Page 8 - SA Chamber UK - September Newsletter- eBook

The Kids Zone, powered by Tax Consulting SA and Expatweb, buzzed with activity,

featuring cricket sessions with former South African cricketer Peter Kirsten, a fun tag-
rugby game with former All Blacks player Mark Robinson, birthday celebrations, cupcake
decorating, Playball, lawn games, face painting, and crazy golf.

The “Local is Lekker (nice)” market showcased nearly 40 small businesses, offering a
vibrant mix of South African and Manx makers, bakers, artisans, and crafters. Attendees
browsed and shopped for art, jewellery, handbags, confectionery, crafts, and much more.

Delicious South African delicacies such as milk tart, koeksisters, malva pudding,
biltong, boerewors rolls, and Durban curry were among the culinary highlights. Festival
goers also savoured Afro Caribbean cuisine, crepes, coffees, smoothies, shakes, and
more. The Ravenscroft Braai Day Boerie Bar and Train Smokers BBQ on a train were

particularly popular.

The Department for Enterprise’s Event Fund supported the safe transport of guests

from Lord Street, providing a complimentary service for attendees.

The day’s magnificent weather complemented the picturesque surroundings of The

Nunnery, offering festival goers a perfect September day on the Isle of Man. Festival
organiser Vanessa Naude from Isle Settle expressed her gratitude to both the South
African and Manx communities for their support. The festival’s success enabled a generous
donation of £963 to the Isle of Man Foodbank.

The festival’s ethos of community and inclusiveness resonated with attendees. Vanessa
Naude said, “We wanted to thank the Isle of Man for embracing and welcoming us by

creating an event that brings the vibrant and colourful food, culture, and entertainment
of South Africa to those who might otherwise never have the opportunity to experience
it. We hope to attract more people of all nationalities next year and to bring an even
more diverse and colourful event to life.”

The SAFFA Festival’s inaugural
edition stands as a testament
to the power of cultural

exchange and community
spirit. With a resounding
success in its debut year, it’s

poised to become a cherished
annual tradition on the Isle of
Man’s cultural calendar.

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SA CHAMBER UK NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2023