Ecco Chamber

Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa

I edition June 2025

Under Tricolore Skies

Chambers Note

Celebrating the 79th Anniversary of the Italian Republic

Every year on June 2nd, Italians around the world commemorate one of the most defining moments in modern Italian history: the birth of the Republic in 1946. With the results of a national referendum, Italians voted to abolish the monarchy in favour of a republic, paving the way for a democratic and forward-looking nation rooted in the values of freedom, unity, and identity.

At ItalCham, we proudly honour this occasion not only as a celebration of Italy’s past and present, but also as a powerful reminder of the enduring ties between Italy and the Italian communities abroad.

This year, the 79th anniversary of the Italian Republic was marked across South Africa with a series of events that brought together institutions, communities and businesses.

From the vibrant Italian Republic Day Festival in Pretoria on Sunday 1 June, to the elegant celebration hosted by the Consulate General of Italy in Johannesburg on Tuesday 3 June, the festivities showcased the diversity and depth of Italian heritage in South Africa.

In addition, two private receptions were held at the Residences of the Ambassador of Italy to South Africa, H.E. Alberto Vecchi, on Monday 2 June in Pretoria, and again on Tuesday 3 June in Cape Town, in the presence of the Consul of Italy in Cape Town, Giulio Mignacca.

Below, we share highlights and photos from the two great public events, where culture, music, community and Italian businesses came together in celebration of La Festa della Repubblica.

1st of June – The Italian Republic Day Festival: A Celebration of Italian Excellence

The week of celebrations opened with the vibrant Italian Republic Day Festival on Sunday, 1st of June, hosted by the Italian Club of Pretoria. With over 8,000 guests in attendance, this sold-out event offered a joyful explosion of Italian culture, filled with music, flavours, colour, and community spirit.

One of the most symbolic moments of the day was the flag-raising ceremony, conducted by the Italian Military Attaché Office and the Carabinieri of the Embassy of Italy, followed by a heartfelt speech by the Ambassador of Italy to South Africa, H.E. Alberto Vecchi.

As part of the day's official programme, ItalCham played an active role in promoting Italian innovation and lifestyle through the curation of the “Made in Italy” exhibition hall. This dedicated space celebrated Italy’s renowned design, technology, and craftsmanship, with brands such as TechnoGym, Alessi, Carpigiani, Bialetti, and Sodini on display.

The Italian Cultural Institute, in collaboration with the Prue Leith Culinary Institute, brought Italian gastronomy to life with a live pasta-making challenge. This unique experience was supported by ALMA – The School of Italian Culinary Arts in Parma, underlining the strong educational and cultural ties between South Africa and Italy.

Other iconic Italian names such as Ferrari, Ducati, Lamborghini, Italjet, Moto Guzzi, Vespa, Macron, Illy and Aperol Spritz helped complete the immersive experience, which was further enriched by more than 25 Italian food vendors offering everything from regional delicacies to traditional meals.

Thanks to the Italian Club of Pretoria and the combined effort of Italian institutions, businesses and cultural organisations, Pretoria truly transformed into a vibrant corner of Italy, for one unforgettable day!

3rd of June – Celebration at the Consulate General of Italy in Johannesburg

On Tuesday, 3rd of June, the Consulate General of Italy in Johannesburg hosted a public celebration to mark the 79th anniversary of the Italian Republic. The event brought together a large gathering of members of the Italian-South African community, representatives of local institutions, and partners from the business and cultural sectors.

Distinguished guests included the Acting Premier of Gauteng, Hon. Tasneem Motara, MEC for Human Settlements, and the MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Hon. Matome Chiloane. The event was hosted by Cav. Maurizio Mariano, who served as Master of Ceremonies.

Following the performance of the Italian and South African national anthems, beautifully rendered by the Coro Giuseppe Verdi accompanied by an orchestra, official addresses were delivered by the Consul General of Italy, Livio Spadavecchia, and Hon. Chiloane, both highlighting the importance of cultural exchange, education, and sustainable cooperation between Italy and South Africa.

A particularly emotional moment of the event was the presentation of the honorary title of “Commendatore” (Commander) to Professor Frank Plani, awarded by the President of the Italian Republic.

The celebration also featured a vibrant exhibition area, where ItalCham proudly hosted a stand alongside prominent Italian companies and institutions, including the Società Dante Alighieri Johannesburg.

Participating brands included Aperol Spritz, Kinder Ferrero, Ariston, Leonardo, WAM South Africa, and Technogym South Africa – Pentasystems. Their presence highlighted the strong and continued contribution of Italian innovation and excellence to South Africa’s cultural and economic landscape.

As the Chamber, we remain committed to strengthening the economic bridge between Italy and South Africa. This year’s Republic Day celebrations were a reminder of what can be achieved when tradition, innovation, and community come together.

We thank all our members, partners, and Italian brands—both big and small—for their ongoing support and participation.

Here's to another year of growing Italian excellence in South Africa.

Viva la Repubblica Italiana!

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ItalCham Annual General Meeting 2025
Introducing Our New Board Members

Johannesburg, 4 June 2025 – The Annual General Meeting of the Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries took place in the afternoon of the 4th of June at the Italian Sporting Club in Bedfordview. As every year, the meeting provided an important opportunity to share results with members, discuss future prospects, and renew the composition of the Board of Directors.

In his opening remarks, outgoing President Virgilio Da Molo presented a review of the past year. 2024 marked a phase of consolidation and relaunch: the SMILE programme continued its expansion, reaching four cities—Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth—with over 1,000 members. The Cape Town office has expanded, hosting regular networking events and cultural initiatives. Among these, the launch of the “Italy in Town” project, held last November in the heart of the Waterfront in collaboration with the Consulate of Italy in Cape Town and the COMITES Cape Town, stood out as a highlight.

The members present and those represented by proxy approved all major resolutions, including the 2024 financial statement and the 2025 budget. The mandates of Elisabetta Tonini and Laura Vincenti were renewed, and five new Board members were appointed: Guido Angelucci, Enrico Baldassarri, Gianluca Della Riccia, Luigi Guerra, and Kobus Maree. Their expertise will further strengthen the Chamber’s capacity to promote economic relations between Italy and South Africa.

The President expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Board members and to Dylan Stewart, who concluded his role as Deputy Secretary at the Cape Town office after eight years of valuable service. The members present also acknowledged the end of Virgilio Da Molo’s four-year term as President of the Chamber. The Chamber’s team extends its best wishes to all members for the year ahead.

Highlights
ItalCham
Business Excellence Awards 2025

Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 ItalCham Business Excellence Awards

On the evening of 22 May 2025, ItalCham hosted the highly anticipated 2025 Business Excellence Awards at the @Sandton Hotel, celebrating outstanding achievement, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Set to a refined Vintage theme, the evening unfolded with musical elegance by saxophonist Rike Coetzer and masterful hosting by broadcaster Neil Andrews. Ambassador of Italy to South Africa, HE Alberto Vecchi, and Chamber President, Mr. Virgilio Da Molo, opened the evening with inspiring addresses, honouring the Chamber’s legacy and continued growth.

This Year's Winners:

SMILE Start-Up of the Year

Umbretta Mills - For their sustainable, high-performance textiles.

SMILE SME of the Year
Baglios - The artisanal gelato brand expanding across South Africa.

Enterprise of the Year
WAM South Africa – leaders in industrial processing solutions.

Business Persons of the Year
Tony & Kevin Payne (Technogym SA – PentaSystems) – for their visionary leadership in wellness technology.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Vincenzo Scarcella – honoured for a remarkable career and unwavering dedication to community upliftment.

The evening also raised R130 000 for the Little Eden Society, thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors.

Grazie mille to our sponsors and partners for their continued support. The 2025 Awards were a powerful reminder of the values we share — heritage, innovation, and a commitment to building a brighter, more connected future.

For the full press release please click the link below:

Press Release

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Highlights
Ease of Doing Business in Gauteng

🇿🇦🇪🇺 Ease of Doing Business Session | GGDA & EU Chamber

On 29 May 2025, ItalCham participated in the “Ease of Doing Business in Gauteng” engagement hosted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA). The event commenced with arrivals, registration, and a networking tea and coffee session, followed by the official opening by the Programme Director Mr. Saki Zamxaka.

Acting Group CEO of the GGDA, delivered the welcome address, followed by remarks from EU Chamber President, Mr. Rui Marto. Key presentations included an overview of the GGDA’s service offerings by Mr. Sipho Marala and a comprehensive economic outlook for Gauteng 2024/25 by Mr. Kgotso Radira.

The programme featured three insightful panel discussions. The first focused on infrastructure challenges and investment-enabling solutions in rail, electricity, and water. Moderated by Mr. Muzi Mathema, it included contributions from senior representatives of Transnet, Eskom, the Department of Water and Sanitation, Joburg Water, and the Gauteng Infrastructure Finance Agency.

The second panel, explored the implementation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to strengthen Gauteng’s manufacturing sector and drive industrialisation. Speakers represented key SEZ entities including the IDC, OR Tambo SEZ, Vaal SEZ, and TASEZ, under the moderation of Ms. Donnee Kruger.

The third panel, addressed municipal strategies for ensuring energy security, moderated by Mr. Lester Bouah and featuring representatives from the Tshwane Economic Development Agency, City of Ekurhuleni, City Power, and Lesedi Municipality.

The final session included a Q&A, followed by a status update on visa regulations by Mr. Phindiwe Mbhele of the Department of Home Affairs, and a closing summary and vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Sipho Marala.

There was clear recognition from all participants of the vital role of the European Union as South Africa’s largest trading partner and leading source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The fact that an estimated 60% of EU FDI is concentrated in Gauteng further underscores the importance of this regional engagement. The discussions reaffirmed the need to strengthen EU–South Africa partnerships, ensure a more enabling investment environment, and – most importantly – shift from talk to action.

The event concluded with a networking lunch, offering attendees an opportunity to engage with public and private sector leaders on key strategies to unlock investment and economic growth in Gauteng.