Port Louis, Mauritius –November 7: The South African Chamber of Commerce (SACC) Mauritius hosted its 3rd Annual Gala & Awards Night, bringing together over 130 business leaders, diplomats, and industry executives to celebrate the organisations shaping the Mauritius–South Africa economic corridor at Le Suffren Hotel & Marina under the theme “Jungle Chic.” The evening served as an occasion to discuss the volatility of global markets while at the same time honoring stakeholders, navigating uncertainty with resilience, strategy, and collective purpose.
In the keynote address, President of the SACC Mauritius Bilal Adam spoke on the theme, aligning with the current economic context: ““The world has become a jungle — unpredictable, hyper-competitive, and volatile. But tonight, all of you prove that it can also be chic. You build, you innovate, you stay ethical in an era of shortcuts. Jungle Chic is not about survival of the fittest — it is about survival with finesse, grit, collaboration, and vision.”
The event was also graced by the presence of the High Commissioner of South Africa to Mauritius Her Excellency Dr Hlamalani Nelly Manzini, whose continuous support reinforces not only bilateral trade, but also the cultural and diplomatic ties that bind both nations.
Cultural Tribute – Ladysmith Black Mambazo Live
A standout moment of the evening was a live performance by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the five-time Grammy Award-winning ensemble from South Africa. Their performance blended traditional Zulu isicathamiya harmonies with contemporary world music influences, offering a powerful tribute to the South African heritage. For the chamber’s chair Adam — whose family roots are in KwaZulu-Natal — the performance was both a diplomatic and deeply personal moment, symbolising cultural continuity and unity across borders.
Awards – Honouring Leadership and Impact
The Innovation Award was presented to Peach Payments, a fintech company born in South Africa and now driving digital inclusion across Mauritius. On receiving the award, CEO Rahul Jain shared: “Our vision has always been simple — every Mauritian, whether a student or a family business in a village, should be able to sell online securely. Innovation is only meaningful when it is inclusive.”
He added that the company’s journey in Mauritius is especially significant, given that its roots trace back to South Africa, where it was built to serve entrepreneurs who were often excluded from traditional banking and payment systems.
The Resilience Award was bagged by South African Airways (SAA), and received by Samiirah Goolamhossen on behalf of the airline, recognising SAA’s 91-year legacy and its revival following the restructuring process. During the event, SAA announced the launch of a new direct flight to Cape Town in December, offering up to 20 percent airfare discounts for SACC members. The award included a one-night stay at Anahita Golf & Spa Resort, symbolising rest after resilience.
While the Sustainability Award was presented to Grays Inc Ltd for its commitment to responsible production and ethical supply chains. The award was accompanied by a handcrafted ceramic vase by artist Sharon Thompson, representing craftsmanship, legacy, and environmental consciousness. On the other hand, The People’s Choice Award was conducted through live audience vote on the night and awarded to Investec, reinforcing transparency and community recognition as key values of the Chamber.
A Year of Progress — Setting Forth Future Ambition
Looking back at the past year’s achievements, the SACC organised strategic initiatives ranging from an investment forum in partnership with Stewards Investment Capital, legal and governance sessions with ENSafrica, the ABSA Art & Investment Evening, and advocacy meetings with the Ministry of Finance on behalf of its members. Today, the Chamber represents over 300 member companies, spanning finance, logistics, energy, aviation, agriculture, hospitality, technology, and legal services. The next Annual General Meeting has been announced for November 12, along with major initiatives for the year 2026.
