2020 AND 2021 EVENTS
Trade Commissioner Welcome Reception Drinks Event – Thursday, 21 October 2021
End of Year Networking – 5 November 2020
The Chamber held a networking function to bid farewell to former ABCSA Chair Chris Hamilton and welcome the new Chair Judi Nwokedi and Deputy Regina Molloy on 5 November at Truffles on the Park in Sandton. It was the first event held by the Chamber since COVID-19 lockdowns and with COVID-19 protocols well and truly observed. We wish Chris all the best of luck with his new endeavours and we may even see him again in 2021. We would like to also say farewell and thank you to former ABCSA ExCo member Kym Fullgrabe for his hard work. We look forward to working with Judi and Regina and the expanded ExCo team of Daniela Kelfkens, Dhereen Beedasie, Tau Oliphant, Ian Bessarabia and Mark Hocker
Economics Business Briefing – 11 March 2020
On 11 March, the Australian Business Chamber of Commerce Southern Africa (ABCSA) hosted a presentation on the state and outlook for the South African economy.
Australian High Commissioner to South Africa HE Ms Gita Kamath spoke of the continued strong ties between Australia and South Africa.
Nedbank Chief Economist, Ms Nicky Weimar gave a detailed insight into the domestic and global economic environment including an update following South Africa’s Finance Minister’s Hon Tito Mboweni’s February budget and the potential impacts of the COVID-19 virus.
Networking Function – 20 February 2020
On Thursday 20 February, The chamber kicked off its 2020 events programme with some informal networking drinks at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton. A good crowd of returning members rubbed shoulders with a strong showing from the Australian High Commission, led by the High Commissioner herself, HE Gita Kamath and featuring Australia’s two military Attaches for Africa, Andrew Gilbert (Group Captain) and Theo Hadgis (Major). It was fascinating to learn a little more about Australia’s contribution to the multiple UN-sponsored peace-keeping missions in our region. Also enjoying the Chamber’s hospitality was the Chief Executive of SANCHAM, the Canadian Chamber in South Africa, Mike Morgan. Mike is full of good ideas for joint events for the mutual benefit of the members of both chambers – we hope to bring you details soon
Mining Indaba 3 -6 February 2020
The world’s largest Mining Investment event took place in February for its 26th year, with an attendance of 7,400 delegates. Australian High Commissioners and Ambassadors to Africa attended the networking events that were held and participated in some important bilateral meetings. For more information, please feel free to visit www.miningindaba.com
Australia Day – 23 January 2020
Australian High Commissioner HE Ms Gita Kamath hosted her first Australia Day at the Official Australian Residence on 23 January in Pretoria. Repatriated South African artwork from the Ifa Lethu Foundation was on display and Australian companies operating in South Africa and ABCSA members showcased their operations. Guests had a taste of Australia from Lamingtons, to photos with Australian wildlife, to a virtual reality experience of Sydney Harbour. Thank you to South Africans for your messages of support and solidarity around the bushfires in Australia. Australia remains very much open for business.