NEWS

Johannesburg ends year on a high

As 2021 draws to a close, Joburg Tourism’s Convention Bureau team enjoyed a burst of activity, firing on all cylinders in support of two significant global business events which were hosted in the city during the latter half of November.

“It’s great to be getting back to business-asusual to play our role in the continuous recovery of the tourism sector, in line with Covid-19 protocols,” said Rendani Khorommbi, deputy director: Johannesburg Convention Bureau.

“As a convention bureau and tourism directorate, we remain committed to our objectives of affirming our destination’s competitiveness, growing tourism, promoting Joburg as a business events destination, and providing a diverse array of innovative options — all ensuring our visitors leave with memorable experiences that last a lifetime,” Mr Khorommbi said.

“These public-private strategic business events are supported by both South African Tourism, through its business events unit, South Africa National Convention Bureau and Gauteng Tourism Authority, through its business events structure, Gauteng Conventions & Events Bureau.”

JCI National Convention & World Congress Hybrid (16-20 November 2021)

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) National Convention took place concurrently with the world congress hybrid from 16-20 November 2021. The World Congress was held as a hybrid event, with sessions taking place online — as well as at a physical hub in Johannesburg, at the Capital on the Park in Sandton from 18-20 November 2021.

Approximately 100 delegates attended the in-person event.

JCI is a century-old membership-based nonprofit organisation of young active citizens, aged 18 to 40 in nearly 120 countries — who are engaged and committed to creating positive impact in their communities. Active citizens are individuals invested in the future of our world.

Ignite Compassion, Unite Humanity was the theme of the 2021 JCI World Congress, inspired by the philosophy of ubuntu and the universal values expressed at the Cradle of Humankind.

In line with the theme, the 2021 JCI World Congress focused on the JCI RISE – RebuildInvest-Sustain-Evolve, a response to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic from an economic and mental well-being perspective.

It is an initiative that encourages young people to develop projects related to the three pillars of RISE:

1. Sustaining and rebuilding economies by supporting small, local businesses.

2. Motivating the workforce through youth entrepreneurship.

3. Preserving mental health and well-being.

This initiative anchored JCI in economic reality and ensured JCI keeps developing relevant leaders for our changing world. The full programme included inspirational sessions, impactful workshops, official General Assembly meetings, JCI programmes, forums, training, and fun-filled events to share best practices, exchange ideas, and determine the future of this dynamic organisation.

ACCES 2021 – brought the global music industry to Johannesburg (25-27 November)

Music industry professionals from across the globe – including musicians, label executives, publishers, promoters, managers and festival bookers – gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the fourth Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) this November.

ACCES is the leading pan-African music business event organised by the Music In Africa Foundation in a different African city every year. This year’s edition took place at Constitution Hill and Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg from 25-27 November 2021. Organised in partnership with Europe’s leading club festival, Reeperbahn Festival, ACCES offered an exciting programme including keynotes, panel discussions, live performances, exhibitions, workshops, awards and networking sessions.

The conference programme featured a dynamic roster of global musicians and industry experts, including global superstar Master KG, Busiswa, Slikour, Msaki, Gigi Lamayne and Priddy Ugly — who were among more than fifty speakers and workshop facilitators confirmed for the music trade show.

Honouring South African music legends

ACCES 2021 kicked off on 25 November with the Music In Africa Honorary Award ceremony where South African legends Vusi Mahlasela and Thandiswa Mazwai were awarded for their outstanding contribution to their home country’s music industry and that of Africa as a whole. They join previous award recipients Baaba Maal (2017), Eric Wainaina (2018), Ebo Taylor (2019) and Bibie Brew (2019).