About the Australian Business Chamber of Commerce
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With a focus on facilitating trade, investment opportunities and strategic partnerships between Australia and Southern Africa, the Australian Business Chamber of Commerce (Southern Africa) provides unparalleled access to resources, market insights and exclusive events.
Who We Are
The Australian Business Chamber of Commerce (Southern Africa) (ABCSA) is a member-driven business network dedicated to fostering connections and facilitating bilateral trade between Australia and Southern Africa. We provide a dynamic platform for individuals, SMEs, and large corporations to engage, collaborate, and expand their business reach.
ABCSA hosts informal networking events in Johannesburg at least four times a year, offering members the opportunity to build relationships and share industry insights. We also keep our members informed through regular updates on business opportunities,
market trends, and relevant events. Additionally, our platform serves as a valuable resource for members to promote their businesses across Southern Africa and Australia.
ABCSA is proudly aligned with and supported by the Australian High Commission and Austrade, reinforcing our commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties between the two regions.
Support opportunities for companies via round tables, leadership conversations, events and information sharing; working collaboratively with Australian and Southern African business communities, government and trade representatives.
Our mission is to provide members with timely, relevant information, exclusive events, and valuable opportunities that drive business growth and success. Through strategic support and industry insights, we empower businesses to navigate and thrive in the dynamic Australian-Southern African trade landscape.
Management
Vivek Natarajan
Chairperson
Vivek is an experienced business and operations leader with a strong background in the energy, chemicals, resources, and sustainability industries across multiple regions. As Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa at Worley, he oversees strategy, operations, and business growth in the region. With degrees in Chemical & Process Engineering and Commerce from the University of Western Australia, he has held various roles in engineering, project delivery, and business leadership.
Yvonne Lekalakala
Deputy Chairperson
Yvonne is an Airline Contracts Analyst with a background in power generation systems, business development, and data analytics. She began her career as a Systems Engineer in Electrical Engineering before transitioning into business development, where she leverages her technical expertise and strategic skills to drive growth. Passionate about economic development and international business expansion, she works with multinational corporations and government agencies to foster cross-sector collaboration. A dedicated mother of two, she believes in continuously shaping oneโs own path and is guided by Henry David Thoreauโs words: "Life isnโt about finding yourself; it is about creating yourself. So live the life you imagined."
Brett Elmer
Advocacy
Brett is First Secretary (Trade and Economic) at the Australian High Commission in Pretoria, supporting trade and investment across Southern Africa. He works closely with Australian and African businesses to enhance cooperation and address challenges in the region. With extensive experience in foreign and trade policy, Brett has lived and worked in multiple countries, including Korea, Hong Kong, and the UK.
Scott Morriss
Trade and Investment Commissioner, Africa
Scott is the Trade and Investment Commissioner for Africa at Austrade, leading a team across Johannesburg, Nairobi, Accra, and Rabat to support Australian businesses in Africa. Previously, he was Trade Commissioner in Tokyo, focusing on key industries, and served in the Australian Navy for over 20 years, including a role as Attachรฉ to Japan. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Canberra and speaks Japanese.
Milan Bossinger
Finance
Milan currently serves as a Senior Credit Analyst within the Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) Risk division at Absa, with a focus on Resources and Project Finance. In this role, he partners closely with front office teams across long-term debt, trade finance, and working capital, supporting the execution of both large-scale and smaller strategic transactions. He is actively involved in the management of a diverse credit portfolio, encompassing both listed and unlisted clients across South Africa and the broader Rest of Africa region. His responsibilities include contributing to the effective oversight and mitigation of credit risk, as well as ensuring the ongoing quality of assets across Absa Group and its subsidiaries. Through this, Milan continues to build deep exposure to the private debt market. Prior to joining Absa, Milan held the role of Senior Credit Manager at Nedbank, where he specialized in Project Finance and Infrastructure, supporting high-impact transactions across key sectors.
Jason Meyer
Secretary
Jason is a commercial and property lawyer admitted to practice in both South Africa and Australia, advising clients on cross-border corporate structuring, property solutions, and estate planning. After gaining experience in leading law firms, he co-founded Meyer Van Der Walt in 2005. He is also a Notary Public in both countries and frequently travels between Australia and South Africa to support his clients.
Bill Guy
EXCO Member
Bill Guy (Chairman Theta Gold Mines Limited) is a professional Mining executive and geologist with over 25 years of experience in exploration and resource development in Asia, Australia, and Europe.
Mark Hocker
EXCO Member
Mark is the founder of The Boiler Room in South Africa and Australia, a leading 3D animation and Industry 4.0 production company with over 21 years of innovation in eLearning, AR, and VR. Originally from Coffs Harbour, Australia, he worked in TV animation and special effects before introducing 3D animation to South Africa and lecturing at major universities. He now lives in Johannesburg with his wife and two children.
Jacqui Burn
Web Manager
Jacqui is a communications, marketing, and digital strategy consultant based in Pretoria, helping businesses develop their web and digital presence since 2015. With a background in corporate web management, PR, and the heavy electrical engineering industry, she brings extensive expertise. She holds a Bachelorโs degree in Communications and English, along with qualifications in Inbound Marketing, Digital Marketing, and Photography.
Fabienne Rossouw
Business Development Manager
Fabienne has over 20 years of experience in the service industry, specializing in event management, administration, and business development. She has worked in conferencing, technology, and hospitality, focusing on coordination and customer engagement. Since joining ABCSA in 2018, she has been responsible for event planning, business development, and administration, ensuring the smooth operation of the Chamberโs activities.
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