South African High Commissioner’s Visit Strengthens Ties between SA and Isle of Man
by June Whiteman, Isle of Man Chapter South African Chamber of Commerce UK
“Our hopes will become a reality.” — Nelson Mandela
These words rang true last week as the Isle of Man welcomed His Excellency Kingsley Mamabolo, South Africa’s High Commissioner to the UK, for a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the bonds between the Isle of Man and South Africa.
Hosted by the Isle of Man Cabinet Office on 3rd and 4th April 2025, the delegation included Counsellor (Political) Multilateral Thanisa Naidu-Lewin and Sharon Constançon, Chairman of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK Advisory Council.
Together, they met with political leaders, business representatives, and community members from across the Island, marking a significant step forward in deepening bilateral relationships.
Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK welcomed the High Commissioner and emphasised the importance of cultivating strong international connections:
“We continue to work hard to develop our international relationships and to seek mutually beneficial economic opportunities. I am grateful the High Commissioner saw fit to visit us. With such a large South African community based here, it is also a great chance for them to meet with the High Commissioner to explore ways that we can build on our good relationship.”
The itinerary included strategic meetings with the Council of Ministers hosted by the Minister for Enterprise, a formal engagement at Government House hosted by the Lieutenant Governor where guests were addressed by the Chief Minister.
Tynwald, the Isle of Man Parliament, is the oldest continuous parliament in the world and the President of Tynwald, The Hon Laurence Skelly ended the official visit with a tour sharing insights into recent debates.
Cultural visits included a visit to the Manx Museum for a guided tour of the new Archibald Knox exhibition, which opened officially the following evening, showcasing the Island’s rich artistic heritage. The GreatLaxey Wheel, a symbol of the Isle of Man’s mining heritage has links to South Africa and His Excellency had the unique opportunity of shutting down the huge water wheel for the night.
A key highlight of the visit was the engagement with the Isle of Man Indaba — a collective of South African-led businesses on the Island who regularly visit South Africa to promote the Isle of Man as a jurisdiction for business and wealth management. This engagement was supported by Finance Isle of Man, a Platinum member of the SA Chamber of Commerce UK.
Basil Bielich, Director of the Isle of Man Indaba, expressed the group’s pride in hosting the Thursday morning event:
“The companies making up the Isle of Man Indaba are delighted to welcome the High Commissioner to the Isle of Man. This visit highlights the close relationship between our two countries and creates opportunities for businesses and individuals in both jurisdictions.”
Paul Blake, Head of Finance Isle of Man echoed this sentiment, citing long-standing links between the Isle of Man and South Africa across various sectors of the economy:
“These are further strengthened by our on-the-ground presence in South Africa and the annual Isle of Man Indaba Roadshow, supported by Finance Isle of Man. Our ties are also enriched by the Island’s South African community whose business and familial connections reinforce our commitment to continuing to work together.”
For those present at the Indaba session, the occasion was both inspiring and meaningful. Roelf Odendaal, shared:
“Today, the Isle of Man Indaba saw a small bit of our dream become a reality. It was an honour to meet His Excellency Kingsley Mamabolo and Thanisa Naidu-Lewin and to reconnect with Sharon Constançon. We had a fruitful discussion with the delegation on building stronger ties with South Africa. I was privileged to represent Boston Multi Family Office and the interests of our South African clients.”
The visit also served as a testament to the dedication of the SA Chamber UK’s continued drive to promote collaboration between South Africa and the UK to open many doors for businesses in both countries.
The SACC UK Isle of Man representative, June Whiteman, thanked Rebecca George, CEO of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce for her support and collaboration in organising Breakfast with the High Commissioner on the Friday morning. The attendance was exceptional and an indication of the depth of the business community with interests in South Africa.
One of the aims of the SA Chamber UK is to provide a forum to promote business between our global network of members and having the High Commissioner visit the Isle of Man, was testament that what we are doing is recognised at a higher level.
June extended a warm thank you to the sponsors, Standard Bank Isle of Man, Ramsey Crookall & Co, DQ Advocates, Boston Multi Family Office, Valufin Limited and Castletown Golf Links, and to Lush Bakes and Billy Boy Biltong for the gift bags of rusks and biltong.
An unexpected highlight for a limited number of those present was to go home with a signed copy of the High Commissioner’s newly published book, “Let Not the Sun Set on You”. Named after an African proverb, the book provides an insider’s view of South Africa’s struggle for freedom from the perspective of a freedom fighter, turned peace negotiator and international diplomat. As it traces the author’s journey from freedom fighter in exile to South Africa’s representative at the United Nations, it provides unique insights into South African history.
His Excellency ended his visit enjoying his passion for golf as a guest of the Castletown Golf Links. A gloriously sunny afternoon, with little wind, ensured the High Commissioner and his fellow players had optimum conditions on this iconic golf course.
With thanks to our sponsors:
Further reading:
The report of the visit from the Isle of Man Government Cabinet Office