I left South Africa more than 25 years ago, but I never truly left it behind. Every South African abroad knows the feeling – you carry your country with you. The accent softens, the weather shocks you, but that deep-rooted sense of belonging never disappears.

When I joined the South African Chamber of Commerce UK (SACC UK), I found my “why.” It gave me a platform to turn nostalgia into action – to build something meaningful that connects South Africans to each other and to opportunity.

For me, this isn’t just a job. It’s a mission: to make sure we never lose that connection to home, no matter where in the world we find ourselves.

Building Bridges That Work Both Ways

I’ve always believed South Africans are among the most hardworking, direct, and decent people you’ll ever meet. We’re practical problem-solvers; we just get on with it. That makes us brilliant to work with – and brilliant ambassadors for our country. My role is to harness that energy, to open doors for those coming from South Africa to the UK, and equally to show British companies why they should be investing, trading, and partnering with South Africa.

It’s about more than commerce. It’s about community. The Chamber may be 20 years old, but its real heartbeat is the people the professionals, entrepreneurs, and young dreamers who remind me daily why I do this.  I see it as my job to bring them together: to connect those who’ve “made it” with those still finding their way, and to make sure everyone feels seen, supported, and part of something bigger.