In May 2008 a number of dynamic expatriate South African ladies got together at the South African Consulate in Hong Kong.  Among the issues that were discussed on the day was a general interest by some of the ladies to assist with the exchange of internees from South African universities and companies to work in Hong Kong.

One thing led to another and after much planning and meetings, the Consulate sponsored two business-women who travelled to South Africa where they spoke to universities as well as companies about what was proposed for the development of successful young South African and Chinese business people and entrepreneurs.

The ladies futher decided to house this project independent of, but with the full support of the Consulate.  This led to the establishment of the fully constituted South African Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong  (SAWCC of HK) by the founding members Lizette Smook, Tembi Tambo and Charmaine Kleu.

The South African Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong

In short, the SAWCC of HK aims to promote sound relations with business, government and other relevant organisations in Hong Kong and to promote trade, tourism and investment between South Africa and Hong Kong.

Various community-building events for the broader South African community in Hong Kong are also being planned.  More details will of course be published right here on Howzit-HongKong.  

During a recent meeting at the Consulate, Ms Tambo reiterated her belief that there are many South Africans living in Hong Kong who share the vision of the Chamber and who have specific skills that can be used to the benefit of the Chamber.  For this reason, she would like to invite anyone interested in joining the SAWCC of HK to contact Lizette Smook to learn more or to find out when the next meeting will be held. Lizette can be reached via e-mail on:

lizette(dot)smook(at)gmail(dot)com  

The SAWCC of HK has different levels of membership so do contact Lizette to find out which one is best for you or your company.  Best of all, in addition to the excellent networking opportunities, membership of the SAWCC of HK comes with a host of benefits.  There are so many that it’s impossible to list them all here.  Expect though, to find:

* Facial vouchers worth at least HK$1000

* Conrad Hotel discount vouchers

* discount on California Fitness membership

* Numerous restaurant discount vouchers, etc.

You can also download and print an application form here

The list of finalists for the FIFA 2010 World Cup has been determined and the Official Draw will take place in the Mother City of Cape Town on the 5th of December 2009.  If (like me) you were concerned that the build-up to the world’s biggest sporting event has been slow thus far, then these two events should kick-start what has to be a massive promotional campaign for 2010 in South Africa.   

Here in Hong Kong, the South African Consulate-General will play their part by staging a FIFA Exhibitionfrom 10 -13 Dec 2009 which will feature various world cup products, a photo exhibition and a photo corner with Zakumi ( FIFA Mascot).  Visitors will have the chance to win flight tickets to South Africa or even World Cup limited-edition souvenirs. A Diski Dance Party will take place at Times Square on Sunday December 13 at 3pm. 

Just what is Diski Dance?

Let me show you:

Diski Dance is an official 2010 dance endorsed by FIFA. It is a unique South African football dance and “Diski” is township slang for a soccer ball.  Don’t worry, it may look difficult, but once you’ve been put through the paces by a professional, the moves will come easy to you!  Have a look:

As they say in Hong Kong: Easy-la!

The largest FIFA 2010 South Africa World Cup promotion in Hong Kong will kick off on 10 December 2009 at Times Square presented by South African Consulate-General. The Consul-General Ms Tembi Tambo invited the choreographer of Diski Dance, Mr Wendy Ramokgadi and other diski dancers from South Africa to introduce and teach Diski Dance to local HongKongers.

The plan is for hundreds of people dressed in the colours of the South African flag to gather at Times Square to perform the Diski Dance together on Sunday 13 December. 

All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation after the event.

See you at Times Square!

Alvin Sallay wrote this delightful article in today’s Sunday Morning Post (July 5, 2009) about an event hosted by the Consul-General Tembi Tambo to mark the 1 year countdown to the football world cup in 2010.  If you visit the South African Consulate in Wan Chai you can have a look at or, if nobody’s looking even try on one of the many makarabas on display in the Consulate’s reception are.  Click on Alvin’s article below to view: