It is almost that time again. Time to bid your tyrannical inbox farewell for a few weeks and take a well deserved break to reconnect with the things which are important to you – preferably over a cold glass of Chardonnay.
As was to be expected 2009 was a year filled with uncertainty and while we in South Africa were somewhat insulated from the global recession initially, we are definitely feeling its effects now. Unfortunately many knowledgeable market commentators believe that there is worse still to come, and that the trillions of dollars being pumped in to bail out the ailing economies of the world will eventually extort a heavy toll.
Some even believe that the only real solution is for capitalism to reinvent itself in ways that prevent the reoccurrence of the excesses and greed responsible for the current malady. How will this happen? Who knows! But let us hope it does before Eskom is allowed to implement the obscene increases in the electricity price it is proposing, which will hamper an ailing manufacturing sector even further.
Still, it is the season to be jolly, so let us look at the sunny side of tomorrow. At some point, like say in 2011, we are all going to have to acknowledge the fact that there is indeed life after 2010. But for now it is very comforting to see the new infrastructure starting to take shape, and to anticipate the first rides on the Gautrain, and cruising hassle free on newly surfaced mega-lane highways complete with impressive looking flyovers. Then of course there is ‘the event’ itself, and the tourism boom that is expected to accompany it. Apart from the soccer fans that make the pilgrimage to southern Africa to support their teams at close quarters; our country will be seen by hundreds of millions of television viewers around the world. I do not think I will ever forget the goose bumps I experienced just prior to the 1995 Rugby World Cup final when a giant South African Airways jet shrieked over the then Ellis Park stadium in a low altitude flypast. Or the emotional lump in my throat when a smiling Nelson Mandela arrived to watch the proceedings clad in a matching Francois Pienaar rugby jersey. Here is to another really good show and let us hope we maximise this unique opportunity to market the Rainbow Nation for all it is worth.
All that of course is still some time hence; in my more immediate future life is about to become a beach. So it was with interest that I read of the 29 SA beaches that have been ranked with the best in the world. I intend to be a dedicated patron of some of them over the next few weeks in a quest to re-acquaint myself with the ocean and the family members and friends I have not had an opportunity to see for much too long.
In closure for this year a vote of thanks to all our advertisers and readers for the support you have given us this last 12 months. On behalf of the team at Instrumentation and Control I wish you and your families a joy-filled holiday season. Whether you are heading for the beaches, the hills or just spending quality time at home – be safe and enjoy.
To the production team and manager Carol Finn: “Thanks for all the great work this year guys, you really do make us look good!”
To all our Christian readers may your Christmas be a blessed one.
Steven Meyer, editor: SA Instrumentation & Control
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