STRENGTH IN UNITY CELEBRATED AT WORLD SKAL DAY 2025

Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay recently celebrated World Skål Day with (LtoR) NMBM MMC Bassie Kamana, Skål International Ambassador and Membres d'Honneur Lavonne Whittmann, Executive Director (acting): EDTA Wandisile Makwabe, Nosipho Booi: Tourism

NELSON MANDELA BAY: April 2025  Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay was honoured to host Skål International World President 2025, Denise Scrafton (Gold Coast, Australia), at its annual World Skål Day recently.

The evening brought together tourism and business leaders to reflect on global travel progress, celebrate local achievement, and strengthen connections across the industry. Themed around collaboration and progress, the evening created space for key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to explore tourism’s evolving role in sustainable development.

Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay, one of seven clubs of Skål International in South Africa, is one of the country’s most active Skål clubs, championing the organisation’s global philosophy of “Doing Business Among Friends.” The club promotes responsible tourism by fostering trusted connections among professionals from across the travel and tourism sector.

Top government officials such as Councillor Bassie Kamana, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Executive Director Wandisile Makwabe, and Acting Director for Tourism, Ms Siphokazi Ngombane, reaffirmed the city’s support for partnerships that build inclusive tourism.

President Scrafton used her keynote address to highlight the shared values that underpin Skål’s global network.

“Together, we strive to inspire innovation, progress, and a tourism sector that prioritises people, planet, and prosperity. This evening has been a celebration of that shared vision – a powerful reminder of the transformative impact tourism can have when approached collectively,” she said.

“Nelson Mandela Bay is truly a hidden gem, and I have been deeply moved by the warmth and professionalism of the community here.” Scrafton’s visit to Nelson Mandela Bay included site inspections of the various venues that will form part of the 2026 World Congress.

Councillor Kamana commended the calibre of leadership in the room and emphasised the importance of collaboration:

“It is both encouraging and inspiring to witness women leading at this level. Nelson Mandela Bay has long been known for its hospitality and spirit of collaboration. With Skål’s leadership, we are confident that the path forward will be one of innovation, shared value, and sustainable growth.”

A highlight of the evening was the Skål Nelson Mandela Bay Member Awards, which recognised members for their commitment and contributions over the past year.

This year’s award winners were:

• President’s Award - Doné Louw (NMB Convention Bureau Manager)
• Front Runner Award - Hugh Bartis (Nelson Mandela University)
• Stirrer / Agitator Award – Heidi Halgryn (Kouga Local Municipality)
• Star Award – Violet Lupuwana (Chumile Travel and Tours)
• Newcomer Award – Wendy Knott-Craig (The PR Junction)

The evening also provided a proud moment to honour Salome Clack, President of Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay and Junior Vice President: South Africa, who was recently named Skål International South Africa’s Club President for 2024 at the World Travel Market Africa trade show in Cape Town. The award acknowledges her exceptional leadership and the impact she has had in raising the club’s profile locally and abroad, but most importantly, she, in collaboration with industry partners, successfully steered the bid to host the Skål International World Congress in 2026 in Nelson Mandela Bay and surrounding areas.

The event closed with a keen sense of shared purpose and renewed momentum for the year ahead as Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay prepares to host the World Congress next year.