2010 - Vandebijlpark: Emfuleni Local Municipality in support of Vanderbijlpark Sakekamer hosted a successful 2010 AHI Congress at Stonehaven in Vanderbijlpark on 13-14 October. It was but the second time since the inception of the AHI that the congress was hosted in Emfuleni. What made the conference more special was the fact that it coincided with 50th Anniversary of the Vanderbijlpark Sakekamer.

Apart from drawing various Ministers such as the Minister for National Planning Commission, Mr Trevor Manuel, Minister for Tourism, Mr. Martinus van Schalkwyk, the congress was also attended by Business Chambers from Germany and Belgium. Emfuleni Local Municipality took the advantage of the congress to showcase and promote the area as a viable tourism and investment destination to the powerful investors who formed part of the event. The good and effective relationship between the Emfuleni Local Municipality and the Vanderbijlpark Sakekamer was so evident that it was referred to by several of the key speakers at the congress and was hailed as an example to be followed by others.

After the hosting of the previous congress in 2004, business people saw some new business opportunities and were quite keen on investing in the region.  To enhance this congress, Vanderbijlpark Sakekamer sponsored 5 students from the Business Entrepreneur Faculties of the Vaal University of Technology and the North West University Vaal Triangle Campus to attend the congress. They joined in on the discussions and gave their views on what the youth wants for this region.

The Vanderbijlpark Sakekamer was awarded the AHI Presidents Trophy for the best Business Chamber in South Africa for the second year in succession.

Emfuleni Local Municipality is proud to be associated with the success of hosting the AHI Conference in Vanderbijlpark. The visitors felt welcomed in the Vaal and expressed their surprise at what the area offered and more so, the friendliness and abilities of the people of the Vaal. We can truly stand proud!