November is the month when the Secunda Branch unwinds - this included our final event for the year at the 'Kinross Bosveld Lapa'. It was probably the most people they had catered for in one night. Attendance has more than doubled compared to the previous year's function. Deon van den Berg spoke on how powerful the mind is - which explained why we as the Secunda Branch were so successful this year. Everybody enjoyed it tremendously, and as the night drew to a close the last few to leave were dancing to the beat of the 'Klipwerf Boere Orkes'.
2001 has treated our branch very favourably, and we have grown from strength to strength. We hosted seven training evenings, six committee meetings, three site visits, educational tours and overseas visits. For this we give thanks to our members and suppliers alike. We reported to members and nonmembers on events at our branch and for that we give thanks to Technews for their monthly publications. All in all a great year and our appreciation to everyone involved how small it may have seemed, it made the wheels turn and contributed to our success.
During the year a balanced rivalry started between the Secunda and Johannesburg branches. The Johannesburg Branch soon realised that its title as branch of the year was in jeopardy. The competition was fierce and I think that also scared the other branches off because we never heard from them for the rest of the year. Towards the end two branches weakly reported some activity from their side merely to indicate that they are still alive out there somewhere. The youngest sub branch (in Witbank) has done more in its short existence than some of the older branches have. To them we say well-done guys, keep it up - we need competitors to keep us on our toes. To the Johannesburg Branch we say, thank you for your effort but sorry guys the wheel has turned. The first year you came up to some real competition you just crumbled. Please try again next year. My wish for next year is that our other branches will take up the challenge and fiercely contest this prestigious position in the institute. Your members expect that from you as committees and they are entitled to it. To the members of the institute my advice is, 'if your elected committee does not provide for your needs elect one that is motivated and committed to provide for your needs' it is your right and part of your benefits as a member. I can only imagine what can happen next year if you do. SAI&C will just have to allocate more pages for news from the branches.
The Secunda Branch wishes every member of the institute a prosperous 2002. We thank our sponsors and supporters, council and the all other committees of the SAIMC. SAI&C thank you for your support you have picked the winning horse - your contribution is well appreciated by all who read the magazine and hopefully more will do so in the future. CTR welcome on board, you will be tested to the limit in the New Year but we are faithful that you will deliver in all our needs. May 2002 bring us all the good fortune that we will be working for.
Remember to order your SAIMC golf shirt and cap!
I look forward to for an opportunity to wear mine to show that I support the SAIMC.
The Secunda Branch - if you require the winning recipe call on us.
Piet van Rensberg (Chairman)
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