Inaugural SAFFA Festival celebrates South African culture and community on the Isle of Man
24 October 2023
The Isle of Man witnessed an extraordinary celebration of South African culture and community
recently, as the inaugural SAFFA Festival took centre stage at The Nunnery. Sponsored by Standard
Bank and organised by Isle Settle in collaboration with the Isle of Man Chapter of SA Chamber of
Commerce UK, the festival looks set to become an annual event on the island's cultural calendar.
The Festival coincided with South Africa's Heritage Day and Braai (barbecue) Day, adding a special
cultural dimension to the festivities. Her Worshipful the Mayor Natalie Byron-Teare and Deputy Chief
Minister Hon Jane Poole-Wilson graced the event, reaffirming their support and recognition of the
vibrant South African community's contributions to the Manx economy and society.
Speaking at the festival, Hon Jane Poole-Wilson said, “There is a significant South African population
on the island – our largest population from beyond the British Isles – and it is a population that
makes an incredible contribution to our economy and our community. South African people are
present in every corner of the island and every aspect of our lives, and South African businesses
continue to flourish, and make a huge contribution to our economy. South African people and
businesses are key to our dynamism in financial services and the digital sector. There are many
impressive entrepreneurs amongst the South African diaspora. South Africans make a crucial
contribution to our health and care sectors, and are incredibly active in our charitable world.”
The Festival's debut exceeded all expectations, with tickets for both the daytime celebration and the
evening rugby screening selling out. Over 800 attendees embraced the daytime festivities, while 350
gathered in the evening to watch South Africa face off against Ireland in the Rugby World Cup.
A highlight of the event was the Potjie Master Competition powered by Robinson's, where culinary
creativity reached new heights. The winning team from Seaboard wowed judges with their lamb
potjiekos (slow-cooked stew) presented in a large gem squash—a nod to South African heritage.
The Kids Zone, powered by Tax Consulting SA and Expatweb, buzzed with activity, featuring cricket
sessions with former South African cricketer Peter Kirsten, a fun tag-rugby game with former All
Blacks player Mark Robinson, birthday celebrations, cupcake decorating, Playball, lawn games, face
painting, and crazy golf.
The "Local is Lekker (nice)" market showcased nearly 40 small businesses, offering a vibrant mix of
South African and Manx makers, bakers, artisans, and crafters. Attendees browsed and shopped for
art, jewellery, handbags, confectionery, crafts, and much more.
Delicious South African delicacies such as milk tart, koeksisters, malva pudding, biltong, boerewors
rolls, and Durban curry were among the culinary highlights. Festival-goers also savoured Afro
Caribbean cuisine, crepes, coffees, smoothies, shakes, and more. The Ravenscroft Braai Day Boerie
Bar and Train Smokers BBQ on a train were particularly popular.
The Department for Enterprise's Domestic Event Fund supported the safe transport of guests from
Lord Street, providing a complimentary service for attendees.
The day's magnificent weather complemented the picturesque surroundings of The Nunnery,
offering festival-goers a perfect September day on the Isle of Man.
Festival organiser Vanessa Naude from Isle Settle expressed her gratitude to both the South African
and Manx communities for their support. The festival's success enabled a generous donation of £963
to the Isle of Man Foodbank.
The festival's ethos of community and inclusiveness resonated with attendees. Vanessa Naude said,
"We wanted to thank the Isle of Man for embracing and welcoming us by creating an event that
brings the vibrant and colourful food, culture, and entertainment of South Africa to those who might
otherwise never have the opportunity to experience it. We hope to attract more people of all
nationalities next year and to bring an even more diverse and colourful event to life."
Festival visitor Kyle Brits of Suntera Global commented, “I never imagined standing on this tiny island
in the middle of the Irish Sea with boerewors roll in hand singing Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika and Arrane
Ashoonagh Vannin, flanked by Manx and Saffa residents, after having been welcomed (in Afrikaans)
by the Isle of Man Deputy Chief Minister, Hon. Jane Poole-Wilson. What a truly heartwarming
experience.”
The SAFFA Festival's inaugural edition stands as a testament to the power of cultural exchange and
community spirit. With a resounding success in its debut year, it's poised to become a cherished
annual tradition on the Isle of Man's cultural calendar.