Davide Marchesini

Born and raised in South Africa, I am a proud Italian citizen whose personal and professional life has always been closely connected to Italy. I believe our identity, language and traditions should be actively nurtured within our families and across the Italian community in the Cape. I would bring to COMITES both a personal commitment to this heritage and decades of experience building relationships between Italy and South Africa.

For more than 35 years, I have worked with Italian manufacturers and suppliers to introduce Italian products, design and technology to the South African market. My professional experience spans ceramics, architectural finishes, heating systems, international sourcing and distribution. These longstanding relationships have given me a first-hand appreciation of Italian craftsmanship, innovation and the importance of trust in business.

My continued involvement with Italy has strengthened my appreciation of its people, regional traditions, family values and culture of craftsmanship. This connection is much more than commercial: it is part of my identity and inspires my commitment to the Italian community in South Africa.

I am passionate about our Italian identity, language, culture and traditions. In my own extended family I strive to pass these on to younger generations; I believe we should nurture that same sense of belonging throughout the Italian community in the Cape. Our heritage is strongest when it is celebrated, shared and passed forward.