Social Functions 

Thursday, 12 March 2009 at 18:30

Official Opening Cocktail Party, hosted by the South African Reserve Bank
Venue: Rotunda at The Bay Hotel, Camps Bay

You’ve had a busy day, having arrived here in the dazzling jewel that is Cape Town, one of the world’s most spectacular cities, registered and explored the displays at the exhibition centre. Despite the almost irresistible temptation to set off on an impromptu sightseeing spree, you return to your hotel to unwind, have a refreshing shower and prepare for the official opening cocktail party. The dress code suggests business smart attire, which here in the warm, hospitable heart of Africa gives you the freedom to feel comfortably dressed in a relaxed, informal style. The coaches will depart from outside the CTICC at 18:30 to take us to the remarkable Rotunda at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay. This is one of the most magnificent seafront settings in the Cape, facing a pristine palm-fringed beach and overlooked by the imposing Twelve Apostles crowning the cliffs of Table Mountain.

The guest speaker, Dr XP Xuma of the South African Reserve Bank, will deliver the official opening address. Thereafter we will be entertained by Jazz Band a popular local fusion group who blend afro-jazz and kwaito rhythms with classical influences to create their own irresistible brand of distinctive dance music representing the rich diversity of the South African rainbow nation. This is the time to mingle, to meet new friends and greet old acquaintances, to make small talk, big talk, any talk. After all, talk is good and opens up a wealth of possibilities.

Friday, 13 March 2009 at 18:30

African Experience

Venue: Moyo at Spier Wine Estate near Stellenbosch

Friday night is party time! Come casual and be prepared for an African experience of a lifetime. Coaches will leave from the CTICC at 18:30 for the scenic drive of approximately 1 hour, winding through the splendour of the winelands to Spier Wine Estate near Stellenbosch. One of the most famous award-winning wine estates in the Cape, Spier is located on 1,000 hectares of breathtaking, lush vineyards along the Eerste River with picturesque views of the Helderberg mountain range. Spier is also home to the unique and unforgettable Moyo, where we will be hosted under the magical, mystical canopy of the African sky.

This is a gastronomic adventure like no other, with Bedouin tents and gazebos creating a nomadic African village, under the watchful presence of a massive 300-year old oak tree. Aromatic spices fill the air, from cumin to coriander, paprika to saffron and rose petals, beckoning you to the appetizing buffet with its veritable feast of flavours to savour, including a spread of local delicacies, African and traditional South African favourites like potjiekos. Moyo moves all your senses, with mesmerising drumbeats accompanying the lilting voices of the local entertainers with their hauntingly beautiful humming and ululating refrains ringing through the night. They dance to these ancient rhythms forming the heartbeat of Africa, as old as time itself and yet vibrantly reaching out to touch tomorrow.  

Let the spirit of Africa touch your heart, move your soul and throw caution to the wind as you join the dancers and let your body do the talking, from the Madiba jive to the Soweto shake and everything in-between. Africa rocks and Moyo moves like nowhere else on earth. We guarantee that a good time will be had by all and, according to an old African proverb, 'however long the night, dawn will break' we will eventually have to leave

The coaches will start running return trips from 23:00, with the last coach departing at 24:00 to take our guests back to the warm welcome of their accommodation.