Great Conversations | Business Connections | Cultural Insights

On 26 March 2025 Brazil & South Africa Meet & Greet was a powerful celebration of culture, business, and unity – right here in the heart of Ireland. The event was held at the Hilton, Dublin.
The key strategy around this series of events starting with this one is to:

Set – up strategic relationships to benefit our diaspora both in Ireland and back to our home countries in order for us to:

• Build global business networks through our local diaspora in Ireland and back into our home nations
• Jointly advocate the Irish government where required and strengthen relations with the government
• Build strong cultural links between nations

There is no doubt this opening event in the series generated the discussions required to move this agenda forward.

We were honoured to welcome an inspiring group of leaders, diplomats, and changemakers, including:

• Ambassador Flávio Macieira, Brazilian Embassy in Ireland
• Ambassador Nicolette Schreiber, South African Embassy in Ireland
• John Mulder, Chair of the South African Chamber of Commerce in Ireland
• Don Mullan, humanitarian and consultant at the United Nations Convention
• Allana Huges , Hughes Solicitors
• Anthony Tattan, Board Member at the SA Chamber & Founder of Business IN South Africa
• Bojan Gradis, MWeds, Visa and Wedding Consultancy – one of Ireland’s largest providers of international visa and wedding services
• Siyasanga Mbiko from Zacio

Our panel brought insight, vision, and connection across three nations:

• Coach Patrick – Business Coach & Advisory Board Member, South African Chamber
• Anthony Tattan – Chamber Board Member & Founder, Business IN South Africa
• Mabet van Rensburg – Councillor Politica, South African Embassy
• Chiara Bolzon – Vice-President, Ireland-Brazil Alliance (IBA)
• George Marques – Head of Trade and Mission, Brazil
• Don Mullan – Humanitarian and UN Consultant

The energy in the room was lifted by vibrant cultural performances by amazing renditions of national anthems and cultural dance which showcased the deep passion for and colourful culture of both nations

• A powerful Brazilian samba group, Samba Dance Brazil & the awesome singer Danidaia.
• The stunning voice of Oyena Sixaba, representing South Africa.
• The rhythm and presence of Sediye Matcha, representing South African identity and heritage

Thank you, Louise Domingues, (President & Founder of the Brazil Ireland Association (BRIA) and Sediye Machaba, (Civil Engineer & SA Chamber of Commerce Youth Steering Committee Member) who presented the evening so well and with the support of Siyasanga Mbiko and Debora Paraga brought this event together

Bia Belotto and Simply as Tax for the behind-the-scenes support that made this gathering possible.

It was a meeting of like-minded people and there is no doubt that this initiative will gain momentum and build into a connection between the wider diaspora and communities

Watch this space for our next event !!

Photo’s by: Sinesipho Mbiko