SCC INSIDER

Mr.MarcosPelegrin

PresidentoftheSCCinSouthAfrica

PresidentoftheSCCinSouthAfrica

Dear SCC Valued Members, friends, and esteemed readers,

As we step into the fourth edition of the SCC Insider, I am honoured to address you once again as the Chamber’s President It is with great enthusiasm that I share with you the progress we have made in fostering trade and development between Spain and South Africa in the first half of 2023

As we celebrate August as women's month in South Africa, we are thrilled to highlight the significant contributions of women in driving our partnership forward From trailblazing entrepreneurs to visionary leaders, women have played a pivotal role in shaping the dynamic and innovative community we are today This edition celebrates their achievements and acknowledge their unwavering dedication to progress. Our partnership continues to thrive, opening new avenues for collaboration and shared prosperity

The theme for this quarter's trade and development focus is "Empowering Through Diversity " We recognize that diversity is not only an essential aspect of ethical business practices, but it also fuels innovation, creativity, and resilience By fostering diversity in our business environments, we can unlock unprecedented potential and achieve greater heights together In light of this we are so pleased to acknowledge our Vice President, Mrs Tshepo Ncube, also CEO and Head International Client Coverage in Corporate and Investment Banking at ABSA Bank Tshepo has been a great contributor and supporter of the Spanish Chamber since her appointment in May 2020. I take this opportunity of thanking Tshepo for everything she has done for the chamber and continues to do You can read more about Tshepo’s achievement on page 15 It also gives me great pleasure to announce during women’s month in South Africa of the new appointment of Dr Fabiola Quesada a veterinarian surgeon to our board You can read more about Fabiola on page 4 of this magazine

In the first half of 2023, we have witnessed remarkable growth in our trade relations Both Spain and South Africa have experienced an upswing in exports and imports, solidifying our commitment to nurturing robust economic ties These achievements are a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration between our nations.

As we reflect on the progress made, we are proud to share the success stories that have emerged from our partnership Spanish companies have continued to engage in knowledge transfer initiatives, empowering their South African counterparts through training and capacity-building programs. This investment in skills development has fostered the growth of new industries, generating employment opportunities and driving sustainable economic development You can read more about this on page 12 – an article written by one of our Spanish Interns, Mikel Echevarria

Furthermore, as we advance towards a greener and more sustainable future, we have continually worked towards encouraging dialogue in the renewable energy sector Please see page 16 on our Water Event which encouraged dialogue between a number of European Chambers and their members and the Department of Trade, Water and Sanitation as well as the DTIC and Embassy of Israel and some of their experts in the water Sector Spain is one of South Africa's significant trading partners within the European Union, and the trade balance has been relatively balanced with diverse products being exported between the two nations Spanish companies have been active in investing in South Africa, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, telecommunications, and the green economy, leading to job creation and technology transfer Additionally, tourism remains an essential aspect of their bilateral relationship, with both countries attracting tourists from each other's shores

Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities that lie on the horizon As we enter the second half of 2023, we renew our commitment to expanding the horizons of our partnership. By embracing diversity, empowering women, and our diverse communities in nurturing knowledge transfer, we are building a foundation for a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future I extend my deepest gratitude to all the individuals, companies, and organizations that have contributed to the success of our partnership Your dedication and enthusiasm continue to drive us forward and inspire us to achieve even greater heights.

In closing, I invite you to immerse yourselves in the stories and insights featured in this edition of the SCC Insider May this magazine continue to serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for progress and growth.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to the journey ahead

Marcos Pelegrin President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce RSA

“Collaboration gives the freedom to come out from the narrow scopes of life to the field of endless possibilities.” - Amit Ray

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce and welcome the companies that have joined the Chamber as members in the past few months. The Chamber is proud to have these companies in their respective industries as part of the extended SCC Family, and will strive towards building stronger relations between Spain and South Africa

The Strategist is a strategy and innovation focused advisory firm specialising in the development and facilitation of strategies (design and implementation), building innovation functions and guiding companies to manage and thrive in a disruptive world Their international experience provides advisory expertise, catering to executive strategy for the now and the next They have deep expertise and experience in the areas of strategy facilitation, strategy execution, innovation, leadership, and executive advisory.

Wiltons provides a full range of financial services, supported by cloudbased technology for local companies, and, more specifically, subsidiaries of international companies operating in South Africa The company manages monthly accounting, management reporting, direct and indirect tax compliance, (monthly payroll processing, VAT and corporate tax) public officer and representation services, corporate secretarial, company evaluations, due diligence, HR advisory and management consulting, facilitating through partnerships, BEE compliance, short and long-term insurance, forensic accounting, and expat relocation services

Desi-SA is an exclusive licensed franchise of Desigual in South Africa

As a pioneering Spanish fashion brand, Desigual is renowned globally for its one-of-a-kind prints, stunning colours, and unique styles Since the brand’s launch in 1984, they have remained committed to staying 100% authentic and true to ourselves. The focus is not just on dressing bodies, but on dressing people, celebrating their individuality, and bringing a smile to their faces This timeless trend is mixing and matching of unique colours Desi-SA understands that what makes you different is what makes you exceptional, hence the dedication to helping you express your unique style.

“A good Board Of Directors team is one where ideas are flowing fluidly - and where each idea is met with an initial welcome, an intellectual challenge, an expression of gratitude, a rigorous scrutiny and a readiness for action.”

-Hendrith Vanlon Smith Jr

On behalf of the entire team at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce RSA, it is a great pleasure to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome our newest members of the Board of Directors The Chamber is thrilled to have these members join our esteemed group of professionals and leaders who are dedicated to promoting and strengthening the economic and cultural ties between Spain and South Africa The new member's presence on the board will bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and fresh perspectives that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of our chamber

Unai Bravo (Managing Director)

Managing Director of Acciona in South Africa, with 16+ years of international experience leading and increasing business development driving market penetration and operational excellence in the Renewable Energy sector

Strategic, and resourceful leader, that has demonstrated high profile commercial success in profit growth/margin management, regulatory compliance, customer relations, M&A, EPC/O&M Contracts, transaction management, complex tendering process leading (i e REIPP Program, Scaling Solar) and investor & government relations. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to establish productive cross - functional teams in diverse cultures, languages and complex environments Special capacity for fluent communication in different languages (Spanish, English, French, German, Italian and Portuguese) based on the personal and professional experience developed in Paris (France), Berlin & Leipzig (Germany), Rome (Italy) and Cape Town (South Africa)

Currently in charge of the expansion of the business development of Acciona Energy in Sub - Saharan Countries, among others South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal and Uganda

Severiano Campos (Economist)

Severiano Campos is an Economist, with a Degree in Economics from The University of Vigo, one Master Degree in Financial Markets by the University of Pompeu Fabra de Barcelona and a second Master Degree in Property Development Business Management by Caixanova Business School in Vigo

He is the Country General Manager for the Grupo Iberconsa in South Africa. He has held this position since 2015. Previously he was worked in Namibia for 3 years also on the fishing industry Severiano comes with vast experience in a number of different sectors and disciplines, such as the optical, financial and property sectors He has experience in leading and motivating teams, negotiations, business development, social media marketing and international trade Severiano has served on the SCC Board as a Director since 2017 and has been pivotal in the chamber’s growth over the past five years.

Saul Pretel Marin (Director)

Saul Pretel is the director of the Southern Africa Office of ACCIO - Catalonia Trade and Investment Saul holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Sciences from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and, for one additional year, attended an International Relations programme at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City He also holds an executive MBA from UK's Henley Business School Saul Pretel has more than nine years of multi-sectorial experience in Southern Africa, where he has worked for the public and the private sector: extensively in the infrastructure development and financial sectors locally and abroad Saul is currently involved in several innovation programmes promoting talent exchange and collaborations of the start-up ecosystems between South Africa and Barcelona’s hub: boosting valueadded trade and development between Spain and South Africa

Dr Fabiola Quesada (Veterinarian)

Chief Executive Officer of Wild Spirit , Founder of the Wild Spirit Fund and Deputy President of the Society of Spanish Researchers in Southern Africa Fabiola is a Veterinarian, entrepreneur and committed scientist in the field of wildlife conservation. After many years of leading Wild Spirit, an international wildlife veterinary medicine training program in South Africa, Dr Quesada decided to take a further step forward for conservation by setting up a Wild Spirit Fund The Wild Spirit Fund (WSF) is a non-profit organisation born in Africa led by an international network of wildlife professionals and veterinarians WSF takes Conservation Medicine and One Health as its pilar. Our mission is to ensure the health and protection of wildlife in the natural ecosystem where it lives. We have projects in South Africa, Gabon, DRC and Tanzania Fabiola is also extensively involved in research and supports young researchers to achieve their goals in their specific discipline, as well as empowerment of diverse groups that have been overlooked in the past Fabiola has also supported the Chamber in a number of its events since her inception as a member of the Spanish Chamber in South Africa