Part of our identity at Relocation Africa is the fact that we are multifaceted and diverse. We are engaged in numerous independent and international commercial initiatives outside of our company such as EuRA, which we are a proud member of, and we take pleasure in the satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from our involvement in external causes and activities.  

Relocation Africa celebrates every achievement, triumph, and milestone, and pays homage to each of them, whether great or small, in order to acknowledge their individual importance.  

We celebrate being a member of the Cape Chapters, which is a branch of the South African Chamber of Commerce, based in the UK. The SACC is an organisation that promotes fair trade and investment into and out of South Africa. Additionally, the South African Chamber of Commerce also acts as a meeting point for South African business in the UK and promotes business opportunities between the two nations. Prioritising South African businesses first and foremost, the SACC considers themselves to be a means through which crucial knowledge about relevant business practices can be shared, a platform through which advice and training can be offered to its members, as well as a united voice in instances when dealing with government bodies and representatives.  

With specific focus on the Western Cape, the South African Chamber of Commerce hosted the Cape Chapters launch event in celebration of the organisation’s new developments and partnerships. The launch event was undertaken by 130 guests, all of whom were prominent figures, diplomats, and stakeholders in the industry. The launch event was officialised with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was conducted by the British High Commissioner, Anthony Phillipson, and the Chairman of the SACC, Sharon Constançon. Celebrations filled the air as guests enjoyed a banquet of delicious refreshments, engaged in constructive conversations, and displayed gratitude to the long list of proud sponsors who each played a role in the success of the evening.  

Relocation Africa graciously and generously consolidated their position in the industry, and their keen interest in the new opportunities that this cooperation will produce, with their commitment to strengthening and establishing relationships, by being one of the many sponsors of the Cape Chapters launch event. Given the company’s allegiance and dedication to establishing international connections, as well as their location in the birthplace of the Cape Chapters, the Western Cape, such proceedings seemed fitting. 

Other sponsors whose assistance was integral to the success of the evening are:  

• Natalie Naudé, who provided the evening’s entertainment. The Congo Cowboys kept the guests entertained with their exhilarating performances that are representative of the coalescence of African and international efforts.  

• Frankie Bells Real Estate, for their significant cash donation that stands as testimony to their commitment to the growth of UK-South Africa relations. 

• David Naudé, the trusted and creative photographer, and Bjorn Salsone, the reliable MC extraordinaire. 

• Abroadscope, whose support has been instrumental in allowing for a seamless and successful event. 

• The British High Commission, who provided the venue and refreshments for the launch event.  

• Table Mountain water, who sponsored the water, and De Grendel, who sponsored the wines. 

The purpose of the Cape Chapter is essentially to improve economic associations and business relations between the United Kingdom and South Africa, particularly the Western Cape. Its commencement is representative of the efforts of all involved parties to promote innovation, collaboration, and trade partnerships. The Commencement of the Cape Chapters is primarily based in the Western Cape owing to its ideal location, its diverse and ever-growing business community, as well as its entrepreneurial spirit. However, the organisation has every intention to spread beyond the province’s borders and into the rest of the country.  

Sharon Constançon, Chairman of the SA Chamber of Commerce UK, in her extraordinary speech at the launch event, describing the Cape Chapter, said:  

“The launch of the Cape Chapter is a momentous occasion for the South African Chamber of commerce UK. It signifies our commitment to expanding our reach and strengthening our presence in key regions. With its dynamic business community and entrepreneurial spirit, the Western Cape is a natural choice for our next chapter. We look forward to working closely with local businesses, government agencies, and partners to create new avenues for growth, trade, and collaboration.” 

Apart from successful trade and collaboration, the Cape Chapters will also produce lots of fruitful benefits for all parties, including more investments, cultural enrichment, and a large medium for the exchange of knowledge. Most importantly, the Cape Chapter, and all that it entails, will pave the way for a prosperous UK-South Africa partnership.  

Other benefits from this initiative include strengthening the bi-lateral ties and professional relationships between South Africa and the UK by:  

• Advocating for Business 

• Promoting Trade and Partnerships 

• Celebrating Culture and Heritage 

• Encouraging Investment 

• Cultivating Knowledge Exchange 

Being an organisation whose primary objective is growth, the South African Chamber of Commerce is always inviting and accepting memberships from any credible South African business who shares its interests in the strengthening of global commercial connections. Signing up for a membership is as easy as visiting their website by clicking here and following the prompts. There are multiple variations of SACC memberships to suit their large and diverse audience, including memberships for young professionals, student associates, entrepreneurs, NGO’s, SME’s, corporates, as well as platinum memberships and strategic memberships. Each of these memberships are equipped with their own advantages and benefits.  

Some of SACC’s most prestigious and renowned membership holders are amongst the likes of Absa Bank, AngloAmerican, Investec, and Barclays.  

Some impressive advantages of being a member of SACC include:  

• Guaranteed invitations to all events, including private and international functions, to network and build relationships, and learn.  

• Earning up to 10% from any commercial returns received by SACC when sourcing business leads to hand to British Chamber. 

• Earning up to 25% of the commercial returns received by SACC when fostering direct business introduction to British Chamber. 

• Ability to place your services on offer on the Business Hub for proactive engagement of services to other members. 

• Involvement in projects, with appropriate praise and acknowledgements.  

• Platform to promote achievements and accolades. 

• Possible discounted membership or attendance rates. 

The Cape Chapters launch event presented an amazing opportunity to network with the representatives of those companies already involved, and we are certain that, with continuous involvement of South African businesses and the perpetual growing number of their members, there will be many more evenings like this. The South African Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Chapter look forward to many more delightful evenings and events.  

The South African Chamber of Commerce holds a great deal of opportunities for commercial growth and development, regardless of the stage or nature of your business – whether an entrepreneur, an SME, or a large corporate. Their website is filled with educational pieces that can benefit not only those seeking to join their membership program, but also individuals and organisations seeking to gain information on relevant topics.  

In another recent event, Relocation Africa also had the honour of attending another function held by the Cape Chapters at Cape Town’s very own Royal Cape Yacht Club. The evening was spectacular, with an amazing line-up of speakers shedding much needed light on important topics in the industry. From rule of law, to the best way to go about attaining a visa, and the state of the global economy in relation to industry, the conversation went above the expectations of the audience. Relocation Africa is proud to be a part of the SACC UK, and a proud member of the Cape Chapters.   

Visit their website to stay informed or join their memberships or email nnaude@sachamber.co.uk for more information.    

Visit our Knowledge Centre to access our news posts, exclusive blogs, and insightful webinars. To read more about other initiatives and organisations that Relocation Africa is involved in, check out our article on the 2023 EuRA Sustainability Symposium.