Event report
Back To | 2024 Annual Gala Dinner
FSACCI Celebrates a Parisian Summer Games for its Annual Gala Dinner
The French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI) transformed The Wanderers Club in Johannesburg into a Paris Summer Games paradise on Thursday, May 16th. A huge thank you goes to Bureau Veritas, the main partner, and Sanofi, the gold partner, for making this spectacular evening possible.
The charismatic sports commentator, Philasande Sixaba, kept the energy high throughout the event, ensuring a night filled with entertainment and connection. This highly anticipated gala attracted key figures from the French and South African business landscape, including Chamber members, partners, and esteemed guests.
The highlight of the evening was the presence of the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) as our esteemed Guest of Honour. SASCOC President Barry Hendricks, Chef de Mission for Team SA in Paris Leon Fleiser, and Mr Meshack Mbsowane representing the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, delivered inspiring speeches. We were further honoured to have nine esteemed Olympians and Paralympians in attendance, including Caitlin Rooskrantz, Esti Olivier, Sizwe Ndlovu, Shaun Anderson, Kgothatso Montjane, and Katherine Swanepoel. Additional athletes Kyle Brown, Justin Govender (Stratogo), and Lize Mari Retief also graced the event.
Several VIPs also added to the prestige of the evening. H.E. David Martinon, French Ambassador to South Africa, was present along with Arnaud Roux, Premier Counsellor at the French embassy, and Etienne Chapon, Consul-General in Johannesburg. The FSACCI Board of Directors was also well-represented, with Dr Yves Guenon, Thulisile Phiri, Lee Chana, Philip Geromont, and Francois De Thomasson all in attendance.
The evening was not just about celebrating business ties; it was a night of capturing memories. A dedicated photo booth ensured guests had a memento of the occasion thanks to our member VIP Photo Booth. JNXS, the official photographer, and Clip My Biz, the videographer, also FSACCI members, provided professional documentation of the event.
The Paris Summer Games theme was brought to life with the help of several parties. Decathlon generously allowed the FSACCI to borrow sports equipment, while AGS Worldwide, FSACCI member, ensured its smooth transportation. The FSACCI team also deserves recognition for their creative, homemade decorations.
The gala would not have been complete without a toast to success. Moet Hennessy, Advini, and Premier Cru, all FSACCI members, provided the champagne, red wine, and white wine, respectively, ensuring a night of exquisite drinks. We we would also like to thank our member Sweet Baguette for supplying the French baguettes.
The FSACCI extends its gratitude to Le Cap Sportif, Air Liquide, and LIFSA (operated by Alliance Francaise Johannesburg) for their contributions to the event's success. With over 240 guests, the FSACCI's Paris Summer Games Gala was a resounding success, fostering connections, celebrating achievements, and solidifying the strong bond between France and South Africa.
To view the pictures of this memorable evening, click here.
If you'd like to share any feedback post event, kindly contact events(@)fsacci.com.
