Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
II edition September 2023
Human Nurture
29
Sep
SMILE Rugby Event Cape Town
Italy VS All Blacks
03
Oct
European Chambers' 4th Golf Day Johannesburg
13 - 19
Nov
Settimana della Cucina Italiana
Chamber's Note
HUMAN NURTURE
The Greek proverb: ‘A society grows great when old folk plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit ’could be completed by saying ‘ and a society is great when young folk nurture the trees that they did not plant.’
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ItalCham, turning forty this year, is a tree planted by many who are no longer with us. Multiple changes of leadership have been made over the four decades we have taken to mature into the organization we are today. And our learning and growth only continues.
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Our current team is extremely enthusiastic about its work and bridging the divide between not just Italy and South Africa but also the different generations that make up our stakeholders. Our participation next week in an event on youth unemployment, comes from a concern about a future that our current society is failing to promise to young people.
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Disenfranchised youth pose a threat to old institutions. Trees planted by old men could become the burnt collateral of unhappiness if nothing is done to improve the prospects of our younger generations. The threats to democracy worldwide are potent examples of what is at stake when generational tides change.
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Granting young people inside access to both participation and decision making is key to ensuring continuity and growth. And the process is not only about delivering benefits to young people but also about young people realising their potential for contributing positively. Our young team was thus very proud of the R270-thousand raised for Casa Serena old age home. This money will go a long way to ensuring the wellbeing of the elderly within our community.
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One must recognise that there is no shame in aging; everyone else is doing it too. It is a collective activity we are all participating in and it is up to us to ensure that with it comes dignity and wisdom. Our decision to participate, even when there is only an indirect link to commerce, is because of our conviction that we are taking part in something of real importance and something bigger than just us. We look forward to one day seeing these seeds grow into fruitful trees which will in turn plant seeds for unborn generations.
RUGBY WORLD CUP APERITIVO
Italy plays New Zealand
Come support our national team
Italian Aperitivo and Community Networking at Villa 47, Cape Town
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Come support our national rugby team.
Join us at Villa 47, for an aperitivo and a community networking event, brought to you by the Italian Consulate, Italcham and SMILE.
Come taste the best Italian morsels that Villa 47 has to offer and a complimentary drink from Almare Spritz.
Bring your friends, partners and colleagues and be part of an evening of national spirit and business networking.
Come join SMILE, Italcham and the Italian Consulate for a fun community evening where we will support the Italian underdogs playing the famous All Blacks.
We look forward to seeing you on Friday, September 29 from 19:00.
Limited seats available
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CASA SERENA FUNDRAISING BALL 2023
R270,000 Raised for Casa Serena
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On Saturday, September 16, an inspirational fundraising dinner took place at the Italian Sporting Club in Johannesburg, uniting around 150 members of the local Italian and South African communities in support of Casa Serena, a renowned elderly care home in Bedfordview. This event, organized by dedicated Casa Serena Committee Members and ItalCham, received prominent guests, including Consul General of Italy, Emanuela Curnis, and the Chairman of the Casa Serena Board, Carlo Boschetti.
The evening was marked by solidarity, emotional speeches, and participation. Notably, a solidarity auction raised over R44,000 for Casa Serena, with a significant contribution from Viola Engineering's Lauro and Francesco Lombardi, who provided a work by renowned sculptor Edoardo Villa. This masterpiece fetched R75,000 at auction.
Three distinguished members of the local Italian community, Nando Riccardi, Anna Riccardi, and Sonia Scalco, received certificates of recognition for their longstanding support of Casa Serena.
Guests relished a delightful three-course dinner from Settebello Restaurant while being entertained by comedian Chris Forrest and the enchanting voice of Pamina Bohrer. The night crescendoed with dancing to vibrant music.
The event's success was possible due to the generosity of companies like WAM South Africa and ACROW and the dedication of individuals such as Giuliana Pedregal, Pamina Bohrer, Joaquin Valverde, and Anna Maria La Rosa, who are committed members of the Casa Serena Committee and Staff Group.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and attendees, Casa Serena received an impressive donation of approximately R270,000, earmarked for the ongoing solarization project.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
SCENARIOS IN SOUTH AFRICA
IN 2040
A discussion forum on how to tackle
youth unemployment in South Africa
Most companies are trying to learn more about their possibilities to increase youth employment - here is an event that will provide helpful insights.
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Dr. Maximilian Matschke spent more than 5 years conducting extensive field research in townships across South Africa, interviewing more than 100 experts, and analysing statistical data. He believes by building various well-researched and documented scenarios, tangible solutions can be found and made available to companies active in the South African business landscape.
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This research culminated in his PhD which concludes with 4 different scenarios by 2040. These are presented in his book “Youth Unemployment Scenarios in South Africa in 2040”.
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Despite South Africa's current political and economic situation, Max is convinced there are concrete and achievable solutions at hand. During this event, he will take us through a number of scenarios and present possible strategies for businesses to fight youth unemployment. The event, which is co-hosted with other European Chambers, will include an informative presentation and engaging discussion; an interactive platform for guests to contribute actively. It promises to be memorable and impactful.
The event will encourage lively inter-chamber exchange and networking possibilities.
All participants will have an opportunity to take home a copy of the latest book on this topic to study this challenge further and identify possible pathways to lower youth unemployment.
Date and Time:
26th September 2023 | 07:30am for 8:00am
Venue:
Glenshiel House, Westcliff
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Registrations close on Friday 22nd September at 3:00pm
Workshop:
THE STATE OF AI AND AI IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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An event organized by the Belgian Chamber of Commerce for Southern Africa
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in collaboration with
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Italcham, SwissCham and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce RSA
4th October 2023
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
AWEX Offices – The Station, 63 Peter Place, Bryanston
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Please note: parking at venue is limited – however, there is parking spaces on the street, car guard will indicate where to park.
We have entered a new era of technology revolution with the mainstream emergence of generative AI, with disruptive impact already across multiple industries.
This session will discuss the state of AI, its potential to accelerate growth and innovation as well as its impact to business. Our speakers will also cover risks and governance considerations for boards of directors, including the Business Judgement Rule and the Directors’ and Officers’ liability Insurance.
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Speakers
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Michael Judin
Michael is Co-Chairman of the Corporate Governance International Development sub-Committee of the American Bar Association’s Business Law section.
Michael is a member of the e-Commerce Advisory Committee of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (formerly Financial Services Board) of the Republic of South Africa.
Michael was a member of the Task Team which wrote the original Code for Responsible Investing in South Africa ("CRISA") Committee and is a member of the Task Team that wrote the new code.
Michael is a member of the advisory panel of experts of The Good Governance Academy NPC, chaired by Prof Mervyn King. Michael is the non-executive Chairman of the Conscious Leadership and Ethics Institute NPC.
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Lional Moyal
Lionel is the SI and Channel Partners Lead at Microsoft Africa Region. He has a degree in aeronautical engineering as well as an MBA from Wits University. He is an advocate for digital transformation, responsible AI and organisational innovation through people and technology. He is a subject matter expert on aligning technology driven transformation with corporate governance as per King IV.
Prior to joining Microsoft Lionel was a co-founder and Managing Director of Intervate, a leading Microsoft partner focused on productivity, cloud and mobile solutions for enterprise customers. Lionel is passionate about technology and innovation and engages to support the local technology and start-up community.
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ItalCham Member Tickets: FREE
Non-member Tickets: R250
European Chambers' 2nd
Golf Day Cape Town
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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Practical information
The second edition of the European Chambers’ Golf Day in Cape Town is an event that has become an annual feature for the local and international business community active in the Western Cape; 4 organizing Business Chambers, totaling a network of over 700 corporate members:
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• Belgian Chamber of Commerce for Southern Africa (BCCSA)
• Business Ireland Southern Africa
• Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries
• Spanish Chamber of Commerce in South Africa
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The venue is the King David Mowbray Golf Club, one of the top golf courses in the Western Cape, with modern facilities and a comfortable venue to accommodate the guests.
Expected attendance of 96 players, plus the guests of the respective Business Chambers and a number of local and international VIPs.
Ample opportunity to network, before and after the golf competition, during the prize-giving ceremony, and at the buffet dinner.
The price for the four-ball is 4800 (excl. VAT), including snacks and dinner, drinks, and golf giveaway goodies.
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Sponsorship closing date 24 October 2023
Bit
YOUR TRAVEL EXHIBITION
ItalCham is currently collaborating with Fiera Milano to help Businesses and Organizations in the South African tourism sector to increase their visibility and their business network at European and international level through participation in BIT 2024 (Milan, Rho – 4-6 February 2024).
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7 good reasons to become a BIT exhibitor:
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BIT (Borsa Internazionale del Turismo) is an International expo entirely dedicated to the tourism sector
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BIT takes place every year in Milan, one of the most innovative cities in the world, right in the heart of Europe
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BIT is the only fair that connects the world of industry professionals in a totally B2B Context offering, at the same time, the opportunity for professionals to MEET travellers directly
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BIT offers a High Media Coverage
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BIT's buyer team works throughout the year to identify the most interesting international Buyers for the exhibitors
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BIT'S MY MATCHING PLATFORM will allow you to select the most interesting buyers for your business and set up B2B meetings to pre-arrange your agenda
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BIT offers New Travel Inspirations
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BIT’s numbers for 2023:
*OVER 1.000 EXHIBITORS from 56 COUNTRIES
*OVER 37.000 VISITORS from 111 COUNTRIES
*OVER 7.500 B2B MEETINGS with SELECTED HOSTED BUYERS
BIT 2024 offers:
*BUSINESS opportunities
*VISIBILITY AND NETWORKING opportunities
*a chance to KNOW YOUR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS and the INTERNATIONAL MARKET TRENDS
*UPDATE through EVENTS AND CONFERENCES
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WHERE: Fiera Milano (exhibition and trade centre in Rho, Milan)
WHEN: From the 4th to the 6th of February.
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If you would like to become a BIT 2024 exhibitor and require any further information, please do not hesitate to send to email to italy@italcham.co.za to set up a Zoom meeting.
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SIGEP
THE DOLCE WORLD EXPO
ItalCham is currently sourcing applications to set up a BUYER DELEGATION for SIGEP - 45th International Trade Show of Artisan Gelato, Pastry, Bakery and the Coffee World (20-24 January 2024 - Rimini Expo Centre, Italy).
SIGEP is the world's leading B2B event to discover the latest news, innovations and trends in the Dessert and Coffee Food Service Industry: raw materials and ingredients, machinery and equipment, furnishings, packaging and services.
A unique meeting place for dialogue with companies and professionals to discuss industry scenarios and an opportunity for business, networking, professional updating and sharing for the following sectors:
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GELATO: SIGEP is the only trade show in the world featuring the entire supply chain of Artisan Gelato.
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PASTRY: the world's top event for the entire supply chain of the Artisan Pastry business.
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CHOCOLATE: the only world-class industry expo showcasing excellence throughout the Artisan Chocolate supply chain.
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COFFEE: the entire coffee supply chain showcased in a not to be missed event for the industry.
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BAKERY: the world excellence of raw materials and semi-finished products, combined with the innovations of the best technologies and the latest trends in Italian-style premises formats.
7 SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:
• 3 nights for 1 buyer per company in a hotel on B&B treatment
Arrival date: Monday 22nd Jan 2024
Departure date: Thursday 25th Jan 2024
• transfer from Bologna airport to the hotel and vice versa;
• daily transfer from the hotel to the expo and vice versa;
• free admission ticket to the expo;
• buffet lunch at the expo.
Please note: airplane ticket to be paid by the buyer.
BUYERS WILL HAVE TO UNDERTAKE:
• to follow the scheduled 30-minutes appointments agenda with SIGEP exhibitors for the duration of one day (if you have not reached 10 appointments with the online “My Agenda by IEG” between December 4th and January 16th, you will add others directly at the expo);
• to deliver the complete agenda with signatures at the end of the day of meetings;
• to fill in the online questionnaire at the end of the meetings;
• to return to the fair the following day to visit other companies of interest to them.
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IF YOU WISH TO JOIN THE SIGEP BUYER DELEGATION COMPLETE THE
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BY THE 2nd OCTOBER 2023
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Please note:
- the company representative who will visit SIGEP must be a decision maker;
- the e-mail address must be the direct address of the buyer;
- the activities selected must match the company profile;
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For further information please send an e-mail to italy@italcham.co.za.
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Alla prossima!
Job Opportunity
Decades after his assassination in 1975, this performance is a tribute to the ever-lasting legacy of Pier Paolo Pasolini.
Writer, film director, poet and intellectual, Pasolini was one of the most controversial and intriguing figures in the Italian society of the second half of the 20th century.
Witness his history come to life through dance at the Lesedi Theatre on October 17 2023 for two shows only,
17:00 & 19:00.
Cast:
Revil Yon, Monike Cristina, Ivan Domiciano, Chloé Blair.
Price:
R160
