Join us for our monthly Ubuntu Virtual Global Networking event on Thursday 24 April 2025, 12:00 UK time.

Attending our monthly global networking event, on the last Thursday of each month, not only provides a valuable platform to connect with professionals from diverse industries but also embraces the spirit of ubuntu, a fundamental philosophy deeply rooted in South African culture.

We’ll be hosting two dynamic networking sessions during the webinar, where attendees can connect across industries, share knowledge, and exchange ideas.

Ubuntu emphasizes the interconnectedness and importance of community, fostering a sense of togetherness and collaboration.

Our virtual networking events offer numerous benefits such as:
•   Expanding professional connections, in the UK and SA
•   Knowledge sharing
•   Exchanging ideas and business challenges
•   Unlocking career opportunities
•   Enhancing visibility
•   Fostering a sense of emotional support and camaraderie

We are pleased to annouce our speaker this month will be Ed Jordan, a SAMA award-winning musician and seasoned executive, who brings a wealth of experience from the performing arts to the banking sector. With a career that spans music, television, radio,  innovation, insurance, banking, public speaking and executive coaching, Ed inspires audiences worldwide by unlocking their inner leadership potential.

Ed’s 10 minute talk, “South Africa, Connection, and the Power of Saying YES”, is a powerful invitation to explore how one simple word, “YES”, can open doors to extraordinary opportunities. In this short  talk, Ed will share stories of courage, growth and connection that began with a single decision to take a step into the unknown, instead of stepping back. From unexpected business breakthroughs to transformative personal moments, Ed will unpack how saying “YES”, especially when it feels unfamiliar or uncertain, can lead to opportunity, confidence, collaboration, and impact. And in the context of South Africa, saying YES is not just personal, it’s a collective call to invest in the future, connect across continents, and create meaningful change.

Participation is free, but registration is essential. Zoom links will be sent out in the 24 hours prior to the event.

Please join us and Absa Bank’s chief economist Jeff Gable, as together we look at the range of factors buffeting South Africa currently and consider the most likely path for the economy in these hugely uncertain times.

To help frame the discussion and set the stage for this engagement, Jeff’s talk will focus on several key questions. With regard US / SA relations, just where are the most significant economic linkages and just how the new US administration’s policies towards the country might be felt?

Considering February’s unprecedented decision to first delay the national budget reading by several weeks and then to push forward without broad political support, what are the key takeaways about the state of public finance, and also what might these events say about the health of the government of National Unity? 

Can the boost to business confidence witnessed in H2 2024 continue through 2025, thus setting the stage for the boost to investment that the country needs if economic growth is to make a step-change higher? 
With just 75bp of cuts delivered thus far this interest rate cycle, are we at an end in terms of monetary easing?  And how should we assess the financial health of the SA consumer?
And as a final broad avenue for discussion, where to for the rand in this highly uncertain environment?

All of these are critical elements of the South African macroeconomic outlook, so please be sure to set aside this hour in your diary and join the conversation.

This event is free, but booking is essential. Zoom links will be sent out in the 24 hours prior to the event.

Jeff Gable, Absa Bank, Chief Economist
Jeff is Absa Bank’s Chief Economist and heads the firm’s FIC Research team. Voted Best Research House at the JSE/Spire Awards for the last seven years, the South African-based team covers macroeconomics, foreign exchange, interest rates and credit for South Africa and more than a dozen markets across the continent. Jeff brings 30+ years of experience covering emerging markets to his role, having joined Absa in early 2007.  Prior to that, Jeff spent nearly a decade working in the banking industry in London, before which his early career saw him at the International Monetary Fund and the Bank of Canada.

We are excited to invite you to an exclusive event centred on the incredible opportunities South Africa offers for investment and talent relocation. With the dynamic potential of Africa on the rise, now is the time to get involved - and South Africa is at the forefront of this exciting growth. The event will take place at the Cheval Gloucester Park from 6pm on Thursday, 1st May.

Hosted by the renowned Ed Jordan, a SAMA award-winning musician and seasoned executive, this event brings together diverse perspectives from across industries. Ed’s impressive career spans music, television, radio, banking, innovation, insurance, and public speaking, making him an inspiring leader in unlocking inner potential and shaping future growth.

What to Expect:

• Insights into South Africa's Investment Landscape: Gain firsthand knowledge from industry leaders Andrew Pigot of AJ Power and Alistair Brass from Amplifiy5 as they share their experiences and investment journeys in South Africa.
• Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Talent: Learn how to effectively integrate and retain talent in the South African market, which is increasingly becoming a key hub for global talent.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and leaders who are passionate about Africa’s growth and its untapped potential.
• Fabulous South African Wine: Experience a curated selection of exceptional South African wines while networking and exchanging ideas with peers.

Whether you are an investor, a business leader, or a talent strategist, this event is a must-attend for those seeking to discover the immense opportunities South Africa and Africa have to offer.

Spaces are very limited and by invitation only, so please book early. If you're not a member but would like to receive an invitation, please contact Juliet at jrushent@sachamber.co.uk.

 
Host: Ed Jordan

Ed Jordan spent the first 25 years of his career in the performing arts in South Africa. He is a SAMA award winning, multi-platinum selling musician and the co-founder of the much-loved Beautiful Creatures children’s brand. He composed the scores for the first two Spud films starring John Cleese and is a Naledi award winning theatre producer. His TV presenting credits include, Deal or No Deal, Fast Forward, Popstars, The Wedding Show and Super Saturday and his radio work includes producing The Rude Awakening for Jeremy Mansfield on 94.7 and hosting the breakfast show on Kaya FM.

From 2014- 2021, Ed held the role of Global Head: Wealth Experience at Standard Bank. During this time, he trained as a professional business coach at the Gordon Institute of Business Science. Ed relocated to the U.K. with his family in 2024 and works as a professional speaker, trainer and coach at Walk In Winning Ltd. Whether it’s through composition, conversation, or performance, his work highlights the power of creativity, leadership, and the arts to transform lives and shape the future.

Speakers:  

Alastair Brass
 
Alastair is the founder and CEO of amplify5, a highly innovative and rapidly growing South African offshoring company based out of London. Amplify5, founded in 2021, has already grown to over 750 colleagues supporting clients across the UK and the US from their award-winning operation in downtown Cape Town. Since 2009 Alastair has led and transformed the customer facing operations of B2C brands using outsourcing and offshoring as part of the strategic solution. This has included Director level roles with Currys PC World, Thomas Cook, Carphone Warehouse, British Gas and Marks and Spencer. Alastair has already successfully moved in excess of 4000 roles from the UK into South Africa throughout his career.
 
In addition, amplify5 plays its role in the community where it partners with Shadow Careers to bring employment to the economically excluded youth of the Cape Town townships. Their latest project in the community is to sponsor a literacy hub at two primary schools in the Khayelitsha township where 750 6- to 9-year-olds are now getting one to one reading support every week to support their futures.

Andrew Pigott

Andrew works as Business Development Director for A.J. Power Limited a SME energy and engineering company head quartered in Northern Ireland. They have a global footprint with a subsidiary in South Africa (FGW Generators), a branch in Dubai, a sales office in England and multiple independent distributors around the world.

During his time at A.J. Power, Andrew has been given a diverse task list commensurate with a SME attempting to grow quickly and compete with the large corporates. These have included property acquisition, commercial property development, funding for expansion, business plan preparation, acquisition due diligence and implementation to name but a few. The company has really broadened its sales channels over the last ten years and is in the process of developing its supply chain.

Andrew graduated with a first class honours degree in Law and Accounting from the Queen’s University of Belfast. Upon completion of his degree he worked for one of the big four accountancy firms, qualifying as a CA in May 2010. He is now an FCA, having completed ten years work experience as a Chartered Accountant.

Join us for our monthly South African Business Breakfast in Cambridge on 8 May, from 07:30 to 09:00. This event continues to offer an invaluable opportunity to connect with fellow South African professionals in the UK, fostering new relationships, exchanging ideas, and enhancing business networks.

With the support of our esteemed sponsor, Mills & Reeve LLP, a leading national law firm with long-standing and deep roots in East Anglia and a strong international outlook, the time is perfect to reconnect.

Who Should Attend?

If you’re a South African professional based in the UK, or someone in the UK with an interest in South Africa, this event is for you. Whether you’re looking to expand your network or simply connect with like-minded individuals, you’ll find a warm South African welcome here.

Why Attend?

• Expand your network
• Gain insights from our speakers
• Build meaningful business relationships
• Uplift the lives of South Africans.

Getting There:

The venue (Botanic House) is a five-minute walk from Cambridge rail station. The closest parking is at the Cambridge rail station, and the nearest Park & Rides are at Babraham Road, about 2 miles south of Botanic House, and Trumpington, about 3 miles from Botanic House. Buses run every 10 minutes to the rail station. Cycle racks are available at both Cambridge station and Botanic House.

Booking Details:

Booking is essential, as places are strictly limited. To secure your place, please book as soon as possible. Booking is only available via the website and bookings are only final once payment has been received, and may be cancelled if no payment is received within 24 hours.

Price:
Members: Free
Non-members: £10.00 (including VAT)

Dietary Requirements:
If you have any dietary requirements please add them on your profile page (you will need to be logged in to the website), or please let us know.

South Africa’s fragility is often measured in economic terms—fluctuating markets, investor confidence, and macroeconomic indicators. But beneath the balance sheet lies a deeper crisis: a social divide that continues to undermine stability and progress. In this thought-provoking keynote, Dr Athol Williams, an applied philosopher at Oxford University, challenges conventional economic narratives, urging us to examine the social foundations of South Africa’s challenges.

Drawing on his experience in both business and academia, Dr Williams will explore how corporate leaders and policymakers must move beyond profit-driven strategies to actively shape a more cohesive and just society. Is business merely a bystander to political and social turmoil, or does it hold the key to bridging South Africa’s divides?
 
Through a keynote address, a one-on-one interview, and an open Q&A session, this event—hosted in partnership between The Southern African Times and the South African Chamber of Commerce UK—will provide a platform for urgent and candid discussions on the role of business in South Africa’s future.
 
Members price:  £12 inc VAT
Non members:   £36 inc VAT
 
Register now to secure your spot and be part of a dynamic conversation!

Speakers:

Dr Athol Williams, Oxford University
Dr Athol Williams worked in business for 15 years before turning to academia. He is an applied philosopher at Oxford University where he lectures at the Said Business School in strategy and ethics. He has been widely recognised for his public service to South Africa, earning the City of Cape Town Mayor’s Medal for Extraordinary Bravery, the Social Justice Champion from Stellenbosch University and the 2022 Chairman’s Award from the SA Chamber of Commerce UK. Dr Williams holds seven degrees from Oxford, Harvard, MIT, LSE and London Business School.
 
Farai Ian Muvuti, CEO of The Southern African Times
Farai Ian, a distinguished publication reshaping narratives around African development. With 15 years’ expertise in talent acquisition, he launched his career founding Timeflex Recruitment, a pioneering network recruitment company. Muvuti later contributed to Arise News on African labour markets and advised numerous boards and policymakers across the continent. Driven by a mission to bring a balanced, nuanced view of Africa’s potential, he launched The Southern African Times, which has since won accolades like the Zim Achievers’ Media House of the Year. Recognised as the Young Business Leader of the Year by the South African Chamber of Commerce, Muvuti also advises the Commonwealth Business Club and the African Chamber of Business.

We are pleased to announce we will be holding a series of 3 webinars though out 2025 focusing on "Unlocking AI: Essential Tips for Boosting Business Success". Learning about AI can open up new opportunities for business growth and innovation, allowing you to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

These webinars will illuminate how cutting-edge quantum computing, integrated with intelligent agents, is poised to transform business operations, accelerate R&D, and drive competitive advantage.

Key Topics Covered:

• Quantum Computing Fundamentals: A concise overview of quantum principles—qubits, superposition, and entanglement—highlighting how these concepts can offer exponential performance improvements over classical computing.
• Microsoft’s Quantum Chip: A deep dive into the chip’s innovative features, including enhanced qubit stability, error correction mechanisms, and seamless integration with Azure Quantum. This segment underlines the competitive edge businesses can gain through rapid computational breakthroughs.
• Convergence with Intelligent Agents: Exploration of how autonomous, intelligent agents can harness quantum power to optimize complex decision-making and predictive analytics. Real-world use cases (e.g., dynamic supply chains, financial risk modelling, and healthcare innovations) illustrate practical applications.
• Business Implications & Future Opportunities: Discussion on actionable strategies for navigating the quantum era, addressing challenges, and unlocking future growth through hybrid classical-quantum approaches.

The session will close with a dynamic Q&A session to address audience queries and provide further insights into preparing your business for the coming technological revolution.

George Honiball
George is a Senior Manager (Modern Work) at Microsoft, and a certified Industrial and Organizational Psychologist. With a career spanning across renowned firms such as Deloitte in South Africa and KPMG in the UK, George has honed his expertise in implementing cutting-edge technologies including SAP, Oracle, and Workday. Currently, he lends his strategic acumen and leadership prowess to Microsoft, where he plays a pivotal role in supporting a few of their Top 500 accounts across Europe.

Participation is free, but registration is essential. Microsoft Teams links will be sent out in the 24 hours prior to the event.

Tee up for a purpose and join Christel House Europe’s 21st Charity Golf Day on 9 June 2025, proudly hosted at the picturesque Ealing Golf Club in Ealing, London. All funds raised benefit Christel House’s global education programs for under-served children.

Fantastic prizes to be won, including a charity auction event.
Entry fee: £800 per team of 4 (includes breakfast and BBQ dinner).
Format: Texas Scramble

There are also a variety of Corporate Sponsorship packages available which include team entries and offer branding through the event.

To enter a team or for more details about sponsorship packages, please contact:
Francois Louw (Director of Corporate Partnerships and Europe Lead)
flouw@christelhouse.org / 0770 6336 171

Founded in 1998, Christel House is a global non-profit serving more than 7,000 students annually through its nine no-fee schools around the world, including India, South Africa, Mexico, Jamaica and the United States. Christel House’s holistic education model enrolls students at age four and supports them through a 19-year journey that combines rigorous academics with nutrition, healthcare, life skills, social support, and career guidance until the age of 23. To find out more, visit our website.

The Rugby Championship is coming to London this Autumn, with Rugby World Cup winners and defending champions South Africa taking on Argentina at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London. Saturday, 4 October 2025 – KO 2PM.

With tickets selling fast, this will be a must see game of the Autumn International period. A capacity crowd is expected and with the match falling on the final weekend of the Rugby Championship, everything could be on the line to decide who will be crowned champions. 
 
Come and support the Springboks and witness history in the making?

And to give you a flavour of the what is to come on game day, see highlights reel from last year's Rugby Championship here

Watch world class international rugby in action. Secure your tickets early. Don’t Miss Out - Buy Now! Visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk