> President's Report

The interest in Southern Africa remains high and the Chamber has again been able to expand its sphere of influence, in spite of the global economic difficulties facing almost everyone. This was achieved with the input and dedication of our board of directors, our Chairman, the unfailing support of our sponsors, member, guests and our reliable and enthusiastic volunteers. Thanks to everyone!

I was fortunate to visit South Africa twice this year. In February I attended the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, and in July I was invited to speak at the African Mining Congress in Johannesburg. As a result of this latter visit the Chamber received significant coverage in all forms of media in South Africa and on the web.

There is much infrastructural activity in South Africa, particularly around the 2010 World Cup and the Gautrain project in Johannesburg. Despite the recession, the mood is reasonably positive. However, hotel lobbies in Johannesburg, which are usually packed with people meeting to work out business deals, were not as busy in July as they have been during several of my previous trips and many areas of business have been significantly adversely affected with resulting loss of employment so badly needed.

According to the International Monetary Fund, GDP growth in Sub-Saharan Africa will be 4.1% compared to 0.6% for advanced economies in 2010. Although positive for the region, it is still not high enough to create the sorely needed employment.

Last year the Chamber’s Board decided that the Chamber should extend its activities to the whole of Southern Africa. To this end, and for the first time in our history, we invited a non-South African Minister to deliver the welcoming address at the Chamber’s 10th Annual Mining Breakfast which, combined with MineAfrica’s Investing in African Mining seminar, has become the premier African mining event in North America. The honour of the welcoming address fell to P.H.K. Kedikilwe, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources.

The Chamber looks forward to working not only with South Africa but the various countries in Southern Africa. This should ensure the continued relevance of the Chamber and additional opportunities for its members.

Please visit www.canadasachamber.com for details on all past and upcoming events.

Enjoy the evening and good luck with the draw for the prizes!


Bruce Shapiro, President

View Archived Messages: 2008