The Tshwane branch AGM was held on 7th February when a new committee was voted in for the year. The members are as follows: chairman and technology: Petrus Klopper (Ai2SA); vice chairman and marketing: Mark Taylor (DESSOFT); treasurer and science week and golf day projects: Jurie Weideman (Afrilek); secretary and student portfolio: Muhammad Babamia (private); tertiary, training and ECSA: Nico Marneweck (E&H); and special project – golf day: Archie Pitso (Levivi22). Pregs Naidoo will focus on the Rustenburg branch and on national issues.
Branch finances
At present there is about R16 000 in the bank and on average annual turnover has increased to just under R100 000. The main sources of income were the golf day, followed by presentation fees. All members are encouraged to participate by asking their companies to become branch patrons and by presenting at the technical evenings.
February presentation
Des Burrows.
Des Burrows, director of Rascals Automation provided some inspiration when he covered the subject of industrial training. Key inspirational figures he highlighted included Nick Vujicic, the late Dr Edwin Louis Cole, Gary Player and Madiba. Some quotes which appealed to the audience included:
• “In your life you have two choices, bitter or better. Choose better, forget bitter.” – Vujicic
• “Balance is the key to life, communication is the basis of life.” – Cole
• “Change is the price of survival.” – Player
• “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Mandela
The focus of the presentation was on customising training to client needs, with a case study presented on the benefits of this approach.
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