Yet again we find ourselves at the start of a new year and the class of 2001, the best Committee the Johannesburg Branch has ever seen, would like to wish all of their members only the best for 2002. May all your wishes come true and may you all get a huge tax rebate.
2001 in retrospect
Not a single month went by in 2001 without at least one event, meeting or function being hosted by the Johannesburg Committee. At certain stages only one or two weeks separated the one event from the following, and the programme set at the start of 2001 was adhered to and completed on time and on schedule. The programme ended with a bang, or should we say a glass, at the very prestigious Jameson Whiskey Tasting evening on 14 November. The committee dinner was held on 7 December to put a cap on everything.
As far as the SAIMC social calendar is concerned, the Johannesburg Branch is so far ahead of the rest of the field, Council included, with the quality, scope, versatility and number of social happenings taking place every year, that we cannot help but label ourselves as the 'happiest branch' in the country.
2002 year programme
Although final details are still to be confirmed at the AGM on 16 January 2002, the programme for this year will be along the following lines:
* Regular branch meetings every second Wednesday of every month at the Rivonia Country Club.
* Site visits in March, May, July, September and November.
* Two golf days, one during the third week of April and the second around the middle of September.
* Annual wine tasting in June.
* Fun and relaxation meeting in November to end the programme for the year.
We can already hear the whining and moaning from other sources that our events will clash with theirs and our message to them is: sorry, but Joburg rules.
Events under discussion
Annual Business Breakfast: It has become a sad reality that the majority of the so-called 'high profile' instrumentation suppliers in this town have turned their backs on the SAIMC as a whole and therefore the business breakfast is no longer viable.
We at the Johannesburg Branch have taken a leaf from the book of the Cape Town Branch in that we might schedule a carting competition. The difference is that ours will take the form of a fundraiser in that sponsorships will be required, and participants will have to pay a fee to compete for the first prize of at least R5000. If we can generate enough interest this event could happen on a Saturday and involve not only our members, but their families as well. Talks are underway with major car manufacturers in SA to get involved in offering prizes like advanced driver training and sponsorships. Keep an eye out for this one - it might be massive!
Membership
Once again we appeal to our members to send us their e-mail information, if you do not receive any news or notifications of events you will lose out. Drop us an e-mail at the address below.
Conclusion
The Johannesburg Committee is calling on all the 'old boys' of the SAIMC to show themselves. Committee and Council members of yonder, present Council members, managing directors, sales managers, directors, project managers, plant supervisors, previously hard working and committed branch members, where are you guys? Are you all sitting at home in the evenings with a little blanket over your legs and a cup of Horlicks watching 'The Bold and The Beautiful'? Prove to us it is not so.
Parting shot
The Secunda Branch was very outspoken with its criticism and cynicism towards the Johannesburg Branch in the December 2001 issue of SAI&C. So noted guys, but we realise that the tallest tree always catches the most wind.
Johan Steyn
Branch Chairman SAIMC EGOLI
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