Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
II edition April 2025
Italians on the Field
26 April - CPT
14-15 May - JHB
22 May - JHB
Italy Meets South Africa on the Rugby Field
Benneton Treviso VS Stormers
Italy Meets South Africa on the Rugby Field! 🇮🇹🇿🇦
Get ready for a thrilling clash of rugby titans! On Saturday, 26 April 2025, the DHL Stadium in Cape Town will come alive as the Stormers take on Italy’s Benetton Treviso in what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
This is more than just a game—it's a celebration of Italian pride, passion, and sporting spirit right here in South Africa. Join us as we support our Italian team and connect with fellow members of the Italian community in the heart of Cape Town!
Bring your flags, your friends, and your loudest cheers— May the best team win!
Inaugural Investment Conference
Save the Date: Eswatini Investment Conference 2025
We are excited to announce the inaugural Eswatini Investment Conference, taking place on 14–15 May 2025.
Under the theme Explore. Invest. Trade., this landmark event will bring together local, regional, and international business leaders to uncover new opportunities and foster meaningful connections.
Hosted by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), the conference is a unique platform to enhance investments in Eswatini and contribute to sustainable growth across the region and the African continent.
RSVP: investmentconference@sipa.org.sz
Don’t miss out on shaping Africa’s investment future!
Business Excellence Awards 2025
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ItalCham has been organizing this event annually since 1999.
As a Charity Gala Dinner gathering more than 250 people - including members and non-members of the Italian Chamber.
The BEAs are a great opportunity for companies/attendees to build their network, connecting and integrating Italian and South African economies.
The BEAs are also an excellent springboard for exploring and investing in the rich historical relations between Italy and South Africa.
During the event, 4 awards will be presented to:
Business Person of the Year
Enterprise of the Year
SMILE SME of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
All the donations will be devoted to the Little Eden Society.
A Scoop of Italy
Connecting Over a Taste of Italy
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A Scoop of Italy was a sweet success!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of authentic Italian food, amazing gelato, great company, and good vibes at Baglios Oasis!
A heartfelt grazie to the wonderful organizers and sponsors who made this delicious event possible — your support helps us bring a little piece of Italy to South Africa, one scoop at a time.
A Discussion on Rugby and Cricket
A Special Connection Between Italy and South Africa
In the true spirit of sport and community, the Italian Club of Cape Town recently hosted a vibrant pre-match celebration in anticipation of the much-awaited Stormers vs. Benetton Treviso game taking place this Saturday, 26 April at the DHL Stadium.
The evening’s highlight was a lively and humorous speech by Giuliano Giacovazzi, Vice President of the Italian Club, titled “We Were All Good Rugby Players, Despite Being Italian.” Giuliano shared personal anecdotes from his youth as a rugby-loving Italian growing up in Johannesburg.
Despite coming from a proud Italian family where football (soccer!) reigned supreme, Giuliano and his twin brothers found their passion on the rugby field. As a prop forward in school, Giuliano's skills earned him great success, much to the dismay (and eventual amusement) of his Nonna Mimi, who had once declared, “Rugby is not for Italians!” Needless to say, the family’s sporting views evolved!
The evening was further elevated by the presence of the Benetton Treviso Rugby team, and a special address by Simone Gambino of the Italian Cricket Club, who added a unique cross-sport perspective to the night.
A thrilling raffle saw guests walk away with incredible prizes, including:
🏉 A signed Benetton Treviso rugby ball
📚 Two books authored by Simone Gambino
🎫 Two sets of 2x rugby match tickets for Saturday’s showdown
👕 A signed U20 Italian rugby jersey, generously sponsored by the Italian Consulate
It was a night full of laughter, nostalgia, and Italian flair—proof that while we may be known for football, there’s a surprising amount of rugby spirit in our community too!
Annual Directory 2025/2026 - Advertising Rates
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L'Italia in 10 Selfies
A human-centered economy that helps build the future
“Italy in 10 Selfies” every year tells about some of the country's records, often little-known or underestimated ones, that determine the features of an economy that is more human-oriented and, therefore, more promising for the future. Ecco Chamber will feature some of these factual selfies in the upcoming editions.
ITALY: A EUROPEAN LEADER IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Italy is setting the standard in Europe when it comes to circular economy practices.
With an impressive recycling rate of 91.6% for special and municipal waste, the country leads the continent—far surpassing the EU average of 57.9%, and ahead of other major players like Germany (75.3%), France (79.9%), and Spain (73.4%).Italy also shines in eco-innovation, ranking first in the EU for resource efficiency (alongside Luxembourg) with a score of 274—well above the EU average of 147.
The country performs exceptionally in the productivity of raw material use and energy efficiency, and ranks second in terms of greenhouse gas emission productivity.
Further cementing its status as a sustainability champion, Italy boasts a 98% recovery rate for used mineral oils, compared to the European average of just 61%. This commitment to recycling and recovery contributes significantly to environmental savings—helping Italy avoid the consumption of 16.4 million tons of oil equivalent and preventing the emission of 55 million tons of CO₂ equivalent each year.
Italy’s success story in the circular economy offers a model for sustainability and innovation across Europe and beyond.
job board
View the job vacancies on the SMILE website via
this link - CLICK HERE
If you are currently hiring, please take a look at SMILE-vetted candidates HERE
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Alla prossima!