The AGM was held at the Durban Country Club on 6 February. A respectable audience of 23 members, six Patrons and one student member, gathered to attend the proceedings which ran smoothly under John Owen-Ellis’ direction.
Treasurer Kevin McElroy presented the accounts, and although of course the SAIMC is a non-profit organisation, the Durban branch books were deemed healthy with some good cash reserves that will enable us to fund non-sponsored technology evenings, training and other necessary industry events. (The Durban branch specifically keeps a few dates during the year for non-vendor associated topics with the aim to get more end-users involved, and keep the members interested through relevant technical information)
There were no queries on the accounts, which were duly accepted before chairman Hennie Prinsloo took the stage and gave a summary of the busy and successful year that was 2018, culminating in a vote of thanks to the committee for their hard word in attaining Platinum status in the overall classification. A voice from the floor responded with a reciprocal vote of thanks, acknowledging Hennie as the driving force and ‘Chairman Formidable’. Rousing applause echoed the sentiment.
Hennie Prinsloo (right) thanks Annemarie van Coller for her presentation at the AGM.
The branch was honoured and grateful for SAIMC president Annemarie van Coller’s presence at the AGM. She gave a refreshingly informal presentation on what has been happening at council level, which turned into a lively discussion and Q+A session. Annemarie stressed that she needs feedback from all the members on priorities and problems within the SAIMC, and wants to work personally with all the branches and members.
Electronic voting had taken place earlier and John Owen-Ellis announced the results of the election. The new committee is as follows: Hennie Prinsloo, Jane van der Spuy, Dean Trattles, Kevin McElroy, Paul Sikhakhane, Howard Lister and John Owen-Ellis.
Hennie Prinsloo – Chairman
Paul Sikhakhane – Vice Chairman
Kevin McElroy – Treasurer
John Owen-Ellis – Secretary
Jane van der Spuy
Dean Trattles
John Owen-Ellis
The practice of co-opting other members to the committee has worked well in recent years and will be continued through to 2019. Co-opted members include:
Lucky Penduka
Mark Calvert
Ralph Naidoo
Busani Sibindi
Eddie Mohlmann
Anil Lonappan
The formalities over everybody enjoyed some good networking and a delicious chicken curry for supper.
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