World Congress Feedback & AGA Reports

Dear Skål International Cape Town Member,

Following our recent business breakfast at The Commodore Hotel, please find below my feedback on the 84th Skål International World Congress, together with all the official AGA reports attached for your review.

President’s Feedback

Skål International Cape Town – World Congress 2025

It was both an honour and a great pleasure to represent our Cape Town club at the 84th Skål International World Congress in Cusco, Peru. This year’s congress welcomed around 300 members from 33 countries, creating a vibrant international atmosphere.

I am proud to report that Cape Town was strongly represented. Alongside myself, our committee member Rue Zimuto attended, together with two of our members, Preston Pietersen and Elmar Schorndorfer.

Club of the Year Award

We were honoured to be shortlisted for the prestigious International Club of the Year Award, alongside the clubs of Mérida and Sydney.

To qualify, clubs had to:

be named their country’s Club of the Year,
achieve a net membership increase of at least 10%,
contribute to both the Membership Development Fund (MDF) and the Florimond Volckaert Fund (FVF), and
have a voting delegate present at the two previous congresses.

The results of the international vote were:

Total votes cast: 291
Abstentions: 28
Sydney: 80 votes
Cape Town: 96 votes
Mérida: 116 votes

Congratulations go to Skål International Mérida, the 2025 winner. Placing second is still an achievement of which we can be very proud – it reflects the dedication and commitment of every single member of our club.

Skål International Mérida President Gonzalo Novelo Lujan with
Skål International Cape Town President Johan van Schalkwyk

Other News from the Congress

Recognition for Dawn Smith: Our past president, Dawn Smith, was awarded the prestigious Order of Skål Merit Certificate by World President Denise Scrafton, recognising her outstanding contribution to Skål and the tourism industry.
Elections: Our candidate, Kevin Rautenbach, stood for President-Elect 2027 but was not elected. Congratulations to Mohan NSN, who received the mandate. Cape Town will continue to support in 2027.
World President 2026: We welcome incoming World President Andrés Hayes, a familiar face in Cape Town and strong supporter of our work.
2026 World Congress: Confirmed for Nelson Mandela Bay under President Salome Clack, scheduled for late September 2026. Cape Town will play an important role in welcoming the world pre- and post-congress.

Skål International President Denise Scrafton with
Skål International Cape Town President Johan van Schalkwyk

Global Strategy and Reports

The Congress highlighted a unified revival strategy launched by the Executive Board. President Denise Scrafton’s address, “Lead Today and Shape Tomorrow”, emphasised:

updating Statutes and By-laws to strengthen governance,
placing membership growth at the heart of strategy, and
launching the Shaping the Future project to secure Skål’s relevance in tomorrow’s tourism industry.

A stark reminder was given: over the past 20 years, Skål has lost 230 clubs while only 44 new ones have been formed.

Florimond Volckaert Fund (FVF)

Donations (Jan 2024 – Jun 2025): €18,550
Grants paid: €60,658
Cape Town continues to contribute actively, ensuring support for members worldwide.

Membership Development Fund (MDF)

Supported recruitment of 91 new members globally.
Reforms are planned to improve accessibility and impact.
A grant supported the creation of a new club in North Durban.

The full committee reports are attached for your detailed review.

Closing Words

This congress was a strong reminder of Cape Town’s visibility and respect on the international stage. We remain one of the most connected clubs globally, with friends across every continent.

Let us carry forward this momentum as we support the new global strategy, prepare to welcome the world to South Africa in 2026, and continue building a stronger club grounded in friendship and shared purpose.

Thank you for your continued membership and for being proudly Capetonian.

Warm Regards,
Johan van Schalkwyk
President
Skål International Cape Town