Bringing South Africans Together in London
For South African professionals and entrepreneurs living in the UK, networking opportunities that feel both meaningful and culturally connected can be hard to come by.
Enter the SAFFA Networking Breakfast Indaba – a lively, bi-monthly gathering in London that combines business insights, South African hospitality, and the chance to meet like-minded professionals.
A Home Away from Home at Vivat Bacchus
The event takes place every two months at Vivat Bacchus, a South African restaurant and wine bar located at 4 Hays Lane, London Bridge, SE1 2HB.
Guests can enjoy a hearty South African-style breakfast while soaking up a sense of community that’s hard to find elsewhere in London.
From boerewors rolls tucked into buttery brioche to the sweet nostalgia of peppermint crisp tart, the food itself is a reminder of home for many attendees.
Meet the November Guest Speaker: Edward Griffiths
The next SAFFA Breakfast Indaba is scheduled for Thursday, 6 November 2025, and promises to be an unforgettable morning with special guest Edward Griffiths, former CEO of SA Rugby and current sports agent.
Griffiths brings over 40 years of experience in elite sport, having led SA Rugby during the nation-building 1995 Rugby World Cup and transformed Saracens from mid-table performers into championship winners.
A Zimbabwean-born, England-raised executive, Griffiths also contributed to four major event bids and served on the Organising Committee of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Today, he runs a boutique sports agency managing 24 elite athletes, including AB de Villiers.
His unique combination of sports, business, and storytelling expertise makes him a perfect fit for SAFFA members seeking inspiration and practical insights.
What to Expect at the Breakfast Indaba
The event runs from 08:00 to 11:00, featuring:
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A warm welcome with a full South African-style breakfast
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Networking opportunities with fellow professionals and entrepreneurs
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Interactive dialogue sessions covering leadership, sport, and business across South Africa and the UK
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Quick business presentations from attendees to foster collaboration and meaningful connections
Previous events have delighted guests with boerewors rolls, peppermint crisp tart, and the kind of food that evokes a nostalgic taste of South Africa right in central London.
Why the SAFFA Community Continues to Grow
The Indaba is hosted by James Durrant, Terence Witten, Jaco Botha, and Reyhana Jano, who have cultivated a welcoming, intimate networking environment.
Unlike typical corporate events, SAFFA emphasizes genuine connections, blending professional development with cultural ties between South Africa and the UK.
Erica Guyatt, Sales and Events Manager at Vivat Bacchus, said: “It was a real pleasure for us to host the Indaba breakfast here at Vivat Bacchus London Bridge.
We hope we managed to bring a taste of home to all that came!”
How to Join the November Breakfast Indaba
Spaces are limited for the November 2025 SAFFA Breakfast Indaba, so early booking is essential. Tickets can be secured via Eventbrite.
For South African professionals in London, this event is more than just a networking session – it’s a chance to gain insights, meet influential leaders like Edward Griffiths, and enjoy authentic South African hospitality in the heart of the city.
Easy Access in Central London
Vivat Bacchus is located in front of The Cottons Centre, opposite the stairwell to Fitness First.
It’s a short walk from London Bridge train and tube stations, serviced by the Northern and Jubilee Lines, making it convenient for professionals across the city.