Summer Drinks

This year's Drinks will combine a seminar co-hosted with the SA UK Trust Network, a forum for representatives of UK-based Trusts and Charities who work to support their southern and South African partner organisations.

The seminar will feature a Keynote Address by HE Antony Phillipson, the British High Commissioner to South Africa, and two short case studies detailing the work of the SA UK Trust in creating partnerships between private companies and third sector organisations to advance social and economic development in South Africa.

HE Antony Phillipson, who has been the UK High Commissioner to South Africa for two years, will talk about his insights into the South African government's relations with Russia, their changed stance on working in collaboration with business, and their election challenges. He will also focus on current business opportunities, investor appetite and the role of small business in the economy.

The case studies will showcase two successful examples where companies have partnered with NGOs or other delivery organisations to action their corporate social responsibility. The first will feature Synergy and Mellon Educate, brought together by Mike Butler, and the second, Kyle Hauptfleisch, Chief Consulting Officer for Daemon Solutions who will speak about partnering with Breadline Africa, one of the SA/ UK Trust member charities.
 
Watch the replay below:



This will be followed by a networking and wine tasting session, where you can enjoy South African company and conversation over some drinks, meet old and new friends and generate business opportunities.

The wine tasting will be led by Gerhard Perold, whose passion for wine began with his grandfather who created the iconic South African grape varietal, Pinotage.

Tickets are £35pp inclusive of VAT.

Spaces are limited, so please book now to avoid disappointment. Bookings are only confirmed on receipt of payment.

If you had previously booked and paid for a ticket to the Winter or Spring drinks, you will only need to pay the balance. If you would like a refund, please let us know.

Speakers:
 
Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner to South Africa 
Mr Antony Phillipson took up his appointment as British High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa in July 2021. Antony joined the Civil Service in 1993 and has held a number of posts in His Majesty’s Government.

Jill Ritchie, SA-UK Trust Network 
Jill Ritchie chairs the London based UK Fund for Charities and the SA-UK Trust Network, which she was instrumental in founding. An intrepid entrepreneur, she has run her own fundraising consultancy and book publishing business for over three decades. She has offices in SA and the UK and has edited seven books and written 29, mainly aimed at the non-profit sector. 
 
Michael Butler, Mellon Educate
Mike has worked very closely with Mellon Educate for a decade, promoting and participating in the annual ‘building blitz’ where they take a large team to South Africa to build a school in one week. Mellon Educate also run a literacy programme. Mike is also involved with Pennies, the micro-donations retail charity helping tiny donations make a huge difference.
 
Kyle Hauptfleisch, Chief Consulting Officer for Daemon Solutions
Kyle Hauptfleisch is a South African ex-patriot and Chief Consulting Officer at Daemon Solutions. He specialises in technology delivery, communications and client management, and has a deep interest in economics, finance, and new technology.
 
Perold Wine Cellar Ltd 
Perold Wine Cellar go out of their way to provide their UK customers with a range of wines from all over South Africa. They also offer a range of services including wine tastings & talks, a wine club, trade supply, online sales, events, wine tours, weddings and much more.