The South African Chamber of Commerce UK’s London Gala Dinner will take place at Mansion House from 6pm on Tuesday, March 22nd.
Mansion House is an extremely prestigious venue in the City of London. Within the “square mile”, it is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London.
Our host and keynote speaker for the evening will be a recent Lord Mayor, Sir Peter Estlin. Peter has a long history in the City, the City Corporation and the Livery. With a financial services background as CFO of Barclays Bank, he understands international finances and trade between the City and beyond.
Being welcomed at Mansion House reflects the growing relationship between the South African Chamber and the City of London, the home of international trade. This relationship with the City Corporation began when the Chamber was hosted in the Old Bailey by the then Aldermanic Sheriff, Michael Mainelli, the then Lord Mayor William Russell and The Recorder of London for a viewing of Sir Nick Stadlen’s amazing documentary film, “Life Is Wonderful: Mandela’s Unsung Heroes” on 18 November 2020 and again on Thursday, 11th February 2021. More recently, on 25th October 2021, the Chamber, as Chair of the Council of Foreign Chambers of Commerce in the UK, hosted the outgoing Sheriffs of the City of London, Michael Mainelli and Chris Hayward in a discussion about the future of the City, post pandemic.
Our Gala Dinner in 2021 was virtual, taking place on Zoom, with all participants eating the same meal in their black ties and evening gowns, with breakout tables for networking during the three courses. It was a huge success and very well attended.
Prior to that, we held the SA Chamber Gala Dinners at the House of Lords, hosted by distinguished South African, Lord Peter Hain. The increased demand for attendance has made it necessary for us to find a larger venue and there is no grander than the Egyptian Hall within Mansion House.
This year promises to be the Chamber’s most prestigious Gala event and a premiere networking opportunity for our members and supporters; a time to throw off the shackles imposed by COVID and enjoy the pleasures of conversation in person, allowing us to build new business opportunities and friendships within the South African orientated community in the UK.
The evening’s focus will be convivial company, excellent wine, and sumptuous food in a truly impressive venue.
The entertainment will be provided by South African performers Nic and Pearl Vani and their backing group. Nic is well known for his lead role in the London West End show, The Lion King.
The South African High Commissioner to the UK, Her Excellency, Nomatemba Tambo will share her insights with us for the last time at a Gala Dinner, as she prepares to return to South Africa at the end of her posting.
We have several sponsors getting involved to help make the night a success and keep the ticket prices affordable, with special thanks to our headline sponsor, Standard Bank in London, for their support. Many opportunities are available for sponsors, please contact [email protected] if you would like your brand to be represented.
The dress code for the night is Black Tie and the evening begins with wonderful opportunity to network during a drinks reception, followed by a silver service, three-course dinner.
Mansion House closes to visitors at 10.30pm, so please consider the ticket option that includes after-dinner drinks which will be held, for ticket holders only, next door to Mansion House at No 1 Lombard Street. At least your first two drinks will be covered by the ticket price, and we will switch to a cash bar when the ceiling sponsorship by the Chamber has been reached.
Tickets are selling quickly, so please book your seats or tables as soon as possible to ensure you’re not disappointed.
