Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
II edition November 2024
Italy in Town : A Resounding Celebration of Italian Gastronomy and Culture
Chambers Note
Italy in Town: A Resounding Celebration of Italian Gastronomy and Culture
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The vibrant streets of De Waterkant came alive this past weekend with the inaugural Italy in Town festival, hosted by the Consulate of Italy in Cape Town in partnership with the City of Cape Town. Over two memorable days, on November 23rd and 24th, visitors were immersed in an authentic Italian experience, celebrating the best of Italian gastronomy, culture, and artistry.
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The event, which aimed to bring a slice of Italy to Cape Town, proved to be an outstanding success, drawing in thousands of attendees who enjoyed a feast for the senses. Market stands lined the streets, offering a variety of artisanal and authentic Italian gastronomic products that delighted food enthusiasts. The air was filled with the aroma of Italian delicacies, the melodies of captivating music, and the laughter of children enjoying their dedicated play area.
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One of the event highlights was the performance by Italian singer-songwriter Roberta Di Lorenzo, whose soulful music enthralled the atmosphere. Another standout attraction was the TazzinArt project, presented through a collaboration with the Italian city of Città di Castello. Festival-goers admired and purchased unique ceramic creations, beautifully crafted by Italian artists and young art students from Langa, demonstrating a meaningful blend of Italian and South African artistry.
The festival was officially inaugurated on Saturday, November 23rd, at 17:00, with the esteemed presence of Ambassador of Italy Alberto Vecchi and local dignitaries. Their words highlighted the significance of this cultural exchange and the strong bonds between Italy and South Africa.
Organized in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria, the Comites (Committee for Italians Abroad), and the Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries, the event perfectly embodied its mission: to promote Italian culture and traditions while strengthening ties between the two nations. The family-friendly atmosphere, coupled with attractions for all age groups, ensured an inclusive and joyful celebration.
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The Italy in Town festival’s success was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Campari, RDC Property Group, Rialto, Woolworths, and SMEG. Their contributions, along with the efforts of dedicated organizers, volunteers, and participants, were instrumental in delivering an unforgettable experience.
Cape Town embraced Italy with open arms, and the resounding success of this first edition sets the stage for future celebrations. The Consulate of Italy, together with its partners, extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined in this cultural feast and made Italy in Town an event to remember.
lunch at la lampara
Italian Chamber Hosts Successful Business Lunch in the Midlands
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The Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries, in collaboration with Nedbank, hosted an exclusive business lunch on Thursday, the 21st of November, organized by the Honorary Consul of Italy in Durban, Mr. Costantino Buccimazza. The event took place at the picturesque La Lampara restaurant in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine.
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Attendees included prominent business figures linked to Italy and representatives from Italian companies in the Midlands area. The Secretary General of the Chamber, Pamina Bohrer, delivered a concise presentation highlighting the Chamber’s achievements in 2024 and outlining promising initiatives for the coming year.
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Mrs. Elelwani Pandelani from Nedbank emphasized the bank’s innovative approach to balancing digital solutions with personalized service, underscoring the importance of accessibility in modern banking.
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Mr. Buccimazza shared insights into the economic opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal, stressing that the province’s potential extends beyond Durban to key areas like Pietermaritzburg and Estcourt.
The event featured a sumptuous menu curated by La Lampara’s host, Pino Canderle, who delighted guests with an array of Italian antipasti, traditional main courses, and a decadent tiramisu.
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The resounding success of the lunch has paved the way for its return in 2025, further strengthening ties between Italian and South African business communities.
the italian film focus
The Consulate General of Italy in Johannesburg is pleased to invite you to the 24th edition of “Italian Film Focus“, a film festival featuring the best of contemporary Italian cinema.
Italian Film Focus will take place from 27 November to 2 December 2024 at the Ster-Kinekor cinema “The Zone” in Rosebank, Johannesburg.
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For information and ticket reservations, please visit the website of Controluce.
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The initiative is organized in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Pretoria, the Italian Consulate in Cape Town, the Italian Cultural Institute of Pretoria, the Italian Ministry of Culture and Controluce Association.
Enjoy the screenings!
welcoming our new member
LEM Industries, founded in 2011, is now a group of companies that aims to apply its expertise from the high- fashion and luxury markets to other sectors with growth potential, both nationally and internationally.
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In 2019, LEM Industries launched Cape Refining in South Africa with the mission to become leader in the recovery and refining of precious and non-precious metals from e-waste. To reach this goal, after careful market research and engagement with stakeholders, an innovative hydrometallurgical process was developed in 2023 by a company within the LEM Industries Holding.
The project is designed to deliver socio-economic benefits to local communities in South Africa, as new jobs will be created and the living conditions of the local communities will be improved.
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The project aims to create a Circular Economy Platform for the precious metals supply chain in collaboration with major luxury brands, positioning itself as a unique global example through the support of IZ Renewable Luxury, a company within the LEM Industries Holding
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The innovative plant that will be based in ASEZ in Western Cape, involves two phases, both characterized by high levels of efficiency and low environmental impact:
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The first one for disassembling the electronic components from the printed circuit boards
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The second one refining the precious metals through a hydro metallurgical process
The project promotes social and environmental sustainability through the responsible collection of electronic waste in South Africa, extracting precious metals that will be used by high-fashion and luxury companies.
welcoming our new member
Lahom Clothing Concepts, based in Polokwane, South Africa, specializes in providing premium clothing and accessories. The company has grown to a team of 13 employees with an annual sales turnover of R11 million (2024).
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The product range includes men’s and women’s wear, shoes, and fashion accessories such as ties, belts, and scarves. It features renowned brands like Moreschi, Aldo Brue, Roberto Botticelli, Ralphomme, Bagozza, and Chelline.
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As a multi-faceted business, Lahom Clothing Concepts operates as a producer, distributor, and independent retailer, maintaining a strong presence in both national and international markets through participation in prestigious events like the Micam Trade Show.
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key energy 2025
buyers programme
Building upon the achievements of our 2024 mission to the KEY Exhibition in Rimini, ItalCham is now inviting applications for the 2025 Delegation from South Africa to attend KEY - The Energy Transition Expo. Organized by IEG - Italian Exhibition Group, this event focuses on technologies, services, and integrated solutions for energy efficiency and renewable energy. It serves as a platform to spotlight the acceleration of energy and climate policies, as well as the emerging opportunities in the market.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHEN: 5-7 March 2025
WHERE: Rimini Expo Centre, Italy
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KEY25 will showcase top companies specializing in services, solutions, and technologies within the energy sector, including solar, storage systems, wind, hydrogen, mobility, and energy efficiency, extending to smart cities. The event will also feature dedicated areas for cross-sector projects, networking, innovation, and training opportunities.
Benefits for Selected Companies:
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Pre-arranged meetings with top KEY ENERGY exhibitors
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3-night hotel accommodation (B&B treatment) for one buyer per company
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Reimbursement up to €300 for flight costs
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Transfers between Bologna airport and the hotel
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Daily transfers to and from the expo venue
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Free entrance tickets and lunch at the exhibition centre
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Buyers will have to undertake and respect the agenda of appointments and actively participate in business meetings planned by IEG.
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IF YOU WISH TO JOIN THE KEY HOSTED-BUYERS DELEGATION COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM BY THE 15 DECEMBER 2024
Space is limited - the registration period will close early if the delegation reaches its maximum number of participants.
​The company representative who will attend KEY ENERGY must be a decision-maker.
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For assistance and further information please send an e-mail to desk@italcham.co.za.
zoomark 2025
buyers programme
We invite South African companies to apply to join the Hosted Buyers Delegation for ZOOMARK 2025, the premier international trade show for pet food and pet care. Organized by BolognaFiere, this B2B event stands as Europe's pinnacle gathering for manufacturers and distributors within the pet industry.
Event Details
When: 5 - 7 May 2025
Where: Bologna, Italy
As the pet industry continues its rapid expansion, driven by a growing emphasis on animal welfare and sustainability, Zoomark remains at the forefront of this movement, showcasing cutting-edge products and forging crucial partnerships.
BENEFITS FOR APPROVED BUYERS
Approved buyers will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits designed to enhance their experience at Zoomark. These benefits may include:
Free admission to the event
Access to the VIP lounge
Prearranged B2B meetings with top Zoomark exhibitors
Complimentary lunch at the fair
Coverage of airfare
Participation in organized activities during the event days
Accommodation with B&B treatment
Access to affiliated restaurants and facilities
Transfer services
Please note that the specific benefits provided will depend on the organizers' interest in the applying company, so not all accepted buyers will receive the same benefits.
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OBLIGATIONS OF BUYERS
To qualify for these benefits, buyers are required to:
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Be present during the event days
Participate in the scheduled B2B meetings with Zoomark exhibitors
For more information please email italy@italcham.co.za.
To apply, download, complete and sign the application form and return it to incoming@zoomark.it and CC italy@italcham.co.za
DOWNLOAD THE ZOOMARK BROCHURE BELOW:
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There is one new job vacancy on the SMILE Job Portal:​​
Financial Administrator- Doppio Collection JHB
Administrative Assistant- Consolato Generale D’Italia-JHB
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You will find where to apply on the above link.
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View this and other job vacancies on the SMILE website via this link:
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If you are currently hiring, please take a look at SMILE-vetted candidates
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Alla prossima!