SA Chamber USA recently obtained data from the United Nations which confirms the USA is the 3rd most popular destination for South African immigrants, preceded by the UK and Australia. The Department of Home Affairs and Statistics South Africa does not track data on emigration. However, the UN keeps data on migration and where South Africans have emigrated to over the last few decades.
The first of a series of investor forum discussions kicked off with a virtual event between tourism role-players in Mpumalanga and the SA Embassy in Washington, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of the Premier in Mpumalanga.
Author and philanthropist, Sir-Bongani Ka Luvalo who heads up the Cool Dads Foundation met up with Neil Diamond recently who pledged further support to this worthy cause. Cool Dads Foundation provides school shoes for children in disadvantaged communities. Anyone who wants to become involved can visit their website here.
SACCUSA Vice-President Magda Odendaal was recently interviewed as a special guest of Lorna Greyling on Distro TV channel 170 and Local Now channel 504 in the USA. The program was themed “steppingstones” to success with Magda Odendaal.
The South African Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, who is part of the permanent mission of South Africa to the United Nations in New York, met with SACCUSA in August to discuss the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
SACCUSA was recently invited by the New York Consul General to participate with South African business leaders in the city to discuss the establishment of a New York based US/South Africa Business Advisory Council. This initiative by Consul General Motumisi Tawana enjoyed support from the many South Africans working on Wall Street.
SACCUSA President Neil Diamond attended both the Springbok vs New Zealand games at Mbombela and Ellis Park Stadiums. He played an instrumental role during his tenure as Municipal Manager of Mbombela Local Municipality in the negotiation phase to secure the Mbombela game and he is seen here with Mbombela Stadium Manager Roelf Kotze.
In September, the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA) is celebrating its second birthday. In humans this is the age when a child will start to kick a ball and slowly run. SACCUSA has exceeded expectations and is running at a fast pace while playing ball in the big league.
For those who left South Africa after 2015, the tragic story of the ‘Life Esidimeni’ scam is still etched in everyone’s memory. For those who already lived in the USA, the news of the brutal and inhumane deaths of 144 patients at psychiatric facilities in Gauteng, shocked the world.
In the April edition of Saffamag, I related how Lady Luck has played a huge role in my life. Because of her, far more good things have happened in my life than I would have predicted when I graduated from Wits in 1971. And it seems that she still has an eye on me! By Stanley Trollip
A landmark partnership to unlock a multitude of opportunities for South African companies to foster economic growth and bolster bilateral relations between South Africa and the United States of America have been established between the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA) and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI).
A husband and wife duo gave up everything to move from Washington State to South Dakota, where their new hydroponic greenhouse is taking root in the local community.
Nando’s Peri-Peri is set to get Austin Saffas’ tastebuds tingling when it opens in Mueller early next year.