SOUTH AFRICAN
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF THE RIVIERA

Always lively, always fun
The Spirit of South Africa

Our landscape…

South Africa is a harsh and beautiful land, a land of many contrasts, carved and built from joining together the many colours of life, towards a new freedom of harmony and vision, known as the Rainbow Nation. The term captures the extraordinary diversity of people, tribes, creeds, languages and landscape that characterises South Africa. It is redolent of hope and promise. A land of vibrant and powerful energy - that embraces you with all its warmth and beauty.

Be it the solitary cry of the fish eagle across the wet lands of the Okavango and its savage paradise, or the scent of the African bush across the vastness of the Kruger National Park, all coloured by the African sun, beating its rhythm of dance and energy that feeds the mind - one cannot but feel the uniqueness of time and space on hold, a private adventure that nourishes the soul for a lifetime, giving as its essence, the serenity of life.

From under the African sun…

SAFI derives its raison d'être from an age old, traditional African saying - La bamba linga shoni. Directly translated this means, "don't let the sun set". In turn, the meaning behind this is - when you take the energy from the sun and use it to good benefit, you'll feel the warmth in your heart. La bamba linga shoni, used by various African tribes, is usually said in greeting or farewell, as a term of deep respect. With this simple and meaningful thought in mind, and as we live in this beautiful, sun filled part of the world, SAFI was started to enable a group of volunteers, members, friends and their guests to raise funds and make a contribution to various, worth while conservation projects in South Africa.

Conservation…

One of the reasons that South Africa is such a popular destination is its amazing wild life. Much of this wildlife is under threat. As people whose livelihood depends upon maintaining South Africa's diverse ecology, we are all too aware of these dangers. Shifting population pressure, industrial pollution, lack of public funds, political priorities, illegal poaching and demands for land pose serious threats to a precious and fragile environment. As such, many of the smaller conservation projects get sidelined and it is only through the tenacity and determination of the few committed individuals and private game reserves that these community projects and the animals survive, in their natural environment.

One of these projects is to bring schools and community groups into the game reserves for education on the need to conserve and develop the benefits available to them. This helps foster good relationships and prevent poaching. Donating to pure wildlife related projects are very popular but without support from the local communities many of these projects are doomed. SAFI was formed to help support these less known projects.

These projects were selected by us after meeting the people involved and seeing their work. By giving directly to projects on the ground, we avoid the donations being swallowed up by the administration costs of large organisations, and we know that the money is being used by the people in the field, who are the ones who really need it.

Joining SAFI…

By joining SAFI you will be supporting several, meaningful, community conservation projects along with the opportunity of meeting interesting people who have lived all over the world. SAFI aims to promote and communicate the interests of its members, their families, friends and visitors in Monaco and along the French and Italian Rivieras. Via the various events and functions, you will start to network and enlarge your contacts. Proceeds from these events will be donated to SAFI projects. To those who would like to visit South Africa, you will have the chance to gain a greater understanding of Africa, its people and cultures. Through a wide variety of contacts we are able to assist with introductions, places to stay and friends to meet both in France, Monaco, Italy and South Africa.

Membership…

SAFI is for everyone, of all nationalities, who enjoy South Africa, its people, its culture, nature and heritage. Annual subscription is 12 € per person or 20 € per couple. We invite you to make a donation to support the conservation projects if you wish. Anyone who would like to sponsor SAFI or host a SAFI event, please contact SAFI direct. Please print and fill in the membership form on page three of this brochure and return this section together with your annual subscription to SAFI. Cheques are payable to SAFI Association. Members will receive details of the projects supported, annual report and accounts, and a copy of the quarterly newsletter.

Annual subscriptions are €12 per person or €20 per couple.
Please call or e-mail for a membership form.
Cheques payable to SAFI Association and posted to -
SAFI - 219 Promenade des Anglais - 06200 Nice.

Events & functions…

Various fun filled lunches, dinners and outings are planned through the year including the annual SAFI - Singita Dinner - Nelson Mandela Day and Out of Africa Family Day. Details, via invitation, can be found in the quarterly SAFI newsletter and are posted on AngloINFO Riviera's What's On Guide, Riviera Radio, Radio International, Riviera Reporter and The Riviera Times.

South African International Association established under the Association Law of 1901 as a not-for-profit organisation.

SOUTH AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE RIVIERA

Always lively, always fun The Spirit of South Africa