MCCI MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

BENEFITS OFFERED TO MEMBERS
Endless Potential, Limitless Possibilities

Organizations, Business owners and Entrepreneurs wear many different hats. Being a member of the MCCI gives them access to resources they might not otherwise have:

1. ADVOCACY
MCCI Lobbies on critical issues affecting business as a whole, with local, provincial and national government (through our relationship with SACCI)

Members need to share, participate and comment as “The Voice of Business” on issues that we can submit to relevant stakeholders and see the process through.

2. NETWORKING & MARKETING
The Chamber supports its members by referring them to potential customers as well as new-comers expanding to this area. The MCCI is usually the first port of call for information sharing. There is an increase in members from other provinces and countries joining to be partners in Projects, investments and activities to uplift the Free State. More information will be announced at MCCI Business functions.

Huge networking opportunities are accessible at all events hosted by the MCCI, it’s members, members of the community as well as through sponsorships of other provinces.

IMPORTANT
Members can also send marketing information, newsletters, etc. to MCCI for distribution each month. This particular benefit is currently under-utilized and we want to urge members to make use of these options to create exposure for your business, corporate, organization, etc. Please call MCCI to assist will all arrangements

3. BUSINESS EVENTS
3.1 BUSINESS LINKAGE EVENTS
This is the first level event where every member attending, gets an opportunity to introduce their businesses for +/- 5 minutes. It is an informal event with an attendance of about 40 people. To sponsor such an event, the hosting company only needs to provide a venue (preferably at the company’s premises) and offer tea/coffee/refreshments (which is optional). After the function the attendees can be taken on a tour of the business. The company hosting the Business Linkage will be given more time to promote their businesses.

3.2 BUSINESS BREAKFASTS AND BRUNCHES
The MCCI usually coordinates at least 2 events each month – a Business Linkage Event (see 3.1) and a Business Breakfast or Brunch. which facilitate huge networking opportunities amongst a diverse business community. Attendance ranges from +/- 80 and upwards (3.2).

These events are sponsored by organizations, corporates, companies and individuals. In this case the event focusses on the sponsors who will have the floor for the duration of the event. The events can be targeted for a specific audience and the sponsors can indicate whom they would like to be invited to make the event as relevant as possible. Please call MCCI for more information and to assist will all arrangements when organizing functions

4. TRAINING & SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Training for SMME’s and Individuals, covering various categories, is conducted on a regular basis.

Targeted workshops are arranged aiming at up-skilling people in technical fields to address huge shortages of artisans in the Free State. Please contact MCCI to arrange training and information sharing on your behalf.

5. EXTENDED BENEFITS
MCCI gives practical credibility to the term “local economic development” – applicable not only to Mangaung, but other areas in the Free State as well. To achieve this the MCCI is a member of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) which offers huge incentives to all member chambers.

MCCI is a strategic vehicle for the participation of member businesses in Social Development Programmes as well as Corporate Social Investment.

NEW FOCUS AREAS OF MCCI

6. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
In 2022 MCCI opened branches in the Townships, to be a true representative for Small to big Businesses – in Botshabelo & Thaba N’Chu and the rest of the Metro

MCCI considers community members to be experts in their fields, businesses and communities and value community knowledge & wisdom and support projects that are built around this. This empowers community members and creates stronger and more connected communities.

MCCI’s rural development is built on the five capitals of a community – Physical, Financial, Human, Social and Environmental. Through this we can implement projects with the help of public/private collaborations to enhance economic activities in the rural communities.

Very important is the creation, awareness, etc. of the critical role of saving the environment.

7. AGRICULTURE
MCCI believes that the commercial farming community and small farmers of the region and the province should also have a STRONG voice through our Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

A strategic plan on incorporating this new sector into the MCCI, is currently one of the main goals for 2026. Anyone who wants to participate or share valuable information that can link business and agriculture, can contact the MCCI

8. Alternative energy Solutions.
This is still one of the most important and fastest growing areas in the Free-State and South-Africa as a whole The focus is not on more generators etc, but on solar and other alternative energy solutions on a huge scale.

MCCI is in the process of introducing projects in alternative energy solutions, WHICH INCLUDES A CONFERENCE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON.

For any further inquiries please contact Nancy (084 442 2663), Eleni (071 725 0014) and Mvula (082 747 5296)