One of the greatest strengths of our chapter is the deep, lasting friendships we've built both here at home and across the world. In a world that moves fast and often favours surface-level interactions, EO Cape Town stands out as a space where real connection forms the foundation of our personal and professional growth. When we genuinely connect, the conversations we have in forums, at events, or over casual catch-ups become richer, more honest, and more meaningful.
As a direct result of last year’s EO Cape Towns chapter strategy and achievements, EO Global awarded our chapter a subsidy of $30 000. We have decided to spend this money on EO Cape Town member connection. Over the next few months, we’ll be hosting some exciting events and learning experiences. These are more than just dates on a calendar. They’re opportunities to truly see one another, to deepen bonds, and to grow together.
Before I joined EO, I often found myself at corporate functions or social gatherings gravitating toward familiar faces. I’d have the same safe, easy conversations. Looking back, I see how much connection I missed out on. And more importantly, how much of myself I left on the table. Those conversations never energised me, they drained me.
Since being part of EO, I’ve experienced the personal growth that comes from challenging that instinct. I’ve started seeking out new people, new conversations, and fresh perspectives. And I’ve discovered something powerful, in EO we have an ecosystem where trust can scale quickly. That kind of trust is rare, and it’s real. I’ve felt it.
Next year, Taryn and I will be travelling abroad without our kids to celebrate the wedding of two fellow EO MEPA members. Just five years ago, they weren’t part of my life. Today, they are dear friends, and being part of this moment is something I’m genuinely looking forward to. There’s a special kind of joy in witnessing people you care about step into happiness and I feel incredibly grateful to be close enough to share in theirs.
So here’s my encouragement to you: reach out. Sign up to that international event or conference, have that mid-week coffee. Say yes to the spontaneous lunch. Sit next to someone new at our next event. Make new friends within EO. We already have so much in common and yet we each carry such different stories and experiences.
Let’s keep making space for all of it. Always, Anton #EOwn the connection, experience the growth.
Beverley Wynne Alon Sachs
Membership & Diversity
When Alon and I stepped into the Membership role after Anton Gillis, we knew we had big shoes to fill. Our chapter has its sights set on achieving Mega Chapter status.
WHAT IS A MEGA CHAPTER?
A Mega Chapter is one with 175 active members
Reaching this milestone is more than just a number - it places EO Cape Town among the largest chapters globally, unlocking:
• Greater learning and networking opportunities
• A broader range of industries and perspectives
• Increased visibility and influence within EO worldwide
Most importantly, it strengthens our community while keeping quality and shared values at the core.
EO Cape Town is already at 166 members - just 9 away from Mega Chapter status.
Help us cross the finish line by referring entrepreneurs from your network.
WHY DIVERSITY MATTERS
For us, numbers alone aren’t the goal, what matters most is maintaining the calibre, spirit, and diversity that make EO Cape Town so dynamic. Every new perspective, background, and industry adds richness to our chapter, bringing fresh ideas and deeper connections.
MEMBER REFERRALS = REWARDS
One of the most powerful ways we grow is through member referrals.
Refer a new member who is successfully onboarded and receive an EO voucher worth R5,000
Thank you for helping EO Cape Town grow stronger. Here’s to even deeper connections and new milestones ahead!
Transfers Elumni
EOA Graduates
Manuela Dias de Deus
Learning
What better way to welcome Spring than with a learning event hosted by Jillian Manson on 'Building a Purpose-Driven Business Rooted in Healing, Creativity, and Nature'. Since the start of our new EO year, we’ve already held 12 learning events, all rated superbly. Thank you for your ongoing feedback and ideas; please keep them coming.
Our learning team has grown with the addition of Simon Musgrave, Arnold Shapiro, and Pieter Geldenhuys on the Learning Committee, and together we’re excited to keep raising the bar. You can look forward to a Learn Around Lunch every month, an ITB every six weeks, plus a mix of workshops, masterclasses, and inspiring talks coupled with socials to keep the connections flowing.
As our President reminds us, this year is about EOwning the experience. With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to embrace new growth, fresh perspectives, and to fully own the learning opportunities ahead.
EVENT HIGHLIGHT
AI Empowered
The future belongs to those who lean into change and equip themselves with the tools to thrive.
At AI Empowered South Africa, inspired by EO Cape Town, our community did exactly that - stepping into the conversation around artificial intelligence not with fear, but with curiosity, courage, and creativity.
60+ EO members came together to learn and connect 13 EO members shared their insights from the stage 4 EO businesses showcased their ingenuity and offerings
A huge thank you to One Eyed Jack SA, all the incredible speakers, and our partner businesses who made this event AI-MAZING.
Dr Marias is not only a pro-African space activist and scientist, but also the driving force behind Africa2Moon, our continent’s first lunar mission, set to launch to the Moon’s south pole with China’s Chang’e-8 mission. Her work reminds us that South Africa has a place in the global space conversation, and that persistence, passion, and bold exploration can truly change what’s possible. Thanks to our members for showing up in full force and to EO member Andrea Foulkes and her team at Dish Social for the delicious catering and professional bar service. It was a night of curiosity, courage, and vision that left us all looking up.
The Courage Map – Taking The Road Less Travelled
Last month, we were inspired to take the road less travelled with Franziska Iseli, as she shared her extraordinary 12,000 km motorcycle journey along the Silk Road. From Switzerland to Kazakhstan, she encountered breathtaking landscapes, unexpected challenges, and profound lessons in courage, leadership, and perspective.
Kim Whitaker said it best: “She spoke so well and had me hanging on every word. The Courage Map talk by Franziska Iseli was outstanding. She reminded me about the power of courage in business and life, and reactivated inspiration for me.”
Franziska reminded us that courage isn’t just innate – it’s a skill we can cultivate. Through her stories and insights from neuroscience and psychology, we explored how taking bold, unconventional paths can transform the way we lead, innovate, and inspire those around us.
Thank you to everyone who joined this journey of discovery. May we all carry forward the courage to explore, question, and embrace the roads less travelled in our own lives.
President’s Brunch with Devi Sankaree | 26 Jun
Devi Sankaree Govender lit up our President’s Brunch with a powerful keynote on curiosity, courage and authenticity
From an early age she probed the world, asking the questions others wouldn’t That instinct set the stage for a career in hard-hitting investigative journalism Later, she turned that same curiosity on CEOs, crooks and even Nelson Mandela, proving that bold questions open doors - and sometimes shake walls
Her talk buzzed with what Brett Wener called “irrepressible humour,” yet the lessons ran deep Selfsabotage begins when you try to blend in; bold growth starts the moment you don’t Garnett Thorne praised it as “authenticity in action,” and the room nodded when Devi urged us to #LearnForLife and, if we ever feel stuck, “ move on and create something new.”
What we took home
Trust your voice, even when it shakes
Authentic beats perfect, every time
Feeling stuck is the signal to build the next chapter
Devi left us fired up to ask bigger questions and carve daring new paths - exactly the spark an EO room thrives on.
The Resentment Revolution:
Navigating Modern Parenting with Robyn Smith and Cara Saven | 21 Aug
The Resentment Revolution, featuring psychologist Robyn Smith and EO member Cara Saven, struck a powerful chord with our community of business owners Just like in business, unspoken tensions at home don’t disappear by being ignored; they quietly erode trust and connection Through honesty, humour, and practical tools, Robyn and Cara showed couples how to confront resentment head-on, leaving attendees lighter, more equipped, and reminded that the skills used to build thriving businesses can also strengthen their partnerships and families
“I love how Cara executes on her goals, and her chemistry with Robyn was exceptional As a result, they offered a professional and engaging session that created a wonderful intimacy in a fairly large audience. They came prepared, and as a result, we got great value, as we are all in the struggle for a couple of connections and being good parents while building our professional lives. 10 out of 10.”PG Geldenhuys
EO Cape Town Members:
Missed this learning event? Be sure to check your inbox for a full rundown of events taking place in October and beyond.
Learn Around Lunch: Taking Care of Business with Tracey Chambers | 28 Aug
At our inaugural Learn Around Lunch event, we had the privilege of spending time with EO Member Tracey Chambers, founder and CEO of Taking Care of Business (TCB) This internationally awardwinning social enterprise empowers thousands of South Africans to start small businesses and break the cycle of poverty
The experience was not only inspiring, it was humbling Members were struck by the exceptionally long-term impact TCB has had on communities, the power of shifting mindsets from “I can’t” to “I can”, and the reminder that real change begins with building strong foundations before scaling impact
Walking through the projects in action brought Tracey’s message to life. We left encouraged, eager to explore how our own businesses could support TCB’s mission, and hopeful that together we can help solve some of the complex challenges facing our country.
Tracey showed us what it looks like when business balances People, Partnerships, Planet and Profit, proving that empowerment, not handouts, is what creates dignity and lasting change.
A heartfelt thank you to Tracey and the TCB team for opening their doors and reminding us of the role business can play in building a better future.
How China Has Risen to the Top of the World of TechMichael Power
Learn Around Lunch: Ryan Martyn
ITB with Daniel Levy
ITB with Piet Mouton
Beyond the Exit: Building Legacy & Managing Wealth
Unlocking the Hidden Power of Sleep - Dr Jedd Myers
Powerhouse Series: Gary Vaynerchuck (WATCH PARTY)
REGISTER
Beyond the Payslip –Understanding Black Tax & Building Inclusive RetentionVumi Msweli
EO University
5th Pillar Scaling Up Masterclass - Richard Walton
Learn Around Lunch: Jack MacDiarmid
Songs for Joy Nathan Maingard REGISTER REGISTER
in Rio de Janeiro
Adrien Erasmus
Engagement
It’s been a busy few months for the Engagement Team.
We ended the 24/25 year with a round of Blind Dates. These are always a favourite at EO Cape Town, and this round was no different. Thirty-seven members came together across nine surprise lunch locations, sharing stories, sparking connections, and building bonds in true EO style. Our next Blind Date will be on 17 October please register HERE. Here’s to more unexpected conversations and unforgettable company.
We held the first new member onboarding session Extract Value from EO with more to come so watch this space.
Thanks to everyone who joined the inaugural Winelands Lunch on 5 September at Tokara Deli.
We have created a powerful team to help me keep everyone engaged that includes:
Nicola Nel - Tenured Member Champion
Michael Claxton - International Members champion
Justin Lester - Navigation Champion
Chistof Lourens - Winelands Champion
Adrian Dommisse - NextGen Champion
UPCOMING EVENTS
Forum
Bagley
It’s been a great start to the EO year. We’ve successfully launched two new forums, Forum 18 and Forum 19, welcoming new members to our chapter. Our first quarterly moderator meeting of the year had over 20 moderators (including SLP and NextGen moderators) sharing ideas and learning from each other on how to keep lifting the forum experience for our members.
And lastly, we’re close to locking in a date for Forum Next Level, a one-day advanced workshop that helps forums get even more value out of their experience, coming early 2026.
Jason
Forum 7 on Retreat at Coot Club Stanford
Forum 4 at GweGwe Beach Lodge in Pondoland (KZN)
Carla Ferreira
What a start to the year! Q1 kicked off strong with the Restaurant Club, led by Jason and Kolja, hosting back-to-back dinners from the Therapy Wine event to Ramen Head coming up - turning great food into even better connections.
Theatre Club got tapping with Lord of the Dance, while the Formula 1 Club is still blaming the weather for bad performance.
Mandela Day saw forums show up in force, giving back to communities and qualifying for R5,000 incentives - a beautiful show of EO spirit.
Donovan and Ian guided our Hawaiian guests safely up Lion’s Head before they joined Adrian for a powerful wildlife experience: dehorning a rhino and darting a lion. MyEO at its wildest!
If this is just the first quarter, I can’t wait for what’s ahead. From wine tastings to desert retreats and festival fun, there’s something for everyone. Check out what’s coming up and don’t forget to join one of our MyEO interest groups if you haven’t yet.
Decades in Decanters: Vintage Wine Tasting
Explore rare wines and rich stories through the ages.
MyEO Winemakers Wine Tasting Fellow EOers uncork their personal wine labels.
Reverie Social Table Dinner (Restaurant Club)
Intimate long-table dining with storytelling and flavour.
Wolfie Family Festival 2026
EO’s signature family weekend returns –bigger & bolder!
WANT TO CHAMPION A MYEO EVENT?
Get Involved - Join our MyEO WhatsApp interest groups — from hiking to coffee club to everything in between, there’s a place for every hobby, curiosity, and passion. Let’s keep building a chapter where connection meets joy.
Hiking adventures Coffee Lovers Formula 1
Dana Gordon-Davis
Accelerator
REFERRAL DRIVE
Know a Great Entrepreneur for EO Accelerator?
Help us grow the EO Cape Town Accelerator community by referring a founder from your network. We’re looking for ambitious entrepreneurs who are ready to scale their businesses and join our thriving community.
Qualifying criteria:
Employ a minimum of 3 people (excluding the founder/owner)
Generate a minimum annual turnover of R6.5 million
Have a thirst for knowledge and a drive to grow
How to refer:
Simply fill out eocapetown.com/accelerator and we’ll connect with your nominee to invite them to the next EOA Chemistry Breakfast.
Together, let’s empower more entrepreneurs to scale, learn, and lead.
EOA 2IC PROGRAMME – JANUARY 2026 INTAKE NOW OPEN!
The EOA 2iC Programme has gone from strength to strength, delivering immense value to members and their teams. By extending learnings into their businesses, participants are empowered to reinvest in their staff and strengthen leadership capacity across their organisations.
Limited spaces available for the January 2026 intake
Submit your application forms by 7 November to be considered. The Readiness Scorecard will be used as a benchmark during the selection process to ensure the best fit
Cost: R38,500 excl. VAT per annum
Don’t miss this opportunity to develop your second-in-command and unlock new growth potential for your business
You can download the application form here
For any questions, contact EOA Chapter Manager Rene Coetzee at accelerator@eocapetown.com.
PARK RUNS
Did you know? The monthly Parkrun is open to all EOers!
Join us at 07h00 at Ratanga Park, Century City for a 5km walk, jog, or run – and stick around afterwards for coffee and connection with fellow members. It’s a free, fun & friendly 5K to kickstart your weekend right!
Upcoming dates:
18 October
15 November
13 December
No need to register - if you wake up on Saturday and feel like joining, just come through! Whether you’re walking, sprinting, or simply cheering from the sidelines, everyone is welcome.
Find details on the Hub, or reach out to Rene at accelerator@eocapetown.com
Darragh Ryan Rebecca Justin
Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards
What a journey for EO South Africa and student entrepreneur Tumisho Tobejane (Founder, Foodabble) representing Vaal University of Technology. Tumisho made it all the way to the global stage as a Top 5 finalist at the 2025 GSEA Awards in Osaka.
Her incredible journey from Gauteng to Cape Town to Pakistan to Japan is a shining example of the ambition, resilience, and global mindset our EO community inspires.
This milestone also marks a standout year for GSEA with over R500 000 raised in sponsorships and countless student founders supported.
Thanks to 24/25 Champion Kim Whitaker for making the 2025 competition such a success. She has now handed the baton to Donovan Mulder and Ian Thomson.
Watch this space for the launch and local awards in Summer 2026.
Ian Thomson Donovan Mudler
Ceylan Thomson
SLP Program
We’re thrilled to share that we now have 29 SLPs in Forum and 64 SLPs in our SLP WhatsApp group – our SLP community is growing quickly and is not stopping.
SLP Forum 5 is launching soon, and excitement is building as members prepare to start their Forum journey. We still have a couple of spots open, so if you’re an SLP keen to join, now’s your chance.
Not sure if Forum is for you? Join us for the in-person Forum Training on 15 October or online on 4 November. It’s the best way to experience what makes Forum so impactful – and there’s absolutely no commitment to join afterwards. For more info please reach out to Ceylan: ceylan@craftgraft.co.za
Thank you to all our
Great news - EO member Gary Sundelowitz who is the Founder of Marketing Agency (CLARITY | EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING) is coming on board with us as a new SAP. They will be positioned as our Traditional Marketing Partner. If you want to know more about becoming a partner please reach out to SAP Chair Louw Barnardt. louw@ocfo.com
