The South African Chamber in Portugal (CCILSA) recently hosted an evening at the Vivant Food & Drinks restaurant in the Algarve that left a lasting impression.
Celebrating the rich culture of South Africa, the event attracted a full house with 100 attendees, leading to a sold-out guest list and the closure of further registrations due to overwhelming demand.
Culinary Delights and Musical Highlights
The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from Manuela Robinson, President of CCILSA. Attendees were treated to a delectable four-course meal featuring authentic South African dishes, complemented perfectly by a glass of South African wine. Adding to the evening's charm was the captivating performance by Isabella Robinson, an aspiring and up-and-coming singer, who delighted the audience with her enchanting voice.
The success of the event was fuelled by the generous support of several sponsors. Safico, a newly opened store in Almancil, Algarve, renowned for its extensive range of South African products, played a pivotal role. Owners Shelly and Victor da Silva sponsored the welcome drinks, wine, and special condiments such as Mrs. Ball’s chutney and All Gold tomato sauce. They also provided a hamper for the raffle.
Other significant contributors included The Works, a graphic design and printing company run by Adilia and Dean Coleman. This dynamic couple provided all the printed materials for the event, ensuring a polished presentation.
Pandora’s Box, led by Maryka Etsebeth, also played a crucial role. Maryka's efforts went beyond financial support; she coordinated with various parties and ensured everything ran smoothly.
Special thanks were given to Chef Diogo Simões, whose exceptional preparation of traditional South African dishes was highly praised despite not being South African. Manuela also expressed gratitude to the management and staff of Vivant for their excellent service. The evening concluded with a raffle draw and more music from Isabella Robinson, followed by a DJ spinning lively African tunes.
CCILSA's Mission and Upcoming Plans
Manuela Robinson highlighted CCILSA's mission to create networking opportunities and promote businesses. The chamber collaborates with entities like the South African and Portuguese embassies and other local and international chambers of commerce for the benefit of its members. Partnerships with TAAG Airlines and The Portugal News offer tangible advantages, such as flight discounts and advertising opportunities for members. Throughout the year, CCILSA organizes networking sessions, seminars, and social gatherings across various regions of Portugal including Madeira.
For more information, please contact CCILSA at info@ccilsa.org
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