Welcome to the May newsletter. Each issue showcases our latest events and SA Chamber UK news, as well as upcoming events and things to look forward to in the coming months.
Our recent webinar with George Honiball from Microsoft on the wonders of ChatGPT was something of an epiphany for me, a “light bulb” moment. Not only was it illuminating, but it was comparable to how people must have felt seeing a light bulb turn on for the very first time, shortly after their invention. A mix of awe and excitement at its apparent ease and utility, tinged with a sprinkling of apprehension about the potential dangers of the power source behind it and how rapidly this technology will change the world.
I’ve had various names for my cars throughout my lifetime, but if I talk to them, they don’t answer back. Not only can I name ChatGPT, but I can hold conversations and build a relationship with it like a co-worker, ask iterative questions and develop it as a “right- hand person” to be a better Chief of Staff by the day.
I have a few weeks of creation and discovery ahead of me! Our lives are truly going to change as we embrace this new technology.May is nearly done, and the moment to cast our votes, and hopefully, to make a difference, is upon us. We have engaged with a number of experts over the past couple of months, most notably Daniel Silke and Clem Sunter, to glean their insights into the myriad possible outcomes of this highly contested election.
Voting in London was vibrant, fun, and festive, as 66% of voters registered in the UK made the journey to SA House. Over the next two months, once the votes are counted, we will have more experts share their views on the election results and what is likely to follow.June brings us our Gala Dinner at Mansion House. There are a few tickets left, so please book quickly if you plan to join us for the Chamber’s flagship event.
We’re very grateful to Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) and the SA High Commission in the UK for allowing us to extend an invitation on their behalf to our members and supporters to attend a Thanksgiving Service to mark the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democracy to be held at Westminster Abbey on July 16th. If you have not yet received an invitation, but would like to attend, please contact Juliet at jrushent@sachamber.co.uk. The following day, we’ll have a roundtable discussion with the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Michael Mainelli, to discuss how we position South Africa at the heart of the City to harness its technology and power to generate trade and investment, and to better engage the many South Africans who work in the City – including Sheriff and potential future Lord Mayor, Bronek Masojada.
The session will be followed by a Freedom of the City ceremony at Guildhall and a lunch at a livery company. Email your interest to join us to Juliet on jrushent@sachamber.co.uk
Let’s hope that summer is better than the wet spring we’ve been having, which although it has brought longer days and spring flowers, still feels quite cold.
Pg. 12 - Victory for SA at Chelsea
Pg. 16 - What About The Boys?
Pg. 19 - Media Training, Special Offer
Pg. 22 - Annual Gala Dinner
Pg. 24 - Chamber Loyalty Offers
Pg. 26 - Explore a World of Engaging Events
Pg. 28 - Event Replays
Pg. 29 - SA Chamber UK Membership
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