Isle of Man’s first-ever Saffas festival was held over the weekend of 23 September. Standard Bank sponsored the event, and Isle Settle collaborated with the South African Chamber of Commerce UK to organise and host it.
Isle of Man is between Ireland and England in the Irish Sea, and of the 80,000 people who live on the island, 8,000 (10%) of the population are South African.
The festival allowed participants to feel, taste, and embrace South African music, food, and culture. Isle Settle’s website said, ‘The Saffa festival is a testament to the blending of communities, an inclusive event intended not just for South African expats but for everyone – a celebration of ‘ubuntu,’ a sense of togetherness and universal bonding.’
Honourable Jane Poole-Wilson, Deputy Minister of Trade and Enterprise, explained why South Africans are drawn to this island.
BusinessTech said, ‘She first mentioned the constitutional relationship as a crown dependency of the United Kingdom rather than a constitute, which means they can be agile to the needs of the people and the economy.’
With the island’s economic strategy, it has become an exciting place for South African individuals and businesses who can bring the needed skills and energy to the island.
Other draw factors include accessibility, lifestyle, ‘a short path to British citizenship,’ and favourable tax incentives.
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