Having spent a certain amount of time over the last few months travelling the country and visiting our various branches, I am left in no doubt that the institute is alive and well, and sure to move from strength to strength.
It was an honour being able to attend committee and branch meetings as well as year-end functions at Johannesburg, Secunda, Durban, Rustenburg and Zambia, where it became extremely clear that the core of the SAIMC is working hard to grow our institute with the vision of adding more value to our members.
Looking back
As we reflect back on 2004, which is fast drawing to a close, we see numerous highlights with of course, one or two lows. Our membership is growing steadily, evident from the constant flow of membership applications crossing my desk, our branches are well supported by industry including our very valuable patron members and sponsors delivering top class technical presentations on a monthly basis at the various branch meetings and the passion displayed at the branch committee meetings leaves no doubt as to the commitment of these volunteers.
Our developments in the area of the Innovation Sub Committee are moving along smoothly (bar the odd hiccup here and there!) with the new Website taking shape in line with the project schedule and the Education and Training Sub committee working hard to develop areas of value in that sphere. In addition to this, our very capable vice president, Piet van Rensburg is energetically working together with our general gecretary, Dick Perry at our relationship with ECSA and other institutes.
Interaction with tertiary institutions were at a high during this year with the Johannesburg Branch very active in handing out the Schneider Awards to various deserving students, and the Secunda Branch launching their Apollo Awards also aimed at providing incentives and rewarding top students in control and instrumentation.
Academic apathy
Of concern, however, is the apparent lack in interest from certain faculties at some of the institutions. One must remember that these initiatives are aimed at the students and ultimately not only improves the image of the measurement and control fraternity, but also of the tertiary institution itself. It would be wonderful to see our partners at the institutions match the commitment and energy showed by the branch committees during the year.
Social events foster interaction
Our branches have, as usual, been very active on the events side with Golf days and site visits being held in all regions and attracting enormous support. It certainly appears that interaction with our members is working well, clearly benefiting the institute and the members. At council level, we are working hard to ensure that the institute pro-actively addresses the changes in our industry in order to meet the changing needs of our growing membership.
Looking forward to 2005
I am confident that we will see an increase in our membership as well as activities between members and the institute and look forward to the continuation of the annual Branch Of The Year battle. Johannesburg managed to snatch it from Secunda in the past year, but with the AGM to be held early in 2005, we will have to wait and see who will be King of the Castle for the next year. Who knows, we might just have an upset blowing in from the ocean or from up north to topple the Johannesburg-Secunda applecart running for the last few years!
In closing, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our loyal members, our patron members, our branch committees members, our administrators CTR, and to the council members for their hard work and commitment during 2004.
In addition, and on behalf of the various branches and council, I express my gratitude to all our sponsors who assisted us in making our numerous events successful. It has been a tough year with many challenges, but with focus and commitment, we came through it with the institute looking to be in relatively good shape. Here is wishing you a safe and restful festive season to ensure that we all return safe and energised to tackle another exciting year.
Have a fantastic December and remember: A certain Measure of Control is always important!
Best regards, Cornu Perold, president, ctr@saimc.org.za
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