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Chamber Events

 11:00am, 1st Nov 2024
 Price:  £36.00
  
  • Spanish Chamber of Commerce in United Kingdom
  • 126 Wigmore Street
  • London, W1U 3RZ
Join the South African Chamber of  Commerce from 11am, on Friday 1st November as we have an intimate conversation with the Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane on his 8 months in the job (back) at Eskom, how he sees wider reform efforts progressing and if complex issues remaining for the company and the wider electricity supply industry can be unlocked to crowd in more investment. We will also discuss what it takes to lead a complex state entity under the GNU and how he deals with both pushing forward change to a wider industry and ensuring the entity is sustainable on this path.

Eskom has long been the monopoly supplier of electricity to the SA economy but been able to satisfy demand over the last decade. It’s now been nearly 200 days that South Africa has had no loadshedding however but question marks remain on how sustainable this is, but also if the end of loadshedding might cause a slow down in reforms to the broad electricity system.

Loadshedding has had a significant effect on the South African economy, what will the potential impact be of a non-loadshedding economy? What are the opportunities for investment in the new reformed electricity industry and what will Eskom’s role be in it?

This event is free, but booking is essential as spaces are extremely limited.


 11:15am, 5th Nov 2024
 Price:  Free
  
  • The Chamberlain’s Court
  • GuildHall
    71 Basinghall St
  • London, EC2V 7HH
The South African Chamber of Commerce UK has the honour of having recommended two outstanding South Africans, approved by the City Corporation of London, to gain the Freedom of the City of London.

Seats are extremely limited and bookings are by invitation only.

If you'd like to attend but haven't received an invitation, please click Contact Organiser above.

Mrs Ruth Leas for her exceptional leadership of Investec Bank in the UK.  She joined the Bank in 1998 in SA, moved to the UK office in 2002 and in July 2016 she was appointed as an Executive Director to the Board of Investec Bank plc, then as Chief Risk Officer in June 2017 and then as Chief Executive Officer in November 2019.  As one of only nine female CEOs in the FTSE 250 index, Ruth is focused on driving belonging, diversity and inclusion at Investec and in the financial services industry.

His Excellency Kingsley Mamabolo, South African diplomat who has served as Ambassador to the UN and acted as Chair of the Group of 77 and China,  Ambassador to the African Union, served in Darfur as Deputy Joint Special Representative for the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation and served as High Commissioner to Nigeria, Zimbabwe and currently to London. A man who is passionate about golf.

Programme:

11:30 - 12:00  Ceremony in the Chamberlain’s Court
12:00 - 12:30 A champagne reception with the Lord Mayor, Michael Mainelli, in the Member’s Private Dining Room at the Guildhall
12:30 - 15:00  Lunch in honour of our two guests, Ruth Leas and HE Kingsley Mamabolo 

We request guests to be punctual and arrive at least 15 minutes before the event to ensure access through security in time. Detailed maps will be provided on acceptance of attendance.

Dress Code: Business or Traditional


 6:00pm, 12th Nov 2024
 Price:  Free
  
  • Simmons & Simmons LLP
  • Citypoint
    1 Ropemaker Street
  • London, EC2Y 9SS
Please join us from 6pm to 8.30pm on 12th November at the London offices of Simmons & Simmons for an inspirational in-person seminar with author and speaker, Andrew Russell. Andrew will be discussing the central points of his book, “The Leadership We Need: Lessons for Today from Nelson Mandela”.

Nelson Mandela was arguably the most popular and recognisable icon of the 20th Century. He skillfully led South Africa through one of the most dangerous periods of its history, from which the country emerged united and reinvigorated. Yet, he was a reluctant leader, and after just 4 years as State President, he stood down and passed his mantle on to others.

In his book, Andrew explores both the character and leadership attributes that enabled Mandela to be such an inspirational and capable leader, to help us both understand and appreciate his qualities, and emulate them in our own business and personal lives.

Andrew will explore these themes in conversation with Sharon Constançon, with opportunities to ask questions afterwards. The session will include networking, canapes and drinks before and after the meeting.

This event is kindly sponsored by Isle of Man Indaba, who will be hosting an Indaba at the same venue from 4pm to 6pm:

Connect with fellow professionals with an interest in the exciting future facing South Africa under the Government of National Unity, share insights, and gain valuable knowledge. Whether you have clients looking to expand their wealth into or out of South Africa, the Isle of Man offers opportunities you might not have considered. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow your connections and understanding of structures in the Isle of Man.

A panel of experts in taxation and capital raising will address key topics around SA and IOM tax, Isle of Man structures, investing internationally, capital raising and corporate banking, followed by a Q&A session and networking with representatives from Isle of Man companies, including Finance Isle of Man, Atla Group, Boston Multi Family Office, Farrand Global, Resilience Asset Management, ILS World, Capital International Bank, Brooks Macdonald, Appleby Global and Ramsey Crookall.

Guests are very welcome to attend both events, and can book for the Indaba here, which includes entry to this event. Both events are free of charge, but booking is essential.

Andrew Russell

Andrew Russell was born in Cape Town in 1964 and grew up as a white South African under the apartheid regime that had been introduced and perpetrated by the National Party. He attended Bishops College in Cape Town, then the University of Cape Town. He taught for eight years, before in 1997 leaving teaching to start his own tourism businesses. He then bought a retail travel agency and in January 2000 launched Cape Africa Tours, arranging sporting and cultural tours to South Africa for school, university, and adult groups.

Andrew also launched a sports charity, sport4kids, as a vehicle for distributing the many generous donations of cash and used sporting equipment that his touring sides would leave behind in South Africa.

In July 2018, Christo Brand, Nelson Mandela’s former prison guard who became his lifelong friend, asked Andrew to be his business manager, as he set out to establish himself as a full-time storyteller and public speaker.

During Covid lockdown Andrew realised that Christo’s book, Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend, which had been published in 2014, needed updating. With Ethan Casey of Blue Ear Books in Seattle, they embarked on a two-year-long journey to produce the updated book, which was published in September 2022 with Andrew as the editor.

With thanks to our sponsors:



 6:00pm, 19th Nov 2024
 Price:  Free
  
  • Streathers Solicitors LLP
  • 44 Baker Street
  • London, W1U 7AL
The South African Chamber of Commerce UK is delighted to announce the launch of its Wealth Creation Programme with its first pitch event which will take place on 19th November 2024 from 1800 to 2030 at Streathers, Baker Street London, W1U 6TL.

The evening will showcase some of South Africa’s most promising start-ups for investors who are serious about building their own portfolios, and committed to growing a wealth creation ecosystem generated by South Africans wherever they are based in the world.

The companies pitching are:

Hayley Mole, Kinjani – An early stage venture builder and investor for science-backed climate solutions removing carbon in Sub-Saharan Africa -

Terence Naidu, Truzo – A trusted Escrow Service provider with full neo bank capabilities to help African businesses go global -

Jaishree Naidu, Envisionit Deep AI –  provides a holistic approach to AI in medical imaging ensuring safety and trust in AI for healthcare providers -

Guy Stern, Flow Legal -  An AI-powered self-service online platform for early-stage tech startups to manage all legal aspects of their business, contracting, policies and governance -

Katrien Grobler, AI Kat - Automating the brand agency process to deliver scalable, authentic branding and content solutions through AI -

Giovanni Milandri, Go Assistive Technology – Medtech creating low cost prosthetics that are buit for life’s demands -

Our aim is to maximise potential to leverage SACC’s global network of investors in enterprises generated by South Africans, and wealth for people investing in it.

Entrepreneurship provides a vital steppingstone from the informal economy into mainstream economic activity, of particular importance in the South African context where the informal sector is massive, and economic development is critical to uplifting the lives of millions of people.

The SACC UK pitch event on 19th November is the first step on SACC UK’s journey to create success for its investor and enterprise creator members.

We invite you to join us and become part of this story.

This event is free, but registration is essential.


 8:30am, 22nd Nov 2024
 Price:  Free
  
  • Microsoft Teams
We are pleased to announce we will be holding a series of 4 webinars thoughout 2024 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.

The dates are:
• Friday 24 May, 8:30am UK time – An introduction to generative AI, Chat GPT, Copilot and prompt engineering (please see our video archive for recording)
• Friday 19 July, 8:30am UK time – Leveraging Generative AI for Business Innovation (please see our video archive for recording)
• Friday 25 October, 8:30am UK time - Creative Applications of Generative AI (please see our video archive for recording)
• Friday 22 November, 8:30am UK time - The Future of Work with AI Assistants

In this 4th session, our speaker, George Honiball, Senior Manager (Modern Work) at Microsoft will cover:
• Predicting the impact of AI on the future workplace.
• Training session on advanced prompt engineering techniques.
• How to stay ahead of the curve with continuous learning.
• Q&A session to address specific concerns and curiosities.

About 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.


 12:00pm, 28th Nov 2024
 Price:  Free
  
  • Zoom
South African Chambers from across the globe have joined forces to create the International Association of South African Chambers of Commerce (IASACC). IASACC has been in existence for little over a year and we currently have 9 South African Chambers that talk regularly and share ideas, thoughts and insights across what we do for our Soth African communities living abroad.

We have now joined forces with the SA Chamber in UK and will co-host their Ubuntu Virtual Global Networking event on Thursday 28 November. We are very excited about this opportunity and will be giving members of the SA Chambers the ability to connect with each other and help build their global networks.

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.

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

Participation is free, but registration is essential.

Zoom links will be sent out in the 24 hours prior to the event.


 6:00pm, 5th Dec 2024
 Price:  £36.00
  
  • Simmons & Simmons LLP
  • Citypoint
    1 Ropemaker Street
  • London, EC2Y 9SS
Please join us for the annual South African Chamber of Commerce UK Winter Drinks. Graciously hosted by Simmons & Simmons set at their prestigious office in the heart of London. This event promises an excellent opportunity to unwind, connect, celebrate the festive season with fellow South African’s and friends of our community.

This event will also mark a special moment for the Chamber as we bid farewell to our outgoing Chairman and CEO, Sharon Constancon. Sharon’s remarkable contributions will be celebrated as we express our gratitude for her dedication over the years. Additionally, our incoming Chairman, Dennis Zietsman, and CEO, Svend Littauer, will share an update on the year’s activities and their exciting plans for 2025.

As we wrap up the year, this is the perfect chance to grow your network, share insights, give thanks and forge meaningful connections within our community.

Ticket price:  £36 inc VAT
Members:  £18 inc VAT

The highlight of the evening will be an extraordinary "Quartet of Perspectives"—a literary showcase featuring four distinguished authors, each offering their unique insight.

We have the honour of having Lord Hain as our keynote speaker. Lord Hain is a former cabinet minister and renowned author. Lord Hain will discuss his captivating trilogy, which includes The Rhino Conspiracy, The Elephant Conspiracy, and The Lion Conspiracy. These novels weave thrilling narratives around the urgent issues of wildlife conservation and political corruption in South Africa.

We are privileged to have His Excellency Kingsley Mamabola, who will share reflections from his forthcoming memoirs, a deeply personal account of his journey, leadership, and the African experiences that have shaped his life and career. Through his storytelling, Kingsley offers profound insights into culture, identity, and transformation.

We are pleased that Bruce Whitfield, Award winning broadcaster, best-selling author & speaker, will send us a virtual message. Bruce will introduce his latest book The One Thing: Small Ideas, Big Outcomes, A Brighter Future for South Africa in which Bruce challenged his contributors to identify ‘One Thing’ that, if they were president for half an hour, they would order to be implemented so it could have a catalytic effect throughout the economy. It will be an enlightening mesage and expect Bruce to use his usual inimitable humour.

And in addition, we are delighted to have Roz Morris, Founder, The Visual Revolution as a speaker. Roz will be sharing her latest insights on business and visual storytelling, a topic central to her new book. Roz is a leader in the field of media and communications, with over 20 years of experience helping businesses and leaders tell their stories effectively. She is passionate about the power of visuals in transforming how businesses engage with their audiences.

This Quartet of Perspectives promises to be an enlightening experience, blending political intrigue, economic innovation, the art of storytelling, and cultural reflection. It’s a night where ideas come to life, and the power of words and wisdom takes centre stage.

Throughout the event, you'll enjoy wine tasting, courtesy of Gerhard Perold of Perold Wine Cellar, and South African delicacies, including Biltong and Dry Wors, kindly provided by Stuart Dickson from the Braai Club. Sharon Constancon, of Valufin, will be sponsoring the exclusive Benguela Estate Wines.

As we gather in a relaxed, festive atmosphere, you’ll have the chance to engage with a diverse group of professionals, build your network, and share insights.


Third Party Events

 8:30am, 13th Nov 2024
 Price:  See website
  
  • The Conduit
  • Langley Street
  • London
Education Town: Impact Investment & Exponential Philanthropy Opportunities

As Apartheid came to an end, a young actuary was days away from leaving Johannesburg to advance his lucrative career in America. After a chance visit to the townships, he decided to send out a few faxes to see if he could help the rising populations access much-needed education. He was inundated with more than 3,500 applicants. Armed with nothing but photocopies of a keyboard, he began to offer typing classes. This became the nucleus of his virtually free university.

Now some three decades, 35 awards, 65 publications, 100 innovations and 24,000 graduates later, Dr. Taddy Blecher is leading the creation of ‘Education Town’. Thanks to a generous donation by Anglo American, this first global hub for education and innovation is at the core of ‘Jozi My Jozi’, a coalition of more than 120 likeminded MNCs, universities and community stakeholders working together to regenerate Johannesburg CBD, the nexus of major economic activities throughout sub Saharan Africa.


 7:00pm, 21st Nov 2024
 Price:  See website
  
  • The Ritzy Cinema
  • Brixton Oval
    Coldharbour Lane
  • London, SW2 1JG
Film Premier and ACTSA fundraiser

OR Tambo's London Recruits, by Barefoot Rascals, is a documentary drama about young foreigners, many of them British, who were recruited in the late 1960s and 1970s to undertake missions to South Africa to release leaflet bombs and loudspeaker messages on behalf ot the ANC.

Watch the trailer below: