As we step into June, it’s a genuine pleasure to connect with you again and share the vibrant activities, achievements, and exciting upcoming opportunities that continue to define our dynamic Skål International Cape Town community. The energy within our club is palpable, and I’m excited to update you on our collective progress and future endeavours.
One of our greatest strengths, and indeed a consistent strategic focus for our club, is the continued expansion of our membership base. Each month, we are truly delighted to welcome new faces, diverse businesses, and fresh perspectives into our fold. This organic growth is absolutely fundamental to our cherished core mission: “Doing Business Among Friends.”
The more diverse and extensive our network becomes – encompassing a wider range of expertise, innovative ideas, and industry connections – the richer and more fruitful the opportunities become for meaningful collaboration, mutual support, and lasting professional friendships. This expansion directly translates into a more robust platform for every member to thrive.
Left to Right: Keith Lindsay, Melissa Needham, Skål International Cape Town President
Johan van Schalkwyk, Juanita van Niekerk & Monet Tiran
On the prestigious awards front, Skål International Cape Town is incredibly proud and excited to announce that we have submitted four outstanding entries for the highly respected 2025 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards. These awards, which recognise global best practices in responsible tourism, will be presented during the Skål World Congress in Peru.
Our remarkable nominees, each a leader in their respective fields, are Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, for their crucial conservation work; White Shark Projects, for their dedication to marine conservation and education; The President Hotel, for their comprehensive sustainable hospitality initiatives; and !Khwa ttu San Culture & Education Centre, for their commitment to preserving and sharing indigenous culture and knowledge.
We wholeheartedly commend these organisations for their commitment to sustainable tourism principles, which are so vital for the future of our industry and our planet. We wish them the very best and are honoured to have them represent Cape Town on this global stage.
Please mark your calendars and make every effort to join us for our next exciting networking event! On Tuesday, 10th June 2025, at 12:00 PM, we will gather at the Hotel Verde, Cape Town International Airport.
This venue is not only conveniently located at the very hub of tourism into our beautiful city but is also renowned for its own commitment to sustainability, making it a particularly fitting choice. The event will feature a delightful wine tasting sponsored by Stellenbosch Hills, offering a perfect accompaniment to our networking.
As always, this is a prime opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, share insights, and explore potential collaborations, so please remember to bring your official business cards. After all, making connections and doing business is what we do best!
Reflecting on a busy and productive May, our Cape Town team was actively and enthusiastically involved in supporting Skål International Durban and Skål International South Africa during Africa’s Travel Indaba.
This major tourism expo provided a crucial platform for collaboration, and it was a fantastic showcase of inter-club solidarity and the strength of the Skål network across Southern Africa.
I extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Cape Town members for their time, effort, and commitment. Your efforts ensure that Skål continues to provide incredible networking opportunities and maintains a strong, unified presence across the country and the continent.
Left to Right: Andrew Rogers (Skål International South Africa President), Lavonne Wittmann (Past World President & Membre d’Honneur), Kevin Barry (Skål International Cape Town Member), Thabang Rapotu (Skål International Pretoria), Liz Tapawa (Skål International Nairobi Past President), and Ruvarashe Zimuto (YSK, Skål International Cape Town Committee Member).
Our global presence and influence were also strongly felt in May, with several of our enterprising members attending the influential IMEX Frankfurt trade show. Their engagement with international members, potential partners, and friends from around the world is invaluable.
These interactions are crucial in keeping the Skål Cape Town club visible on the world stage, attracting international interest to our destination, and ensuring we continue to make a tangible impact globally by fostering international business relationships for our members.
Left to Right: Skål International Cape Town Members Mandy Mavuso and Suzanne van Wyk with Annett Reimer (Skål International Bonn President) and Johannes Jungwirth (Skål International Germany President).
Birthday Celebrations
Looking ahead, July promises to be a particularly significant month for our international relations and global networking.
We are eagerly anticipating the official twinning event between Skål International Cape Town and Skål International Bonn, which is scheduled to take place in Bonn, Germany. This marks a wonderful step in strengthening our ties with our European counterparts.
For any of our members who might find themselves in Germany during this period, I highly recommend looking into the fantastic programme that Skål Bonn has planned. It not only celebrates this new twinning but also commemorates their impressive 55th anniversary: a truly wonderful opportunity to connect with our German Skålleagues and experience their hospitality.
To celebrate this closer bond locally and amplify the enhanced networking possibilities it brings, we will also be hosting a special Cape Town co-twinning networking event here at home. This will be a chance for us all to raise a glass to this new chapter of friendship and business potential. Stay tuned for more specific details on this local celebration!
Thank you for your continued enthusiasm, active participation, and support of Skål International Cape Town. It is your engagement that makes our club so successful and dynamic. I eagerly look forward to seeing many of you at Hotel Verde on the 10th of June for what promises to be another excellent networking opportunity
Skål!
Yours in friendship and tourism,
JOHAN VAN SCHALKWYK
President – Skål International Cape Town
