Once again it is time to reflect on the past year, and the Johannesburg Committee can certainly pat itself on the back for a job well done. Most of what we set out to do was achieved by the end of November, including the accumulation of enough branch points to blow the opposition completely out of the water. Looking back at our programme of events, we did it all; exuberant branch meetings, fascinating site visits, two hugely successful golf days, excellent social events and some very intelligent education initiatives by our Education Sub-committee.
Of course, none of the above would be possible without the dedication and passion for the Institute displayed by the 2002 Committee, under the very capable leadership of Cornu Perold, our outgoing Chairman. We have always maintained that the Johannesburg Branch is not only the oldest and biggest in the country, it also has the finest committee of all.
While on the subject, our site visit to Telkom's NNOC in Centurion was truly fascinating stuff. It certainly opened the eyes of those that were there as to the level of technology and the amount of money that Telkom is putting into its operations. To view that 30 x 6 m TV screen they use in their main control room for the first time is mind blowing, and to see what these people are capable of - and the cutting edge technology they use - is awe inspiring to say the least.
The whole building is totally self-contained, and in the event of war or disaster it, and the people inside can be closed off entirely to protect South Africa's communication hub from damage and/or attack for weeks. And yes, in the light of recent happenings in New York, it is also 'flight proof'.
I shall be resigning from the post of Vice Chairman of the committee at the AGM in January 2003 after more than three years of service, to concentrate on my duties as President of the Council next year. This leaves an open position for someone to fill, so we appeal to our members, those of you who are interested in serving on the illustrious Johannesburg Branch Committee, to stand up and be counted.
Reflecting on the rest of the branches around the country, as much as we bullied, abused and taunted them, very little response was noted over the past 12 months. Our old and traditional adversaries in Durban went about their business in a quiet and casual fashion, with little or no response to our challenge to join the fight for Branch of the Year. The same can be said for Derwyn and his team down in Cape Town. It seems once again it will be between us and Secunda, and the winner is...
Of our Sub-Branches, Vaal Triangle was the most active, as they seem to really be making a strong effort; we just wonder why they did not respond to our invitation to apply for full Branch status before the end of the year. Gentlemen of the Vaal Committee, please refer to point 12.9 of the Constitution, you do have a copy, right?
Lastly, we would like to thank all of our sponsors who supported us through the year, without them the SAIMC would fizzle out and disappear altogether. Thank you also to our members for attending our Branch meetings and events in their droves, especially during the second half of the year.
To the 2002 Branch Committee, it was an honour and a pleasure to work with such a group of dedicated individuals.
Johan Steyn, johans@kubler.co.za
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