BONN, Germany and CAPE TOWN, South Africa – 11 July 2025
In a remarkable display of international friendship and tourism collaboration, the Skål International clubs of Cape Town and Bonn have officially signed a historic twinning agreement. The occasion was marked by ceremonies and celebrations in both cities, connecting members across thousands of miles.
The official signing took place in Bonn’s historic Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall). In a poignant moment connecting the two nations, the city’s official Golden Book was brought from the archives and opened to the page bearing the signature of former South African President Nelson Mandela from his visit in 1996.
The 55th-anniversary celebrations for Skål International Bonn continued with an evening event on the terrace of the Hotel Ameron, where guests enjoyed views over the Rhine River. Simultaneously, the Cape Town club hosted a parallel event at the iconic Lagoon Beach Hotel, set against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean.
Over 90 members and tourism delegates gathered to witness the proceedings from Bonn live, sharing in the celebrations and the official toast. A special city twinning toast was also broadcast from Bonn, allowing Cape Town members to join in a unified Skål toast. The live broadcast and audiovisual production for the Cape Town event were expertly managed by InHouse, while the celebratory Skål toast was made possible with wines sponsored by Stellenbosch Hills.
Speaking at the ceremony in Bonn, the President of Skål International Cape Town addressed the attendees, stating, “Germany is one of South Africa’s top tourism source markets, and its visitors support our tourism industry throughout the year. We thank all German visitors for their love for South Africa, and indeed for Cape Town. This twinning relationship presents a great opportunity, and it makes perfect sense for both friendship and business.”
The agreement marks Bonn’s first twinned city and Cape Town’s fifth, joining a prestigious list that includes Hamburg, Perth, Melbourne, and Izmir. The initiative aims to create valuable tourism and travel collaborations between the two regions and their extensive professional networks.
The shared history between the cities was highlighted, noting Bonn’s status as the former capital of Germany and Cape Town’s role as the legislative capital of South Africa.
