CCCI's journey to spectacular South Africa

Twenty five delegates of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry departed for South Africa on September 19, 2008 to explore possible business opportunities in the African continent. The 10-day Trade Mission to Johannesburg and Cape Town, gave a chance for the delegates to showcase their products and services during the business matching session. An AVP presentation about Cebu’s investment and tourism potentials was presented to the members of the Johannesburg and Cape Town Chambers of Commerce & Industry. The CCCI-South Africa Business Council, which spearheads this mission, is chaired by Carmel De Pio-Salvador.  

The delegation also joined the Fifth Biennial Cape Wine International Trade Show held at the state-of-the-art Cape Town International Convention Centre. Wines of South Africa members showcased 4,000 wines at their individual stands where the delegates had a chance to network with the South African winemakers and to taste their huge variety of wines and learn more about the business.

South Africa has the longest wine route in the world. A half day excursion through the vineyards and wine cellars was conducted at the Meerendal Wine Estate which is situated in the cool Durbanville area. This 300-year old estate with its 120 hectares of vineyard was managed by Bennie Howard, who conducted the wine tasting for the delegates and explained how their wines were prepared. After an hour’s tour to their vineyard and wine cellar, the delegation got a chance to taste their best cuisines and African braii.

South Africa is one of the most popular destinations in the world because of its tourist attractions. Aside from the business mission, the delegates got to see the glamorous casinos, gourmet restaurants to the world famous Sun City- the spectacular and the largest theme resort in the world. Visiting South Africa would not be complete without a safari experience; thus, the CCCI delegation set out to the Pillanesburg National Park and Leopardsong where they were able to see the Big Five and other wild animals and enjoyed the best safari experience.

Upon the delegation’s arrival in Johannesburg, they stayed at the five star Leopardsong Lodges for two nights to try out the African experience, breathing in the center of bush fields surrounded by Africa’s wild animals. It was a different experience on their way to Johannesburg Chamber when they rode on a safari car while wearing their suits. They also got a chance to visit the Union Buildings which are the administrative headquarters of the South African President. They likewise took a tour to Nelson Mandela Square where a 6-meter statue of Nelson Mandela was installed to honor the famous South African statesman.

From Johannesburg, the group took a two-hour flight to Cape Town. Cape Town simply shines with beauty and the city is rightly regarded as one of the most enchanting spots in the world. The delegates took a tour to the unique Table Mountain by cable-way. There, they saw one of the most famous skylines in the world, showing stunning views of Cape Town city, its seaboard and nearby Lion’s head from a deck that hangs over the mountain’s edge. They also went to Signal Hill a mountain adjacent to Table Mountain for a spectacular view of Table Bay and the Robben Island. The delegates also took a tour to the South African Museum, Diamond factory, Two Oceans Aquarium, and shopping at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Canal Walk Shopping Center and Green Market Square.

CCCI would like to extend its sincerest appreciation for the valuable assistance of the South Africa Embassy in Manila through Ambassador Pieter Andries Vermeulen, Philippine Embassy in Pretoria through Ambassador Virgilio Reyes, Jr. who hosted a welcome dinner in Pretoria, Amy Friedrichsen, the Vice President of the Filipino-South African Friendship Society who also hosted a welcome dinner in Cape Town, Island Souvenirs, Cebu Investment Promotion Center, Department of Tourism, Mactan Cebu International Airport, Cathay Pacific and Grand Holidays Travel & Tours who contributed to the success of the CCCI Trade Mission.