Anna-Maria Adreani

My name is Anna-Maria Adreani, and I am proud to be part of the Italian community in Cape Town. With Italian, Bulgarian and South African roots, I have always appreciated the importance of culture, family, belonging and the connections that bring people together. For me, my Italian heritage is an important part of who I am, and I believe that preserving it means more than keeping traditions alive; it means actively contributing to the community that carries them forward.

Over the past few years, I have become increasingly involved in the Italian community through my role as Vice-President of the Giovani Italian Youth Society of Cape Town and my work at the Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries. These experiences have allowed me to connect with people across different generations, contribute to cultural initiatives and develop a deeper understanding of the importance of maintaining a strong and connected Italian community in South Africa.

Having studied International Relations at Stellenbosch University and completed my Honours through UNISA, I have always been interested in the relationships between people, communities and countries. My professional experience has allowed me to put this interest into practice, particularly in strengthening the relationship between Italy and South Africa. At the same time, my involvement in the Italian community has shown me that strong relationships begin at a local level, through listening, participation and a genuine interest in the needs of others.

I believe COMITES plays an important role in ensuring that Italian nationals living abroad have a voice and a point of connection with the institutions that represent them. It also provides an important platform for bringing people together, strengthening community ties and ensuring that the interests of Italians living abroad remain recognised.

I would like to stand for COMITES because I believe these responsibilities matter. A community is strongest when people feel represented, informed and included. I would value the opportunity to contribute to this work by helping strengthen communication, encouraging greater participation in community initiatives and creating more opportunities for younger generations to remain connected to their Italian roots.

I also believe it is important to recognise the different experiences and needs within our community. Whether someone has lived in South Africa for generations or has recently arrived from Italy, everyone should feel that they have a place within the wider Italian community. I would hope to contribute towards building stronger connections between generations, supporting meaningful community initiatives and encouraging an environment in which people feel comfortable sharing their concerns, ideas and experiences.

For me, standing for COMITES is a personal opportunity to give back to a community that forms an important part of my identity. It requires responsibility, openness, consistency and, above all, a willingness to listen and learn from the people one represents. I would be honoured to contribute to preserving our Italian heritage, strengthening the relationship between Italian nationals and the institutions that serve them, and helping ensure that the Italian community in South Africa continues to feel connected, supported and represented for generations to come.