Nafcoc members' R2bn windfall in Government contracts

johannesburg - government projects worth r2 billion had been set aside for the members of the national african federated chamber of commerce and industry (nafcoc), delegates at the chamber's annual general congress were told at the weekend.

jeff radebe, the minister of public enterprises, spoke of the importance of nafcoc to the government as an agency for empowerment.

"a strong nafcoc is critical to government's determination to banish poverty and make wealth and wellbeing a not uncommon feature of black life in south africa," he said.

"the government is standing ready with many opportunities that require massive investment and an appetite and muscle for investment, not only in the country but also the region and the continent."

patrice motsepe, the president of nafcoc, said that never before had so many parastatals and corporates said:

"here are the deals, come and take them."

the congress resulted in the inauguration of two new business groups: the chamber of commerce and industry of sa (chamsa) and business unity sa (busa). the weekend also involved the inauguration of a nafcoc women's forum.


chamsa is the structure that unifies nafcoc, the sa chamber of business, the foundation for african business and consumer services, and the afrikaanse handelsinstituut. the four chambers will retain their individual identities. the signatories undertook to further change the historic complexions of their chambers.

busa is the merger of umbrella bodies, the black business council and business sa. the affairs of the two organisations will be wound up by the end of the year.

motsepe was elected to the presidency of both busa and chamsa.

he said the success of business unity would be judged by the benefits the broader membership of the chambers enjoyed, and by the number of deals that materialised.

"sometimes empowerment seems like a skoroskoro [old car]," motsepe said.

"it goes too slow and and we have to push it and push it."

a high-spirited president thabo mbeki congratulated the chambers.

"i want to tell you, the government that you elected will start to act, starting on monday, to extend its fullest support to busa and chamsa," he said.