Page 7 - SA Chamber UK - September Newsletter- eBook

INAUGURAL SAFFA FESTIVAL

CELEBRATES SOUTH AFRICAN

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY ON

THE ISLE OF MAN

The Isle of Man witnessed an extraordinary
celebration of South African culture and
community on Saturday, 23 September, as
the inaugural SAFFA Festival took centre

stage at The Nunnery. Sponsored by
Standard Bank and organised by Isle Settle
in collaboration with the Isle of Man Chapter

of SA Chamber of Commerce UK, the festival
looks set to become an annual event on the
island’s cultural calendar.

The Festival coincided with South Africa’s
Heritage Day and Braai (barbecue) Day, adding
a special cultural dimension to the festivities.
Her Worshipful the Mayor Natalie Byron-

Teare and Deputy Chief Minister Hon Jane
Poole-Wilson graced the event, reaffirming
their support and recognition of the vibrant
South African community’s contributions to

the Manx economy and society.

The Festival’s debut exceeded all expectations, with tickets for both the daytime

celebration and the evening rugby screening selling out. Over 800 attendees embraced
the daytime festivities, while 350 gathered in the evening to watch South Africa face off
against Ireland in the Rugby World Cup.

Event highlights
A highlight of the event was the Potjie Master Competition powered by Robinson’s,
where culinary creativity reached new heights. The winning team from Seaboard
wowed judges with their lamb potjiekos (slow-cooked stew) presented in a large gem
squash—a nod to South African heritage.

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SA CHAMBER UK NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2023