The Executive committee has met 4 times during the year. This is less than in 2009. The financial collapse globally seems to have thrown a damper on business and everyone keeping their heads below the surface and hoping that they do not drown.

Dr Leon Nell, Deborah Stott of Buzzworks and Municipal Manager Rolly Dumezweni were welcomed on to the executive committee. Kevin Stone and John Cooper  resigned due to other business pressures and Marian Evans is thanked for her assistance to the committee.

The Business Forum retains its recognition by other bodies and especially the municipality. I have represented the Forum on Ward 7. The grants for the upgrading of the sewerage system and for resurfacing the roads in the CBD are really good news. The supply of water to the town remains a serious problem especially with the Thornhill Development. The new demarcation of the Ward 7 boundaries will exclude Station Hill and Newrest. Many applications from the town planning were considered during the year. The situation of life guards on the beaches has received attention especially during the holiday season. The contract for life savers will be carefully considered.

The ribbon strip development for mixed zoning along Southwell Rd on the PE side of town has got the go ahead. Professional practitioners and offices will be given permission to operate with certain restrictions.

The Sunshine Coast Tourism and Events Authority has been formed. The Forum has representation on the Board. It has been suggested that the fee for the membership of the Business Forum be included in the fee to belong to the Tourism body. Thus the membership of both bodies as well as the Kenton members will greatly enhance the total number of members. The fee to belong to both bodies is estimated at R 1,000 per member.

It is however a condition that the Business Forum retain its autonomy. The Forum will also submit a budget to the tourism board equivalent to what we would get from previous subscriptions. We then will operate our bank account as at present and continue to have our network functions and fund other worthy causes.

In October 2009 Mark Price gave us a talk on the benefits of recycling and what products were made from it. This includes the very resistant polytimber. He discussed how it could be turned into a business at the dump and provide employment for some of in indigent who live there.

A fascinating presentation on the Pineapple Residue Beneficiation Project was given by Anthony Albers. He described a plant were the whole pineapple would be used to provide juice, fibres for fabric manufacture, enzymes and water and electricity to run the plant making it a self sufficient operation.

Mr Ken Bern from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation gave advice on the requirements to finance projects and that they were looking for investment opportunities.

Stenden University academic Dean Wouter Henson gave a talk on Port Alfred as a university town and the impact it would have. The intention would be to increase the student numbers by 10 fold. They have 11 campuses around the world and students do semesters in different countries to expose them to foreign cultures. When this comes to fruition the dynamics of this town will be raised substantially.

Marius Weyers then gave a summary of the implications of Debt Administration and how it impacts on individuals as well as employers.

We were kept informed of the developments and permissions for the erection of the sign by Cacadu depicting the Sunshine Coast which is at the Heritage Mall.

The other signage improvements and removal of old signs has come to a standstill in the town. We can only hope it is attended to in the coming year.

The forum made  a donation of R2000.00 to the Ndlambe Boy’s Boxing Club as a local boxer was challenging the champion from East London.

We attended a workshop called by the Ndlambe Action Group and the municipality. It was facilitated by Christo Nel and had a very positive outcome which improved the understanding between municipal officials and members representing the various groups.

The NAG action to withhold rates is not supported by the Business Forum but there is a need for action for improved service delivery and an attitude change to work ethic from all citizens of Port Alfred. The change in this attitude is imperative for municipal employees

The Business Forum side of the website portalfred.co.za has been maintained by Jane Pryce. Craig Stowe still looks after main Port Alfred side of the site which need serious attention.

Meetings with the Black Business Forum remain a priority but have been on hold pending the formation of the Tourism Authority. It does require the facilitation by the Mayor or other prominent businessman

I wish to thank the committee Leon Nell, Steve Venter, Warrick Strachan, Mike Beaumont, Rolly Dumezweni, Mandy Roestorff and Debbie Stott for their support during the year.

Rick Pryce