SA Chamber UK Business Awards
Fostering Bi-Lateral Trade and Celebrating Excellence
On Wednesday, 31st January members and supporters of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK gathered at Saddlers’ Hall, in the heart of the City of London, to honour businesses and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, innovation, and resilience in their respective fields, symbolising the dynamic business landscape of both the UK and South Africa across a broad range of disciplines. The awards exist to promote bi- lateral trade and cooperation, to celebrate the highest standards in business excellence, and to inspire up-and-coming businesspeople with the belief that with hard work and determination, success is an achievable goal.
Attended by almost 100 finalists, guests, members and supporters, the atmosphere was warm and the enthusiasm contagious. We were very grateful to the many finalists based in South Africa who made themselves available via Zoom to participate in the evening, which given the two-hour time difference made it quite a late night for them. It was wonderful to capture their reactions live, and heartwarming to witness the joy and gratitude the winners expressed, which made the months of preparation for the evening very worthwhile. It was impossible not to be moved at the winner’s spontaneous reactions, showing that it makes a very real impact to have achievements recognised.
The awards also provide a well-deserved exposure for some of South Africa’s finest in front of an international and influential audience.
SACC Annual Awards 2023 Video & Photos
South African Chamber of Commerce UK Business Awards Dinner: Fostering Bi-Lateral Trade and Celebrating Excellence
On Wednesday, 31st January members and supporters of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK gathered at Saddlers’ Hall, in the heart of the City of London, to honour businesses and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, innovation, and resilience in their respective fields, symbolising the dynamic business landscape of both the UK and South Africa across a broad range of disciplines. The awards exist to promote bi-lateral trade and cooperation, to celebrate the highest standards in business excellence, and to inspire up-and-coming businesspeople with the belief that with hard work and determination, success is an achievable goal.
Attended by almost 100 finalists, guests, members and supporters, the atmosphere was warm and the enthusiasm contagious. We were very grateful to the many finalists based in South Africa who made themselves available via Zoom to participate in the evening, which given the two-hour time difference made it quite a late night for them. It was wonderful to capture their reactions live, and heartwarming to witness the joy and gratitude the winners expressed, which made the months of preparation for the evening very worthwhile. It was impossible not to be moved at the winner’s spontaneous reactions, showing that it makes a very real impact to have achievements recognised. The awards also provide a well-deserved exposure for some of South Africa’s finest in front of an international and influential audience.
Sponsored by Hogan Lovells, a long-term strategic member of the Chamber, the awards celebrated individuals and businesses from across the spectrum of South African society, with different age groups, women, and a representative variety of ethnic backgrounds represented. In his keynote address, Wessel Badenhorst, partner Hogan Lovells’ Johannesburg office highlighted the complications and challenges facing South Africa in this 30th year of democracy and likely the most pivotal General Election since 1994. He also congratulated the Chamber, saying, “The Awards evening was epic. Well done to Sharon Constançon and the team for putting together a flawless performance.”
Andrew Selous MP, the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for South Africa, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Congratulations on a splendid evening which as a huge success.”
Sharon Constançon, Chairman of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK, said “Being selected as a finalist though the layers of judging is an amazing accomplishment in itself, and I was delighted to see 21 finalists achieve this honour. The judges had an extremely difficult task and I’m glad I wasn’t one of them.”
A catalogue of all the finalists can be found here, and profiles of the winners can be found here.
Please enjoy a short video of the highlights of the awards below:
The Awards is one of two premiere events in the Chamber’s annual calendar, providing a unique platform for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to connect, create links, explore collaborations, find synergies, and promote trade. Starting conversations and sharing contact information is all part of developing relationships that can lead to future business ventures.
The Chamber is focussed on building the profile of South Africa in the City. The current Sheriff to the Lord Mayor of the City of London was present at the awards, Alderman Bronek Masojada, a South African, attended in his Shrieval Black Tie with chains of office.
The pinnacle event of the year will be the Gala Dinner to be held on 19th June at Mansion House, hosted by the current Lord Mayor, Michael Mainelli, a supporter of the country and a close associate of the Chamber who has been involved in many of the Chamber’s events in recent years. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
Unveiling the Winners: Awards 2023
The South African Chamber of Commerce UK Awards 2023 took place on the 31 January 2024 at a formal dinner held at Saddlers’ Hall, London, by kind permission of the Prime Warden and Court of the Saddlers’ Worshipful (Livery) Company.
The event was a recognition of the best efforts and achievements of the South African community in the UK & SA in seven categories.
Chairman’s Christmas Message 2023
This year, for the first time, I note the significance of wrapping presents. We are symbolically wrapping up the old year, and morphing … to gifting a treasure to another to benefit them in the year ahead.
Reflections
As the year draws to a close, we are also wrapping up in the working context, to be instead at home with family and friends.
Many global South Africans are heading back to South Africa for a sunny and warm, outdoor holiday break from the cold of the northern hemisphere.
The Christmas lights in South Africa do not compete with the efforts that people make in the colder climes with their trees, homes and gardens. Every English village is festooned with lights and the city of London looks magical with miles of Christmas lights.
It is a time for reflection, and every year has its good and bad history. I like to look back on the successes to get us into a positive place to plan and enjoy the year ahead.
South African Chamber of Commerce Awards 2023 – Finalists
The South African Chamber of Commerce UK Awards is a recognition of the best efforts and achievements of the South African community in the UK & SA, all wrapped up into a fantastic celebration evening.
This year’s Awards event will be a formal dinner at Saddlers’ Hall, London, by kind permission of the Prime Warden and Court of the Saddlers’ Worshipful (Livery) Company.
Thanks to Hogan Lovells, our headline sponsor’s generous support, we have been able to keep the tickets for members very affordable, cheaper than the Gala Dinner and only marginally up on the price of the Awards pre-Covid, for a very different experience.
We will have a Director of Ceremonies, familiar with ceremonial duties in the City, who will be fascinating to watch.
The MC for the Awards will be Roz Morris – formerly a BBC reporter and presenter. Now, Roz trains people in business to be proficient in PR and particularly to present themselves at their best on camera or when interviewed on TV, even when the interview is in the more confrontational style that has become more typical of modern media.
Dinner is a three-course meal with matching wines and further networking when dinner is complete.
In a conversation today, I learnt that a new line of business and a successful partnership for a member was created through them meeting the ‘right’ person, also a member, at an in-person event of the SA Chamber UK, held in London in November.
Sharon Constançon, SACC Chair
The Awards
There are three to four finalists in each Award category and we shall be awarding only the winners on the night.
Review the finalists below
South African Chamber of Commerce Awards 2023 – Finalists
| Business Leader Award | ||
| Sira Dheshan Naidu | Disruptor London Ltd | Co-founder/Owner |
| Mteto Nyati | BSG | Executive Chairman |
| Martin Sweet | Primestars (Pty) Ltd | Managing Director |
| Business Woman of the Year | ||
| Koni Maliehe | Koni Wines | CEO |
| Caroll Masevhe | Kapcor Construction (Pty) Ltd | Managing Director |
| Naledi McCarthy-Ocansey | Utour Ltd | Founder |
| Penny Streeter OBE | A24 Group | CEO |
| Chairman’s Award | ||
| Refilwe Buthelezi | Engineering Council of South Africa | President |
| Adrian Gardiner | The Mantis Collection | Executive Chairman |
| Natalie Jane Pollock | Sporting Chance | General Manager |
| DE&I Leader Award | ||
| Ruth Leas | Investec | CEO |
| Dr Arthie Moore-Robberts | Celebrating Humanity International | Founder |
| Arlene Wilson-Max | Pan Africa Exchange | Managing Director |
| ESG Leader Award | ||
| Songo Didiza | Green Building Design Group | Founder and Director |
| Jeremy Ford | Qhubeka | Director & Trustee |
| Ilana Friedman | Magical Moments | Founding Director & CEO |
| Innovator of the Year | ||
| Dr Dean Allen | Author | Speaker | Historian | Author and Keynote Speaker |
| Dr Jaishree Naidoo | Envisionit Deep AI | CEO |
| Marang Setshwaelo | Netflix, Sub-Saharan Africa | Publicity Director |
| Young Business Leader Award | ||
| Nicolette Nadia Mashile | Financial Fitness Bunnies Pty Ltd | Founder and Social Entrepreneur |
| Farai Ian Muvuti | The Southern African Times | CEO |
| Tebogo Aubrey Poopedi | Skills Village Radio | Founder and Station Manager |
We hope you will come and join us for a wonderful evening in the majestic Saddlers’ Livery Hall with a magnificent adjacent room for champagne and networking.
Don’t miss out
Saddlers’ Hall | Elegant Event Venue in the City of London (saddlershall.com)
Please contact Juliet on [email protected]
We only have 100 seats at this prestigious event. Please book quickly so that you are not disappointed.
SA Chamber UK Awards 2023
The South African Chamber of Commerce UK Awards is a recognition of the best efforts and achievements of the South African community in the UK & SA, all wrapped up into a fantastic celebration evening.
This year’s Awards event will be a formal dinner at Saddlers’ Hall, London, by kind permission of the Prime Warden and Court of the Saddlers’ Worshipful (Livery) Company
These awards bring together remarkable individuals who have excelled in various fields.
The evening will start with a three course meal followed by the announcement of the winner for each of the following categories:
- Business Woman of the Year
- Young Business Leader Award
- ESG Leader Award
- DE&I Leader Award
- Business Leader Award
- Innovator of the Year
- Chairman’s Award, sponsored by Hogan Lovells
You can find out more about the finalists who will be announced later in December on our dedicated Awards website here.
Details on our sponsorship opportunities can be found here.
Tickets are now available on our website at the following prices (inclusive of VAT):
■ £125 Members
■ £150 Non-members
■ £1,800 for a table of 10, includes a sponsorship contribution
If you would like to book a table or require further information, please visit our website or contact Juliet Rushent [email protected]
We are pleased to confirm that our headline sponsor this year is Hogan Lovells.
‘As a strategic member of the South African Chamber of Commerce,
Hogan Lovells is delighted to be a proud sponsor of the annual awards celebration, to be held on 31 January 2024 in London, UK.’
- Wessel Badenhorst, Partner, Hogan Lovells, Johannesburg
Lessons in Business and Life from The Rugby World Cup
In our recent virtual networking hosted by the South African Chamber of Commerce UK, attendees explored the insightful parallels between the world of rugby and the realm of business and life. The theme was ‘Ubuntu Springbok Special Networking’, an event that encapsulated the spirit of togetherness, collaboration, and drawing inspiration from the Rugby World Cup.
Attendees were asked a simple yet profound question: “What lessons in business and life can you draw from the Rugby World Cup?” Here are some of the insightful responses that emerged from this special event.
Play as a Team
One of the key takeaways from the Rugby World Cup is the importance of teamwork, both in business and life. Success isn’t achieved in isolation, and just like a rugby team, we must work together, leveraging each other’s strengths to achieve our goals.
Embrace Diversity
Diversity is a valuable asset in business. More perspectives mean more ideas, more creativity, and a greater understanding of humanity. Embracing diversity in your organisation can lead to innovation and growth.
Leadership Matters
Leadership is a critical factor in both rugby and business. Effective leadership can inspire and guide a team to victory. Leaders set the tone for the organisation, and their decisions can shape the course of success.
Strategic Thinking
The road to the Rugby World Cup victory was years in the making, requiring strategic planning and execution. Similarly, in business, strategic thinking is essential for long-term success. It involves setting goals, making informed decisions, and adapting to changing circumstances.
Balancing Passion and Reason
While passion is essential, it must be tempered with rational thinking. In the heat of the game or in the challenges of business, it’s crucial to maintain a clear and level head to make sound decisions.
Adaptability
Just as rugby teams must change tactics quickly to respond to evolving game situations, businesses need to adapt to changing market conditions. Flexibility and the ability to pivot when necessary are vital for sustained success.
Respect the Competition
Underestimating the competition can be a costly mistake. In both rugby and business, recognising and respecting the capabilities of your rivals is key to maintaining a competitive edge.
Resilience
In the face of adversity, both in rugby and business, resilience is a key attribute. Digging deep and persevering, even when the odds seem stacked against you, can lead to victory and growth.
Aligned Purpose
A purpose that is larger than any individual’s goals is essential. Just as the Springbok rugby team plays for a greater cause, businesses and individuals should align their efforts with a shared purpose that brings people together.
Effective Communication
Miscommunication can happen, but it’s essential to address and resolve it. One person’s ‘kant’ is another person’s side.
Ubuntu – I am Because We Are
The philosophy of Ubuntu, meaning ‘I am because we are’, is not limited to South Africa. It emphasises our interconnectedness as human beings. In both rugby and business, recognising this interconnectedness can lead to more profound collaboration and success and dare I say, a better world?
Conclusion
The lessons learned from the Rugby World Cup are not confined to the sports arena but extend to the broader realms of business and life. As we reflect on the wisdom shared at the South African Chamber of Commerce UK’s Ubuntu Springbok Special Networking event, we are reminded that the principles of teamwork, diversity, leadership, strategy, adaptability, resilience, and purpose are universally applicable. By embracing these lessons, we can tackle the challenges of our own ‘games’ with a renewed sense of purpose, unity, and determination.
– By Tania Verdonk, East of England Chapter lead and an Exco member.
Please join our next Ubuntu Global Monthly Networking session on 30 November 2023. https://southafricanchamber.co.uk/event/eventsindex.php
