From 18 to 20 December, Vivian MacFadyen and I made a flying visit to our Zambian branches. The purpose was to encourage our branches to maintain the drive to grow the Society within the Zambian region, and help them become unified in the ways in which we operate.
Johan van Jaarsveldt
Our Zambian members were commended for their efforts and ingenuity in dealing with various problems experienced due to the world monetary crisis. For example, many of the members on the Copper Belt have found themselves out of work, yet they have continued to support our goals and aspirations.
Kitwe photo (L to R): Rodgers Kayombo (secretary Zambia) Titus Tito (past chairman Zambia) Jones Kalela (SAIMC council member) Leo Chikasa (chairman Zambia) Maxem Kabwebwe (treasurer Zambia) Charity Kabaso (past chairperson Mufulira) Emmanuel Mwila (vice chairman Zambia) Gabriel Kapumpe (chairman Mufulira) Johan van Jaarsveldt (SAIMC president)
The trip began with a visit to the capital Lusaka (this region is known to the Zambians as the Midlands sub-branch) where we met with the chairman, secretary, treasurer and other members. One aspect of corporate unity that we identified was the format of our technology evenings. The Zambians asked for assistance in this regard, and we intend sending them some video material demonstrating a typical meeting as held here in SA. It is encouraging to see that South African and Zambian companies have seen fit to support these technology evenings, resulted in a win-win situation where the members are exposed to the latest products and technology. Companies get to meet the SAIMC members who represent a vast number of industries in Zambia – mining, brewing, cement production, agricultural, fertilisers and animal products. We realise that the logistics of these presentations in Zambia are complicated and at times expensive, but we have also seen that the results far outweigh the initial investment. The gratitude shown by these Zambian members is phenomenal and their appreciation makes you realise just how lucky (spoilt) we are back here to have suppliers all willing to share their technology and experiences with us at any time and right on our doorstep.
Lusaka photo back (Lto R): Likando Mataa (chairman Midlands) Vivian MacFadyen (general secretary SAIMC) Andrew Sikwese (branch secretary Midlands) front (L to R): Changa Chileshe (committee member Midlands) Feka Daka (vice chairman Midlands)
We landed in Ndola on the Friday afternoon and then travelled by car from Lusaka where we had the first meeting that evening. The next day we drove to Kitwe and met with the Copper Belt branch members. On the Sunday morning we drove back to Ndola where we caught our flight back to SA. This proved to be an exhausting journey due to time constraints and challenging road conditions over certain sections. The country has had a lot of rain and everything is green and growing; it is encouraging to see the crops flourishing. At the various meetings with the members we enjoyed constructive dialogue and an exchange of ideas. This trip to Zambia may be seen as the most productive so far, and we expect that the results will be enjoyed by all of our Zambian members.
We are currently looking to expand into Namibia and Mozambique in the near future.
Our Zambian experiences will go a long way in streamlining this process with the creation of new branches in the southern African region.
We take this opportunity to thank the Zambians for their hospitality and friendship.
They are truly a warm hearted and gracious nation.
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