Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
II edition May 2025
Una Serata d’Eccellenza
A night of Excellence
22 May - JHB
29 May - JHB
01 June - PTA
03 June - JHB
In Today's Spotlight:
Business Excellence Awards 2025
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What to Expect at the 2025 Business Excellence Awards
An evening of elegance and excellence awaits.
ItalCham is proud to present the 2025 Business Excellence Awards,
taking place Today, 22 May at the @Sandton Hotel.
This annual celebration brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs,
and industry change-makers to honour outstanding achievements
across the Italian - South African business landscape.
This year’s theme, “Vintage,” sets a refined tone for the evening,
paying tribute to enduring excellence.
Guests can expect a captivating programme featuring
the recognition of remarkable business stories,
renowned saxophonist Rike performing live,
and a stylish atmosphere steeped in tradition and innovation.
Hosting the evening is esteemed broadcaster and sports presenter
Neil Andrews, whose charm and charisma will guide the night’s proceedings.
Five prestigious awards will be presented:
SMILE Start-Up of the Year
SMILE SME of the Year
Enterprise of the Year
Business Person of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
These awards honour innovation, resilience, leadership, and impact across various sectors.
From fine dining and elegant entertainment to moments of
meaningful recognition and networking,
the Business Excellence Awards 2025
promises to be an unforgettable evening
celebrating excellence.
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to stay up-to-date!
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Ease of Doing Business in Gauteng
🇿🇦🇪🇺 Ease of Doing Business Session | GGDA & EU Chamber
Date: 29 May 2025
Location: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice, Melrose Arch
Time: 08:30–14:00​
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ItalCham is pleased to share details of an upcoming event hosted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) in collaboration with the EU Chamber of Commerce.
The Ease of Doing Business event presents a valuable opportunity for European and Italian stakeholders to engage with public sector representatives on the current economic landscape and policy direction in South Africa.
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A series of three high-level panel discussions will form the core of the programme. The first panel will address Gauteng’s infrastructure challenges in relation to railway, electricity, and water—key sectors for enabling investment and economic growth. This panel will feature contributions from representatives of Transnet, Eskom, the Department of Water and Sanitation, Joburg Water, Rand Water, and the DBSA Infrastructure Fund, and will be moderated by Muzi Mathema, Group Executive at MBI.
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The second panel discussion will focus on the implementation of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) programme as a strategy to enhance Gauteng’s manufacturing capacity and drive industrialisation. This discussion will include participants from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (SEZ Unit), National Treasury (SEZ Policy), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and the SEZs of OR Tambo, Vaal, and TASEZ.
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The third panel discussion will examine energy security within municipalities, focusing on how local government plans to secure energy supply and ensure resilience. Contributors include Energy OSS, the City of Ekurhuleni Municipality, City Power (City of Johannesburg), and the City of Tshwane.
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This event promises rich insight into the policy environment and infrastructure planning that will impact foreign investors and business operators in Gauteng. Members of the Italian-South African business community are encouraged to attend and participate in these important discussions aimed at fostering a more supportive and streamlined environment for investment and trade.
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To register email: sg@italcham.co.za or enquiries@italcham.co.za
Italian Republic Day Festival 2025
Join us on Sunday, 1 June 2025, between 9am and 5pm
for the much-anticipated annual Italian Republic Day Festival in Pretoria –
a vibrant celebration of Italian culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship!
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This family-friendly event promises a full day of “la dolce vita”
with authentic Italian food and drinks, exclusive Italian products,
and an extraordinary showcase of Italian automobiles and motorbikes.
Enjoy over 20 food stalls featuring beloved Italian restaurants
from Johannesburg and Pretoria, as well as more than 40 vendors
offering everything from Italian fashion and leather goods to shoes, toys, and unique gifts.
Sip on Italian wine, Prosecco, beer and Aperol Spritz and soak in the festive atmosphere with live Italian music. Car enthusiasts can look forward to hundreds of Italian vehicles on display, including appearances by Ferrari (SEFAC), Lamborghini Johannesburg, Alfa Romeo, Abarth and FIAT Clubs, Ducati, Vespa, and other Italian motorcycling groups.
Don’t miss the exciting launch of the brand-new Italjet 700 Dragster by Clints Scoots, alongside a stylish showcase of Vespa and Lambretta models.
A true celebration of Italian excellence – the organizers look forward to welcoming you!
Notice for AGM - 03 June 2025
This year, the Annual General Meeting of the
Italian South African Chamber of Trade and Industries
will be held at the Italian Club Johannesburg
on Tuesday 3rd of June 2025 at 16:30 for 17:00.
Please confirm your presence at the AGM by Monday the 26th of May 2025
The Notice document, which contains the
Ordinary Resolutions, Special Resolutions, and Proxy Form,
is available in the Document section of our website.
Zoomark 2025
Zoomark 2025 Surpasses Expectations, Reinforces Leading Role in European Pet Market
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The 21st edition of Zoomark, the premier international trade show dedicated to pet food and pet care, took place at BolognaFiere from May 5th to 7th, delivering outstanding results and reaffirming its leadership in the European pet industry.
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The event exceeded all expectations, attracting close to 31,000 visitors, with over 64% coming from international markets—a clear sign of Zoomark’s global relevance. The increase in both exhibitor and visitor participation highlights the growing momentum of the pet care sector and the continued appeal of this strategic event.
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What truly set this year’s edition apart was the dynamic and productive atmosphere that defined all three days of the show. Exhibitors and visitors alike engaged in meaningful exchanges, networking, and business development opportunities that will undoubtedly bear fruit in the months to come.
The overwhelming success of the 2025 edition has already prompted many companies to secure their spots for the next Zoomark, scheduled for May 10–12, 2027, by taking advantage of the exclusive rebooking offer available to early registrants.
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Zoomark continues to play a crucial role in supporting the pet industry and distribution channels, promoting international partnerships, and providing a platform for the latest market updates and innovations.
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We congratulate BolognaFiere on yet another successful edition and encourage South African stakeholders in the pet industry to explore future collaboration opportunities through this world-class trade fair.
Annual Directory 2025/2026 - Advertising Rates
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job board
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​View the job vacancies on the SMILE website
via this link - CLICK HERE
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If you are currently hiring,
please take a look at SMILE-vetted candidates HERE
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Alla prossima!