and further widen the scope of the ELIDZ. BIOGRAPHY Mr Simphiwe Nicholas Kondlo, the Chief Executive Officer of the ELIDZ, holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management and has more than 23 years’ experience spanning various fields including civil and agricultural engineering. With him at the forefront, the ELIDZ is a front-runner in the field and continues to flourish as a multisector Industrial Development Zone. 13 EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2018