Mandate
2026–2031
Western Cape
Eastern Cape
A committee elected by the community, in service of the community.
COMITES elections 2026 · Cape Town consular district
A new COMITESfor a new generation
Honouring our heritage. Connecting our community. Building our future.
Thirteen candidates and eight priorities for Italians across the Western and Eastern Cape: a COMITES that is closer, more open and more useful.
- candidates
- 13candidates
- areas of focus
- 8areas of focus
- provinces
- 2provinces
- community
- 1community
The people
The candidates
Alice Sartori
Cape Town
Anna-Maria Adreani
Cape Town
Arianna Brugnacca
Cape Town
Dane Doubell
Gqeberha
Davide Marchesini
Cape Town
Gianfranco De Grandis
Knysna
Giuliano Giacovazzi
Cape Town
Grazia Rossi (Linden)
East London
Manuela Di Raffaele
East London
Michele Bitetti
Cape Town
Riccardo Schena
Cape Town
Simone Usai
Cape Town
Stefano Lepore
Cape Town
The manifesto
Eight areas of focus
A practical, gradual programme built on listening, collaboration and transparency. No promises that do not depend on the committee’s work.
0102030405060708
Read the full manifestoListen to and represent our community
Listen to residents and associations; raise shared concerns with the Consulate.
Keep our two provinces connected
Stay in touch across the Western and Eastern Cape, including outside Cape Town.
Make communication easier
Clear information, simple tools, respect for privacy.
Support Italian culture and preserve our history
Support language, schools and associations; preserve memory.
Involve younger generations
Make space for young people’s ideas and for dialogue between generations.
Welcome newcomers and maintain community support
Guide newcomers and support older or isolated members of the community.
Build on links between Italy and South Africa
Value Italian contributions and Italy–South Africa networks.
Work openly and accountably
Report, update and be clear about priorities and limits.
The Committee
A bridge between community and institutions
COMITES is the body elected by Italian citizens living abroad. It represents, listens and works alongside the Consulate and Italian institutions — without replacing them.
What is COMITESRepresentation and institutional dialogue
Acts as the reference point for the Italian community in its relations with the Consulate and Italian institutions.
Social and cultural integration
Promotes cultural initiatives with Italian clubs, regional associations and local authorities.
Preservation of heritage
Safeguards and honours the historical memory of Italian emigration.
Our guiding principle
“We believe that listening first, working with established organisations and choosing a manageable number of worthwhile projects offer the best chance of making a positive difference. Our aim is to make steady, practical progress and allow the results to speak for themselves.”
Stay in touch
For information, suggestions, or to contribute to the committee’s initiatives, write to us.