Summer Drinks Success

The SA Chamber’s Summer Drinks on Monday evening were filled with warmth and camaraderie.

Even the heavens joined in, delivering a lovely sunset over the rooftop terrace at Investec. Once darkness had fallen, an open fire provided a warm glow as Chamber members and friends were welcomed by the Board of the SA Chamber UK.

But it was the people who made the evening extra special, South Africans who care for others and work hard to give back where they can. 

We were joined by SA UK Trust Foundation, led by Jill Ritchie, a collection of UK based charities that work in South Africa. Jill introduced Alan McKelvey, Director and Trustee of Masicorp UK and their partner from the RGA Reinsurance Group of America, Karen Van Zyl. The SA Chamber UK is proud to be part of these many success stories.

Farai Muvuti, Young Entrepreneur Award winner was finally able to claim his award in person last night.

MC Bruce Whitfield, of Radio 702 acclaim, kept the short formalities light-hearted and allowed for some self-reflective fun.

A big thanks to Ruth Leas, CEO of Investec Bank plc who hosted us, to Paul Hartdegen for being our champion and the team at Investec who made the evening effortless for all; to Bruce Jack wines, and Bruce Jack the winemaker who joined us from South Africa, and donated enough white, rose and red and sparkling wine to meet the thirsty needs of the very large crowd that joined us; to Gerhard Perold, owner of Perold Wines in Somerset, family of the Pinotage dynasty, for the wine tasting offered to our guests; and to the Braai Club and Jumbo for the biltong and droewors.

It was a wonderful atmosphere of pure warmth, engagement, sharing, networking, meeting new people, re-igniting old friendships and doing business together.  This was the first opportunity to introduce Dennis Zietsman as our new Chairman, and Svend Littauer as our new CEO, who are taking up the mantel of the Chamber’s ongoing success. 

Finally, thank you to everyone who supports the Chamber of Commerce and South Africa. 

Please enjoy the selection of photos from the evening below:
(click the photos to expand and scroll)