> President's Report

I was fortunate enough to visit South Africa to speak at the Africa Junior Mining Congress again this year. The level of activity and the buzz that was evident wherever I went was incredible. The gear up to 2010 World Cup Soccer is certainly under full steam and Canada is right there!

In Johannesburg there were visible signs of Canadian activity with the construction of the Gautrain stations and tracks (the Bombela Consortium which is partly owned by Bombardier). Each hotel lobby I entered was a meeting room with a number of animated discussions taking place. The attendance at the African Junior Mining Congress was the highest to date and the focus was clearly on helping to establish and finance a viable junior mining community in South Africa. As usual there were a number of Canadian listed juniors present and Natural Resources Canada made a particularly interesting presentation on flow through shares financing for which the local mining industry is pushing.

The Chamber has had an active and successful year. Tonight we are presenting the Second Person of the Year award sponsored by Tau Capital Corp. and a bursary of $2,500 to the University of Cape Town as part of this award.

We were delighted to partner with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade on our African Infrastructure Showcase held this afternoon. The companies presenting on their significant infrastructure projects in Africa include Bombardier, CIC Energy Corp., Hatch, MagIndustries and SNC – Lavalin as well as Export Development Canada and IFC.

The Chamber’s first event this year was a reception for Jim Gowans who had recently been made President of De Beers Canada replacing Richard Molyneux who retired.

The year 2007 started with our AGM on January 24th, wine tasting and a presentation by Bombardier on its Gautrain project. The presentation was followed by our usual and fine South African wine tasting.

On March 6, we held our 8th Annual Mining Breakfast, followed by MineAfrica's Investing in African Mining Seminar. The opening address at the Breakfast was delivered by Ms. Buyelwa Sonjica, South Africa's Minister of Minerals and Energy, followed by Bridgette Radebe, President of SAMDA (South African Mining Development Association) and Executive Chairperson of Mmakau Mining, who delivered an inspired keynote address to an audience of 240.

On April 25 we held a breakfast with an interactive presentation by Shannon Smith, Image Strategist and President of Premiere Image International and author of Power Manners, entitled “Manners Essential for Success”.

On May 15 we held our first half day seminar on Security Risk Management for companies operating, or interested, in Africa. In addition to our keynote speaker Alan Bell, President of Globe Risk Holdings Inc. other international security experts were featured. The event was very well attended and will become a feature event in the future.

On June 12, we held an informal cocktail reception to introduce our members to South Africa's High Commissioner, His Excellency Dr. Abraham Nkomo.

September 11th, was our annual Golf day in association with TOPAC (Tour Operators Promoting Africa in Canada) and again the event and the weather were great. The day brought in about $7,000 for the charity “Tiny Tots.”

On a personal level, I thoroughly enjoyed executing my duties and working with the Chairman, , the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Chairs and members of our various other committees and our all important volunteers. Thank you all for your contributions and assistance. I would also like to thank the many people who spoke at our events, their expertise and enthusiasm sets the tone for the Chamber and I look forward to another successful year for the Chamber, South Africa and Africa!


Enjoy Indaba!

Bruce Shapiro, President

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