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
Ask Saffas in the USA about their favourite holiday destinations in South Africa and ninety percent of the time the Kruger National Park will feature. The smell of the bush, wild animals roaming freely, and a night spent next to the fire with a tjoppie on the braai, strike a chord.
South Africa’s Ambassador in the USA, HE Nomaindiya Mfeketo, recently announced that she is returning to SA. Her tenure was marked by exceptional governance, particularly during the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Malibongwe,’ meaning ‘Let us praise’ in isiZulu, was the theme for this year’s prestigious South African Women’s Day event which was hosted by Shared Interest and held at the SA Embassy in Washington. The theme resonated deeply as everyone gathered to celebrate the accomplishments and potential of South African women.
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).