The government and economists highlighted the importance of SMME development and the possibility that it could create jobs.  

The growth of the local economy is important and everything possible should be done to stimulate economic growth. It is a known fact that the total local annual average economic growth over the past ten years has been 2.6% whereas the national average is 3.5% (BIC study) and this is a matter of concern not only to organised businesses (Busmid), but also to the local government.

Busmid started investigating in 2002 on how we can create a link between the different sectors in our local economy and decided to develop a Business Linkage Centre (BLC); this proposal was submitted at the Local Economic Development Forum (LEDF) to the Steve Tshwete Municipality (ST LM) in the beginning of 2007

Various studies during the past few years it became apparent that there is a gap between large corporate companies, medium sized independent businesses and small and micro enterprises (SMME), with specific emphasis on the emerging SMME’s.

Busmid is the unified business organization in the Steve Tshwete Municipality area. The Middelburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry, South-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), Middelburg Sakekamer (AHI) and Mhluzi Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC), has been working towards a unified business organization since before 2000.

The Middelburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Busmid) act as communicator between SMME’s and corporate companies and represents the business community in many ways.

The BLC is in line with the LED strategies of the Steve Tshwete Municipality, it’s one of the pillars in the strategic orientations.

There is no doubt that the Business Linkage Centre is fulfilling a vital role and will play an even bigger part this year within the business environment and communities in the area of operation.

We believe that the viability of the BLC is determined by the quality of service that it renders to the participating companies and the small emerging contractors involved.   It will also be important to establish and develop partnerships with other governmental organizations.

To ensure that SMME’s comply with all the necessary statutory requirements, the BLC act as catalyst. This eliminates the cumbersome task that companies have in this regard.

In the end the BLC strive to offer a sustainable service to business with a central referral point for enquiries and assistance.


BLC Services

• BBBEE certification
• Coal, Gold and Platinum Field Maps of South Africa
• Internet access, workstation
• Investment information for the Steve Tshwete Municipality
• Linking mechanism to accredited service providers
• Enterprise Development Projects for Corporates i.r.o. BBBEE Scorecard
• Supplier application registration
• Supplier search
• Tender service
• Training

BUSINESS LINKAGE CENTRE

……..for all your Enterprise Development and Socio-Economic Development needs

Business Linkage Centre is a division of Middelburg Chamber - Chamber is a registered Non-profit Organization (NPO: 019338

Process for CSI points on the BB-BEE scorecard working through the preferred medium:
The Company pay Rx amount into the Chamber’s Account. (*Please contact us for banking details and reference number)

• The Money get’s moved into the CSI/ED Fund.
• The company receives an invoice and a letter to state amount which was received. (All that’s needed for the audit in order to claim points)
• The company received a report on project once completed.

BLC system and processes are approved and audited by Department of Trade and Industry

Various Corporate investors:

• Columbus Stainless,
• Eskom,
• German Development Cooperation (GTZ/DED),
• BHPBilliton,
• Samancor Chrome.

Collaborating Institutions:

• Nkangala FET College
• Steve Tshwete Local Municipality,

Satisfied Customers:

• GK Steel
• UMFA
• Köhler Auto
• AAdvanced Infrastructure Management
• Phillips SA
• Hoëveld Radiators

*A workstation with internet and printing facilities is available for public use.