The Spirit of Ubuntu Commendation, kindly sponsored by Ashtons Legal, replaces what would have been the Chamber's Annual Awards, which we have had to delay to next year due to the current pandemic. The Awards usually celebrate dedication and excellence amongst the UK/SA community across a number of fields.

However, there is a special group of people for whom the pandemic has not meant working from home or being furloughed, it has not meant self-isolation and social distancing. Frontline essential workers, and especially those in the health care sector, have been called upon to work harder and in more dangerous conditions than many of us would find comfortable. Some of them have become ill as a result, and some of them have even paid with their lives.

The Spirit of Ubuntu Commendation is a moment to reflect on and recognise their extraordinary sacrifice and dedication. Ubuntu is an African concept that means "I am, because you are". In the context of the pandemic, we all are because of the bravery and committment of essential front-line workers who, when so many have fallen ill, have been there to care for us, and through their selfless dedication have saved many thousands of lives. Others have continued to provide essential services despite the risk to themselves which have kept society functioning.

During this special webinar we'll hear from a few of those nominated, and pay tribute to them all.

The webinar is free, but booking is essential. Links will be sent out in the 24 hours preceding the event.

The South African Chamber of Commerce is delighted to host a wine tasting with Benguela Cove Wines.

This webinar/wine tasting will take place at 19:30pm (UK time, 20:30 ZA time) on Wednesday, 30th September, following on from the Spirit of Ubuntu Commendations.

It's free to attend, but registration is essential. Zoom links well be sent out in the 24 hours before the event.

Other products to complement your wine tasting:

Biltong: https://kalaharikitchen.co.uk/product-category/biltong/
Boerewors: https://kalaharikitchen.co.uk/product-category/boerewors/
Traditional Fudge: https://www.suchsweetwotnots.com/products/traditional-fudge
Amarula Fudge: https://www.suchsweetwotnots.com/products/amarula-fudge

More about the wines, and links to order, below...

Wines

Benguela Cove Vineyards

Benguela Cove boasts South Africa's longest stretch of ocean facing vineyards (2.6km), grown at the lowest altitude - 2.7m above sea level. Located where Walker Bay meets Bot River, Benguela Cove's vineyards are unique. The special climatic conditions create a sublime setting for visitors and a special terroir to produce wines of distinction. The south-easterly sea breeze is chilled by the Benguela Current flowing up from Antarctica, to cool the grapes at night after warm summer days, irrigated by above average rainfall, for slow ripening and perfect viniculture.

Benguela Cove Estate Collection Wine Tasting Box | What's Inside

• Benguela Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2019 - captures the essence of the Walker Bay wine region
• Benguela Cove Syrah 2018 - an ode to the New World, this fruit-forward Syrah aims to please
• Benguela Cove Cuvée58 NV - a harmony of flavours and represents perfection in a glass
• Available in SA 3 Bottle Box | 6 Bottle Box (The member discount on the Benguela Cove website refers to Wine Club membership)
• Available in UK 3 Bottle Box | 6 Bottle Box (The member discount on the Benguela Cove website refers to Wine Club membership)

The Story | Signature Estate Wines

Dedicated to the craft of allowing each wine to tell its own story, only estate-grown grapes are used to encapsulate this quintessential cool climate. This range bears consistent quality that echoes the diversity of styles produced from a single estate, be it red or white wine.The vineyards are brought to life on the shores of the Bot River lagoon where this special Walker Bay terroir holds the key to creating wines layered with fruit and poised on natural and bright acidities. Our vines are adjusted to the marginal conditions close to the sea, anchored in diverse soil types and on different aspects that in turn create various microclimates to harbour different varieties.

The Story | Estate Méthod Cap Classique

The Cuvée58 Méthod Cap Classique allures with vivid aromas of candied apple, pear and sweet grass. The bright acidity is balanced with a tangy finish, concluded with a fresh floral note. With a name that celebrates the facets of a diamond, sauvignon blanc was a clear-cut choice to lead this refreshing MCC. Reflecting the precision that both the diamond cutter and the winemaker apply to their craft; this wine is light yet luminous with enough gravitas to pour at any celebratory occasion.

About Johann Fourie

Johann Fourie is one of the foremost experts on winemaking and viticulture in South Africa - and the master winemaker at Benguela Cove.

"Our brief is quite simple; to combine the best efforts of earth and man to produce beautiful wines." - Johann Fourie

His passion for wine includes all aspects of the industry - from selecting vineyards for our brands to growing grapes, and from the technology of winemaking to judging on wine competition panels. His experiences include time spent in all the French and other European wine regions, as well in Canada, the United States and Australia.

Johann's philosophy is "To bridge the gap between the science and the artistry of making wine: that's why I enjoy spending time with consumers, not just to share our story and passion for what we do, but also to get a deeper insight into their interest in wine, and to reflect that in every bottle we produce."

About Barry Anderson

Barry Anderson is the Managing Director at Mannings Heath Golf & Wine Estate, and is responsible for all our UK wine operations. Barry has a supernova of experience when it comes to wine, viniculture and hospitality. He's passionate about people and this shows in every project he takes on.

"Our vision remains to provide the best visitor experience for Golf and Wine and to build on the fantastic tradition of hospitality people have enjoyed. Our message is we are open to all." - Barry Anderson

The SACC is excited to host the fourth in the Lightning Talks series, which features 5 minute presentations from inspiring speakers about their lives and businesses.

Speaker info to follow.

Heritage Month is celebrated annually in September in South Africa.

We call on all South Africans across the world to use Heritage Month in 2020 to foster greater social cohesion, nation building and a shared national identity.

Friends of South Africa you are welcome to support us in our cause.

Global South Africans and Friends of South Africa, please take a picture of yourselves carrying the South African flag and send it to [email protected]

Post the pictures on your social media platforms with the hashtag #FlyTheFlag #FlagForHeritage

(see the flyer for more details)

There are great South African prizes that we will give away.

South Africa : Inspiring New Ways

We hope you are able to join us for the below webinar on Exporting to the UK post-EU exit.

The United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 January 2020, subject to a transition period until the end of December 2020. Once the transition period ends, trade between South Africa and the UK will no longer take place under the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), but rather under the new Southern African Customs Union plus Mozambique (SACUM) - UK Economic Partnership Agreement.

During the webinar, we hope to provide exporters with a general overview of the SACUM-UK EPA, as well as export opportunities to the UK under the new EPA.

• General overview of the SACUM-UK EPA & its implementation


• Opportunities for exports to the UK post-EU exit


• Readiness of the UK to receive SA imports directly and via EU - infrastructure, logistics and administrative processes


• Update on trade negotiations between UK and Europe


• Potential impact of EU exit on SA exports and value chains, e.g. cumulation and transhipment of SA products

Join Here

BlueSky Experiences, Berwicks Consultancy and Insights Discovery are excited to come together for an upcoming webinar, "COVID-19 as a Catalyst for Change". This free webinar will focus on the three companies' experiences during the pandemic as a means to guide businesses and help them leverage the challenges from COVID-19 to build strength and resilience.

A key moment in the crisis; Mr Johnson announces that the country is "past the peak" of the disease, and yet there is still no definitive end in sight.

The pandemic will cause the most synchronised global downturn on record, with per capita incomes shrinking in the largest fraction of countries since 1870. These are surely the most challenging circumstances many of us have ever faced as business leaders.

How can our expert panel for this webinar help you rise to the challenge? By sharing observations and experiences looking at:

• Responses to the pandemic from businesses
• Crisis readiness tips for business leaders
• Leadership and Considered Communication to support business survival.
• The importance of your people in organisational resilience

Joining us in this discussion will be:

• Jamie Murray - CEO Berwicks
• Thiemo Rehlaender - Principal Consultant, Berwicks. Thiemo specialises in strategy development and transformation of client organisations.
• Fiona Logan - CEO Insights
• James England - Founder & Managing Director BlueSky Experiences
• Graeme Wilkinson - Non-Exec Learning and Development Director BlueSky Experiences

We're looking forward to having you join us! Please feel free to share this with any others who might be interested.

For more information or if you have any enquiries, please contact James England at BlueSky Experiences at [email protected] or Ivor Gardiner at Berwicks Limited at [email protected]

Join Here

In 1599 Marseille created the first Chambre de Commerce. The main function of a Chamber of Commerce is to promote local businesses. Chambers often provide local and overseas networking, educational opportunities, apprenticeship schemes, and lobbying on business & commercial issues, as well as the latest marketing and promotional techniques. The movement is global, ranging from the Handelskammern in Germany, which have highly formal roles affiliated with government, to mutual structures in many English-speaking regions. Chambers provide an opportunity for businesses to 'outsource' several functions, e.g. information gathering, lobbying, events, and promotion. A 'local' Chamber is often a basic, useful, affiliation for a business, but membership of multiple, and varied, Chambers is often collectively beneficial. This webinar will explore what is available and what businesses should consider.

To explore the world of Chambers, we have assembled a panel of four speakers representing some of the variety available:

• Sharon Constançon - Chairman of the South African Chamber of Commerce (London), and Chairman of the Council of Foreign Chambers of Commerce in the UK (CFCC)
• Richard Burge - CEO, London Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Dr Adam Marshall - Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the national representative body of 52 accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK
• Nigel Bacon - CEO, Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce

The panel will each present one example of their work with a genuine 'paradigm' client, and then discuss with the audience:

• Global overview, and what is an 'official' chamber of commerce
• What various types of Chambers of Commerce offer
• When you should engage a Chamber of Commerce
• How Chamber of Commerce services differ from government, academic, or commercial advice
• What functions can be 'outsourced' to a chamber of commerce
• Why your business should be a member

Speakers:

Sharon Constançon is a Chartered Director, Chartered Secretary and a fellow of ICSA, a fellow of the IoD, a member of CISI International Committee, Chairman of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK and a member of the WCCSA Membership Committee.

As CEO of Genius Methods and Genius Boards, Sharon offers robust, behavior-focused board evaluations, mentoring, corporate governance services and training to many industries. Her clients include FTSE and regulated businesses, SMEs, family businesses, investment trusts, insurance, financial services, health services, charities and the housing sector.

Richard Burge has been the chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry since February 2020.

He has led four multi-million pound organisations as chief executive over a total of 18 years. They ranged from a famous charity to a UK government agency to a private company to a membership body. All of them were revenue-based operations delivering public benefits.

He has been on the Board and a non-executive chair/director of five multi-million pound operations including companies, charities, two government agencies, and a UK Russell Group university.

Richard has worked in over 55 countries, specialising in Africa, the wider Commonwealth, and post-conflict situations.

Book Here