Rhulani Safari Lodge joins South Africa’s portuguese business community for a glamorous SAPCC gala evening

An evening of celebration, meaningful connections and business networking brought Rhulani’s owners and management together with one of South Africa’s vibrant business communities.On Saturday, 10 October 2026, Rhulani Safari Lodge stepped out of the African bush and onto the red carpet as owners Rolf Steiner and Marisa Silva, together with Lodge Manager Tom-Hendrik Basson, attended the annual Gala of the South African Portuguese Chamber of Commerce (SAPCC) at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

Dressed to the nines, the Rhulani trio enjoyed a memorable evening of fine dining, music, stimulating conversations and new connections, surrounded by entrepreneurs, business leaders and members of the Portuguese-South African community. The occasion was an opportunity to celebrate business achievements, strengthen professional relationships and experience the warm spirit of a community that plays an important role in South Africa’s economic landscape.

The SAPCC: Building Bridges Between Portugal and South Africa

Established in 2013, the South African Portuguese Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, member-driven organisation dedicated to strengthening commercial, economic and professional relations between Portugal and Southern Africa. The Chamber connects businesses and professionals, facilitates networking and investment opportunities, and promotes the achievements of Portuguese and Luso-South African entrepreneurs.

With more than 2,000 enterprises registered with the organisation, the SAPCC provides a valuable platform for businesses across a wide range of industries to exchange ideas, establish partnerships and explore new opportunities. Membership is open not only to Portuguese businesses and professionals, but also to others who share an interest in developing business relationships and contributing to the wider community.

The annual Gala is one of the highlights of the Chamber’s calendar, bringing together an influential network of businesspeople and professionals in an atmosphere that combines business with celebration. It is a reminder that successful business relationships are built not only through formal meetings, but also through personal connections, shared experiences and mutual trust.

The Importance of the Portuguese Business Community

South Africa is home to a long-established Portuguese community whose entrepreneurial spirit has contributed to the country’s commercial life across numerous sectors. From retail, hospitality and food to construction, manufacturing, finance and professional services, Portuguese and Luso-South African businesses form part of the diverse fabric of the South African economy.

The SAPCC helps bring this community together, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and business development while strengthening the links between South Africa and Portugal.

For Rhulani Safari Lodge, being a member of the Chamber means becoming part of this broader network of businesses and professionals. Although our daily world is one of wildlife, wilderness and luxury safari hospitality, building relationships beyond the tourism industry is equally important. New connections can lead to fresh ideas, valuable partnerships and opportunities to introduce more people to the extraordinary safari experiences we offer at Rhulani, in Madikwe Game Reserve.

Representing Rhulani Beyond the Bush

For Rolf and Marisa, attending the Gala was an opportunity to represent Rhulani Safari Lodge in a different setting, meet fellow business owners and strengthen the relationships that support the lodge's long-term development.

It was equally valuable for Tom-Hendrik Basson, Rhulani’s Lodge Manager, to step away from the daily rhythm of lodge operations and represent the property within this wider business community. Running a luxury safari lodge requires dedication, teamwork and attention to countless details, often far removed from the corporate world. Events such as the SAPCC Gala offer a welcome opportunity to broaden horizons, exchange perspectives and build relationships that extend beyond the lodge itself.

Having the owners and the Lodge Manager attend together also reflects Rhulani’s belief that representing the business is a shared responsibility. Every personal connection helps tell the story of what makes Rhulani special: its people, its hospitality and its commitment to creating memorable experiences in the African wilderness.
A Night to Remember

Beyond the business conversations and networking, the evening was simply a wonderful occasion to enjoy.
The elegant setting of Emperors Palace, a delicious dinner, music and lively conversations created the perfect atmosphere for an evening of celebration. The opportunity to dress up, meet familiar faces and make new acquaintances offered a refreshing change from everyday routines at the lodge.

And with the pleasure of spending the night at one of Johannesburg’s most attractive hotel destinations, the Gala became a memorable experience in its own right.

For the Rhulani team, the evening was a reminder that hospitality and business share an important foundation: genuine human connections. Whether welcoming guests to Madikwe or meeting fellow professionals at a gala, it is the relationships we build that often make the greatest difference.

Rhulani Safari Lodge is proud to be a member of the South African Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to continuing to participate in its network, supporting its community and building new connections between the world of luxury safari hospitality and South Africa’s wider business landscape.

From the African bush to the business community of Johannesburg, Rhulani continues to believe in the power of connection.

Learn more about the South African Portuguese Chamber of Commerce at www.sapcc.co.za and discover the Rhulani Safari Lodge experience at www.rhulani.com.