ABOUT SCSA-SAC

SCSA-SAC, SwissCham Southern Africa – South Africa Chapter was formed on the occasion of an official visit by Switzerland’s Federal Councillor (Minister) of Economic Affairs, HE Doris Leuthard, in 2007. The Chapter formally opened its doors at an inaugural meeting in Johannesburg in April 2008, the most important business metropole in Southern Africa. Thus, Swiss private enterprises are in the position to strengthen their presence in the booming South African market.

SwissCham Southern Africa – South Africa Chapter is an apolitical non-profit organization, which seeks to contribute to the expansion of economic, commercial and cultural relations between Switzerland and Southern Africa.SCSA-SAC also functions as the South African pillar of the bilateral Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and is the official Chapter for the whole of South Africa.

The presence of Swiss enterprises in South Africa has a tradition of more than 100 years. Well-known Swiss enterprises were until now organised within the Swiss Business Council (SBC). In future, they introduce their network of connections and know how into the new SCSA South Africa Chapter. Thereby, SME’s being interested in the South African market now have the opportunity to benefit from the profound experience united in the new Chapter.

Through its creativity, its growth and the best infrastructure in Africa, the South African market offers unique business opportunities. The SCSA South Africa Chapter in Johannesburg co-operates closely with the Embassy of Switzerland and the Swiss Business Hub (SBH) in Pretoria, and is fully integrated into the Business Network Switzerland® – Swiss Global Enterprise (SG-E). Since its inauguration it has grown substantially and has the potential to continue its success story.

OUR HISTORY

The Swiss Chamber of Commerce, SwissCham Southern Africa – South Africa Chapter, was inaugurated in April 2008. SCSA-SAC is a bilateral Chamber of Commerce and Industry and as such it is our aim to strengthen and expand trade relations between Switzerland and South Africa.

Switzerland is in the top ten most important investment and trading partners to South Africa. The presence of Swiss enterprises in South Africa dates back to more than 100 years.

SwissCham is the most important private sector-focused body when it comes to the business ties between the two countries, obviously together with its parent Chamber, being SwissCham Southern Africa in Zürich.

SwissCham is a cooperation partner to the Swiss Business Hub at the Embassy in Pretoria, as well as to Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE).
Our members range from self-employed or small and medium enterprises to large, multi- national corporations.

OUR PURPOSE

TRADE RELATIONS

To further trade relations between Swiss and South African Companies.

INDUSTRY & COMMERCE

To assist in the development of industry and commerce within the business community.

PROMOTE MEMBERS

To promote, encourage and represent the business interests of members.

DEVELOP MEMBERS

To help SME’s develop their contacts with the larger Corporations.

INFORMATION SHARING

To collect and disseminate information regarding social responsibility and industry.

SPEAKERS WE HAVE HOSTED

  • Dennis Dykes, Chief Economist, Nedbank
  • Tito Mboweni, then Governor of the SA Reserve Bank
  • Mosiuoa Lekota, COPE
  • Tony Twine, Econometrix
  • Sepp Blatter, FIFA President
  • Saki Macozoma, Liberty Life
  • Michael Spicer, Business Leadership South Africa
  • Thami Bolani, Chairman, National Consumer Forum
  • Kuseni Dlamini, CEO, Old Mutual
  • Bobby Godsell, Chairman, Business Leadership SA
  • Jacko Maree, CEO, the Standard Bank Group
  • John Kane-Berman, CEO, SA Institute of Race Relations
  • Gill Marcus, Governor, SA Reserve Bank
  • Fiona Forde, Journalist & Author
  • Dr. Christo Wiese, Chairman, Pepkor & Shoprite
  • Donna Oosthuyse, Country Manager, Citi Bank SA
  • Helen Zille, Leader of the Democratic Alliance
  • Prof. Raymond Parsons, Professor, Graduate School of Business, North West University, Special Policy Advisor, BUSA
  • Dr. Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training
  • Brigadier Piet Byleveld, Crime & Commercial Investigator
  • Adv Thuli Madonsela, Public Protector of South Africa
  • Moeletsi Mbeki, Political Economist
  • Herman Mashaba, Mayor of Johannesburg, Entrepreneur and Author
  • Mmusi Maimane, Parliamentary Leader of the Democratic Alliance
  • Doris Leuthard, Federal Councillor of Switzerland
  • Malusi Gigaba, Minister of Home Affairs
  • Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank
  • Zenene Sinombe, High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana
  • Valentin Zellweger, Ambassador, Director of International Law, acting as Legal Advisor to the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
  • Nicky Newton-King, CEO of The Johannesburg Stock Exchange
  • Danie Meintjes, CEO of Mediclinic Group
  • Dr Anthea Jeffrey, Head of Policy Research, Institute of Race Relations
  • Nhlanhla Nene, Minister of Finance
  • Sipho Pityana, Chairman, Anglogold Ashanti
  • Wayne Duvenhage, CEO, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA)
  • Dr. Marcus Cornaro, Ambassador of the European Union to South Africa

OUR VALUES

CUSTOMER EXCELLENCE

Facilitating of business plans, marketing concepts and strategies.

COMMITMENT

Assistance or active support in the areas of promotion and marketing of products and services.

INTEGRITY

Providing advice on the formation of companies or subsidiaries.

CREATIVITY

Procurement of custom tailored legal or tax advise, etc.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

We are able to assist with setting up, as well as advise on corporate citizenship programmes.