30/01/2026
OPINION | From our CEO, Andrew Ross
One of my top three events, ever!
Not a statement I make lightly. I’ve organised opening ceremonies for World Cups, worked with Schwarzenegger and Oprah, run Cricket Stadiums in Sri Lanka, and toured trophies around Africa.
But, once in a while, a project comes along that makes you realise that what we do actually can make a difference.
When my old friend Altaaf Kazi from the Millat Group first called me about launching the inaugural Skift hashtag report focused on the opportunities of tourism in Africa, I was naturally honoured to be involved.
Then he broke the news.
We’re doing it on top of Table Mountain!
Naturally, I said No! (My actual phrasing may have been slightly more colourful)
Several times.
Forcefully.
With intent.
He didn’t listen.
But slowly, piece by piece, my Chaos Theory team and I started to flesh out what an immersive event experience, highlighting the culture, food, people, experiences and most importantly, the opportunity of Africa would look like, and why the Mountain mattered.
And suddenly it made absolute sense.
So we agreed to take on the task.
Over a few weeks, we developed the core concept and built numerous experiences with over 20 touchpoints. Then, with a phenomenal crew and cast of over 150 talented team members… as they say in the classics, we made s**t happen.
The entire experience, from check in at the Hyatt, open top bus trips to the base of the mountain, scripted ambassadors showcasing the personality of our nation, buskers, minstrels, choirs, VR experiences looking out over the city bowl, sunrise yoga sessions, Michelin Star level food experiences from the amazing Hyatt Regency Cape Town, Pret-A-Manger Matcha stations, a multi-camera live stream, and the star of the show…a 150 person conference set-up presentation were all designed to provide a snapshot of the personality of Africa as an investment destination.
And it did that, and so much more.
It all pulled together and landed.
Resoundingly.
Moving parts. Numerous.
Scenario Plans for Weather. Several.
Things that could go wrong. Tonnes.
Nerves of steel. Shot.
But the client, stakeholders and our teams pulled it off.
Phew.
And this is not a post bragging about how clever we are. This was an absolutely integrated effort by all parties to pull this off, everyone literally on the same page, every decision made with the best interest of the project first, and egos second.
And I am fully aware of just how rare that is these days.
So.
This is a love letter to brave clients.
It’s a testimony to the power of trust.
It’s a shout-out to always finding a way.
And most importantly, it’s proof that when you truly collaborate with clients, the seemingly impossible can be done.
Looking back, one of my favourite sayings is a fitting end to a remarkable journey.
“Don’t be afraid to fail. Be Terrified Not To Try!”
