Border-Kei Chamber of Business
Voice of Business
Founded in 1877, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) is the recognised “Voice of Business” in the Border-Kei region. Headquartered in East London in the Buffalo City Metropolitan municipality, with a satellite branch in Komani, Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business is a not-for-profit, A-political, A-religious, membership-based organisation, representing a wide array of businesses in the private sector, academic institutions, public enterprises as well as the NGO sector.
At a national level, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business is a member of the Association of South African Chambers (ASAC), a national lobby body, that focuses on and addresses matters of national economic importance.
The BKCOB has five specific mandates, namely: – Investor attraction, investor retention, stimulating the economy, business support services and business recognition, through our Annual Business Awards programme. As the voice of business, the BKCOB also advocates for the creation of an efficient and sustainable enabling environment, with the local and provincial authorities.
The Border-Kei Chamber of Business also creates a platform for businesses to network, build new business relationships, maintain existing ones, facilitate strategic conversations, make deals and transact and is a platform where members can connect to like-minded individuals outside of their normal circle of influence. The BKCOB continues to support local municipalities in our region, to create towns and cities that attract and retain Investors and where every citizen aspires to live, work and play in.
Membership to the Border-Kei Chamber of Business is open to any registered business or organisation, running ethically compliant operations, from sole proprietors to large multi-nationals public and private sector Companies.
We invite all businesses to become members of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business and to partner with us to ensure that we fulfil the above mandate effectively and efficiently. This will ensure that we, together, create an enabling environment for all businesses to thrive in, so that jobs are created and poverty is eradicated.
WHY JOIN THE CHAMBER
Membership Benefits
- Raise your company profile, and boost your Company status in the Border-Kei Region.
- Tax-deductible membership and event fees.
- Excellent networking opportunities with like-minded business owners outside of your normal circle of influence.
- Marketing Opportunities at various Chamber events and on digital platforms. (T’s & C’s apply)
- The Opportunity to “give back” by joining our Chamber Committees who meet on a monthly basis to facilitate the change we want to see in our region.
- The Opportunity to Mentor and be mentored.
- Access to information on a wide range of topics from funding opportunities to the latest legislative industry trends and changes, etc.
- The Opportunity to build and grow your Social Capital.
- The Opportunity to gain access to new markets.
- The Opportunity to write an article or to be featured in our Quarterly Chamber magazine – the Business Hi-lite.
- Letters of support/ good standing to members trying to access Government tenders.
- Reduced rates for Certificates of origin to exporting members.
- Municipal Billing Help Desk.
- The opportunity to grow personally and professionally, through personal and professional workshops.
- Small Business Support for growing businesses.
- Corporate departmental support, e.g. HR Forum.
- The opportunity to place your CSI spend with trained & vetted NGO’s.
- The opportunity to stay abreast of any topical issues or opportunities, through our weekly “Chamber Opportunities and updates” newsletter.
Services
Trade & Information
We provide a comprehensive service to all members pertaining to business, including assistance with import and export, as well as trade leads.
Letters of Support
We provide letters of support to members wishing to access government tenders, including letters of introduction to Chambers, locally and globally for members attempting to expand their business abroad.
Website
All members details are available on our membership online directory available on our website, where members are entitled to link from the Chambers website to theirs. Members had to sign a form in compliance with the POPIA act.
Committees
The Chamber has a robust and effective committee system to facilitate members participation, growth and development and to enable us to fulfil our role as the “Voice of Business”.
Seminars & Workshops
A variety of seminars and workshops are offered by the chamber to provide information sharing as well as personal and professional training.
Business Support Services
The Chamber serves on several committees and fora. It works with other organisations where the Border-Kei chamber believes strongly in business unity and the transformation of the South African economy.
What support can the Chamber offer your business?
- Employee development
- Training in international trade
- Direct assistance on business challenges
- Export/import support and advice
- Assistance with employee matters
- Information on business regulations & amendments
- Policy, lobbying and advocacy
- CSI database and advice
- Access to markets
- Business-2-Business support and connections.
SME EXPORT SERVICES
What is a CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN and when do I need one?
A Certificate of Origin is a certified document that states what the country of origin is of a specific product. As the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) states, ‘it declares the ‘nationality’ of your product. Certificates of Origin are one-time documents that accompany your shipments. The Border-Kei chamber of business provides export business services to members and non-members!
What accompanies a certificate of origin?
- An Original Invoice
- Packaging list stating the consignment
What Determines the Country of Origin?
The country of origin is determined by:
- Where the product originates from.
- The production process and where the production process takes place.
- What parts or ingredients are in your product.
- We have member and non-member rates.
- The Border-Kei Chamber of Business processes Certificates of origin for the SADC region and internationally.
- We provide export & Import support/advice and training in international trade.
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FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR LATEST NEWS & EVENTS
Border-Kei Chamber of Business
Founded in 1877, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) is the recognised “Voice of Business"
DON'T FORGET TO RSVP AND BOOK YOUR EXHIBITION SPACE - LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!
🌸 Women’s Connect & Business Expo – 12 March 🌸
The Border-Kei Chamber of Business Women’s Connect invites you to an inspiring morning of networking and empowerment at Bay Collective.
Theme: Present with Power
🎤 Featuring a guest speaker from Toastmasters International
Calling all women in business to connect, collaborate and showcase your brand!
Exhibition Space: R300 (incl. VAT) – Includes entry for 1 person
R100 Entrance Fee at the door (includes a beverage)
11h00 – 13h00
📞 RSVP: 043 743 8438
members@bkcob.co.za
Let’s connect, grow and lead with confidence
Waste management is not just about cleanliness — it’s about health, dignity and economic opportunity. ♻️
Turn your recyclables into income by dropping them off at a Buy Back Centre near you and help build a healthier city. 💚
There are currently 8 Buy Back Centres where you can drop off your recyclables, based in the following areas:
- Mzamomhle – Ward no 27- At the entrance of Mzamomhle , Next to the Community Hall and Development Centre
- Southernwood – Ward no 3- St Georges Road, At St Georges Park
- Mdantsane – Wards 11& 12- Saule and Dunga Street, Nu 2 Highway – Opposite the library
- Nompumelelo Township – Ward 15 – Bonza Bay Road – At the entrance of Nompumelelo
- Amalinda – Ward 16- Amalinda Banbury Road- At the entrance of Amalinda Forest
- Qonce – Ward 37- 16 Napier Street, Next to Victoria Showgrounds and the Electricity department
- Settlers Way – Ward 46- Settlers way main road – Opposite MBSA
- Commercial Road – Ward 47- Corner Cambridge and Commercial Road, CBD Behind the ANC Building
#WasteManagement #RecycleAndEarn #CleanCity #BCMM #Call2Action #GreenEconomy
The Border-Kei Chamber of Business Youth Desk Committee is building a Youth Desk Database to better understand the needs, skills, and opportunities for young people in the Border Kei region.
Your input will help us create meaningful programmes, partnerships, and opportunities for youth development. All information is handled confidentially and in full compliance with POPIA.
Complete the form here: forms.gle/vGrb2D83Ucj6nTwr8
The Border-Kei Chamber of Business was honoured to attend the Quigney Culture Festival held in Quigney, East London — a vibrant new addition to the city’s cultural calendar.
The two-day festival kicked off on Friday, 27 February, with a dynamic fashion show featuring talented local designers from the Border-Kei region. On Saturday 28 February, the streets came alive with a musical festival showcasing popular national artists, drawing families and music lovers from across the city.
Another special highlight was a heartwarming children’s book reading by Miss South Africa, Miss South Africa Qhawekazi Mazaleni, who shared her book Amasele Amdaka with young festivalgoers, as part of their Kids' Cultural Festival.
The enclosed street featured over 20 SMMEs, with stalls ranging from painting, beadwork and fashion to food and handcrafted artistry — truly showcasing local entrepreneurship at its best.
With an anticipated attendance of over 1,000 patrons, the turnout was impressive and strongly supported by key stakeholders, including the Quigney Rate Payers and Residents Association - QRPRA, which played an important role in preparations, and proudly driven and supported by BMW East London.
Founded by entrepreneur Thando Thomas, owner of House 87, the festival also marked the 4th anniversary of House 87 - Quigney, East London — celebrating culture, community, and business development in Quigney.
As a Chamber member we would like to wish them continued success!
REFLECTIONS FROM THE FLOOR | BKCOB AT #ECSOPA2026 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Border-Kei Chamber of Business proudly participated in the stakeholder engagement session held on 27 February, following the 2026 State of the Province Address , delivered on 26 February 2026 in Bhisho.
Sectoral stakeholders from business, transport, labour, youth, and traditional leadership shared their perspectives. Voices included delegates from Border Kei, NAFCOC, Vodacom, Africa’s Best 350 Buses, and COSATU.
Representing the voice of business, BKCOB Executive Director, Lizelle Maurice, was in attendance and contributed.
Discussions unpacked key investment areas in the province, highlighting roads, water systems, energy, digital infrastructure, public transport, SMMEs, and tourism, while addressing challenges these sectors face in driving growth. Stakeholders expressed their eagerness to collaborate with government to enhance projects and bring innovative ideas on board.
To conclude the engagement, Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane expressed a heartfelt appreciation for the support and encouraged continued collaboration to drive the province’s growth and development.
As the Border-Kei Chamber of Business, we remain steadfast in our mandate to advocate for business, unlock opportunity, and contribute to building a stronger, more connected and economically resilient Eastern Cape.
#ECSOPA2026
#ECTimeToThriveIsNow
#InclusiveProgress
#TransparentGovernment
Interested in membership?
To join as a member, please fill in the application form or email members@bkcob.co.za
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
– Henry Ford
GET IN TOUCH
EAST LONDON
Tel: 043 743 8438
Email: info@bkcob.co.za
Chamber House, The Hub
Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay, 5201
KOMANI
Tel : 060 555 5392 / 063 229 3511
Email: admin@bkcob.co.za
Sign up for newsletter: communications@bkcob.co.za