American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa elevates Thanksgiving with "Going for Gold" theme and support of the Kliptown Youth Program

The American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa hosted its annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, at the Sandton Convention Centre, marking the occasion with the theme "Going for Gold". The evening featured a keynote address by South Africa's most decorated Olympian, Tatjana Smith, alongside compelling performances and distinguished guests from both the United States and South Africa.

The evening's programme featured powerful vocal performances by celebrated South African artists Timothy Moloi and Corlea. A highlight of the traditional proceedings was the ceremonial turkey presentation, accompanied by a vibrant performance from the Field Band Foundation. The programme showcased the talent of Musa Motha, an internationally renowned dancer, choreographer, and motivational speaker. A cancer survivor and amputee, Motha's journey from adversity to acclaim has inspired audiences worldwide.

Adding to the evening's highlights, Delta Airlines contributed to the festivities by offering two premium economy flight tickets from Johannesburg to the United States through a lucky draw, providing guests with the opportunity to experience international travel in comfort.

Aptly, Tatjana Smith spoke to the "Going for Gold" theme in her keynote address. As South Africa's most decorated Olympian, Smith's achievements include four Olympic medals in breaststroke events, making her one of only two Olympians – male or female – to achieve this feat. Her remarkable career includes setting both Olympic and World Records, most notably in the 200m breaststroke at the 2021 Olympics. Smith’s position as the most successful female Olympic breaststroker in history and her achievement as the first South African female to win gold at the World Championships aligned perfectly with the evening's theme.

This year's event supported the vital work of the Kliptown Youth Program (KYP), an organisation dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth in Soweto through education and leadership initiatives. Founded in 2007, KYP focuses on eradicating poverty by providing disadvantaged children with educational support, life skills training, and recreational activities. A significant donation of food items has been gifted by Kellanova to support the programme's ongoing initiatives to create opportunities for young people in Kliptown.

Distinguished guests included Ambassador E. Ruben Brigety, accompanied by his spouse, Dr Leelie Selassie, Deputy Chief of Mission Dana Brown, Saki Zamxaka (Acting Group CEO at GGDA), Sim Tshabalala (CEO at Standard Bank), the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa, and President of AmCham Kuseni Dlamini, Chairman of Aspen Pharmacare Holdings.
The "Going for Gold" Thanksgiving Dinner brought together excellence, resilience, and generosity in support of the Kliptown Youth Program.

The American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa represents both US and SA business interests. It is dedicated to facilitating investment, bilateral trade, and other impactful business exchanges that drive economic and social prosperity in South Africa.

For more information, visit https://www.amcham.co.za/  or email amcham@amcham.co.za