Sanelisiwe Gantsho Member of the Executive Committee and Cape Chapter Leader, SACC UK.

Education in South Africa has a critical role to play in economic development, systematically balancing the socio-economic scales and has the power to unlock human capital potential for the global economy.  

To thrive, not only locally, but by way of reviving trade between South Africa and the United Kingdom. Investing in people and social cohesion is a strategic focus of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK (SACC UK) in reexamining historical trade and investment ties that takes the South African education system to the next level.

Giants, living and past, such as Nelson Mandela and Oprah Winfrey, icons and ordinary relatable people understood the simple principle of combatting poverty with education – leveling the playing field that is still plagued by the after effects of Apartheid, yet shimmers with the efforts undertaken by an evolving democracy.

Many global leaders have hailed South Africa’s South Africa’s transition in 1994 as a miracle and numerous achievements made possible by a rainbow nation – a term coined by Desmond Tutu – that embodies resilience, courage and spirit that makes our beloved country stand out globally alongside developed nations.

‘When you know better, do better’ – Maya Angelou

Surviving a divided political system and transitioning to an applauded democracy is proof of knowing better as a people. Facing challenges with integrity is the action of doing better that needs to graduate to the next level, especially in educating South Africans for an increasingly competitive international work force.

The modern business and boardroom agenda – integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters – is at the Chamber’s cornerstone in executing activities that relate to trade, community and investment into and out of South Africa. The ‘S’ of ESG is at the apex of the triangle simply because it is people that create and conversely contribute to the nourishment or decay of the environment and supportive governance practices.

As a forum that extends its geographic reach through its Chapters – The Cape, Kwa Zulu Natal, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, North West, North East, West Midlands, East Midlands, West Country, East of England, Thames Valley, South East, Devon & Cornwall and Isle of Man. Each evolving in their respective regional economic models supportive of the Chamber’s strategy. An optimal mix of visionaries, operational ability and measurable milestones are the ingredients we look for in likeminded individuals, organisations and members of the Chamber. Unihaven is one such entity that has aligned values, while also marrying a modern approach to education for globally successful career paths.