In November 2020, the Japan Platform for Migrant Workers toward Responsible and Inclusive Society, JP-MIRAI, was launched by JICA and the ASSC.  The platform aims to resolve labour and social issues faced by migrant workers in Japan with the intention of presenting Japan as a trusted and chosen destination for global job-seekers. 

More information about the establishment and goals of the platform can be read here.

In the 20th edition of the Min-On's Music Journey, you will be taken on a journey across The Republic of South Africa.

Min-On explores the charm, the wonders of its nature, culture, music, the cities and the South African Bush.

The journey is ended off with the music of Beauty, Love, Global and Homegrown talent that South Africa has to offer in the form of four recommendations put forward by the SA Embassy in Japan:

1.     Ubuhle (Beauty) by 047 from the Eastern Cape.

2.     Tornado: I Still Love It by Amawele Ka Mamtshawe, a group of cousins of the same age.

3.     The Grammy Award winning group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

4.     A display of the ever-present talent in the local communities embodied in The House of Grace.

Read more about the journey in English or in Japanese.

*photo: https://www.mofa.go.jp/afr/af2/za/page1e_000296.html

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) reported a successful visit by Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi.  Mr Motegi said in his talks with Dr. Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s minister of international relations and cooperation, that Japanese companies have resumed full-fledged operations in South Africa following a suspension due to the pandemic.

Minister Motegi said that he and Minister Pandor held very fruitful exchanges of views and that he hoped to deepen the cooperation leading up to TICAD8, in Tunisa 2022, to promote business relations and people-to-people exchanges with South Africa, and to cooperate to achieve a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Further details of the visit can be found at MOFA and the Japan Times.

*photo: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201204/p2g/00m/0na/089000c

As reported in Japan Today, the Japanese Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, plans to visit Tunisia, Mozambique, South Africa and Mauritius this week to discuss strengthening post-coronavirus business ties.

The Foreign Minister's trip will commence on December 8th and last until December 14th.

More information can be read here.

The South Africa Investment Conference 2020 was held on the 17th and 18th of November.  The conference was hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa and Online.  A number of companies across various sectors and originating from multiple nations, including Japan, have pledged toward this Investment Drive.  More information on this conference can be accessed at .

The opening address by the President of South Africa can be viewed here.

The full event including the investment announcements can be viewed here. 

The SACCJ is proud to announce that our Corporate Member, Rio Tinto will host the event “Clean Growth - Enablers for a Low Carbon Economy” on Tuesday, 8 December.

Originally scheduled for February 2020 as part of UK in Japan Clean Growth GREAT Week, the Forum will now be held online in the interest of protecting your health and safety.

Date and Time: 16:00 - 18:00, Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Event Format: Online conference by Zoom

Languages: English and Japanese (simultaneous interpretation available)

Cost: Free (Pre-registration required)

Please register on the Registration Page .

While our travels have been restricted in 2020,  has found a way to bring African Safaris, specifically from South Africa and Kenya, to the comfort of our sofas and our office chairs.  They currently broadcast LIVE safaris twice a day at 12:30 JST (5:30 – 09:30 CAT) and 22:30 JST (15:30 – 19: 00 CAT).  More information and the link to the free live stream can be accessed at https://wildearth.tv/.

The South African government has put together a plan to assist Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) during the pandemic.  As the country works to support the economy during the epidemic, the Debt Relief and the Business Growth Scheme has been formulated to provide relief and support for eligible SMMEs covering Business, Agriculture, Tourism, Tax, Loans, Social Grants and Employee assistance as outlined in the attached document. 

In May our membership voted in two additional directors, Ms Annemarie Luck as a Director and Dr Harrison Hlabane as a Deputy Director, at the Annual General Assembly (GA).  Since we had our first ever successful online GA, we have had some changes in our structure.

Ms Luck received an unexpected professional opportunity back in South Africa, and decided to pursue this opportunity.  While we were sad to bid her farewell, we wished her well as she journeyed back to South Africa.

Dr Hlabane has been voted in as a Director by the Board and with these changes, we will have seven directors on the SACCJ’s Board Of Directors.

As a member of the SACCJ, you are welcome to voice any comments with the recent promotion of Dr Hlabane from Deputy Director to Director.  We ask that you direct these queries to info@saccj.com within one month of this newsletter’s publication date.

If you are a business owner looking for a business plan tailored to the Japanese market for your market entry or business expansion, the Japan Market Expansion Competition (JMEC) is providing business owners with an opportunity to take part in the 27th Japan Market Expansion Competition (JMEC 27).

As a JMEC Project Client, you can receive a professional business plan developed by some of Japan's brightest up-and-coming business leaders for a fraction of the cost of hiring outside consultants. To learn more about this opportunity, including eligibility requirements, visit the JMEC homepage at www.jmec.gr.jp.

You can find the link to the application form here and some additional information in the attached flier, JMEC 27 Project Client Info Sheet, as well as a press release of JMEC26, JMEC26 Program Description.

As a JMEC Participant, you can upgrade your business skills as JMEC is also looking for individual applicants to participate in the program and learn how to research and develop a professional business plan. This ‘mini MBA’ style program includes classroom training with experienced executives and successful entrepreneurs as lecturers—as well as hands-on experience in writing a business plan for a real business project, submitted by a real company. Interested applicants can find a summary of the program in the attached flier, JMEC 27 Participant Info Sheet, and more information here, http://www.jmec.gr.jp/participants, and contact JMEC directly at info@jmec.gr.jp as the online application deadline has past.  

The SACCJ is a proud sponsor of JMEC and encourages our members and the greater business community to get involved.