At the previous AGM in June 2021, I had just become president of the association, the world and the country were still facing levels of lockdown and we reported that we were focusing on establishing an online presence for SAFPA. We also proposed constitutional changes which increased the term of office of the council to two years, and the AGM was changed to a Biennial General Meeting. Hence we only meet this evening on the matters of the association.
Despite the difficult recovery period post COVID-19 and all its challenges, we have managed to remain financially viable throughout, and huge thanks go to our members who remain loyal and continue to show their support for the association by paying their membership dues and participating in our social events each year.
During this period we have successfully transitioned to a ‘hybrid’ organisation, offering a balance of online and physical events, and continuing to expand our virtual footprint on social media. The turnout here this evening shows that there is still a demand for physical meetings, with the added benefit of the convenience of online options being offered from time to time. Thank you to those who have taken the time to be here in person this evening. We did not make this a hybrid event because we wanted to give our members the exclusive opportunity of meeting face to face again.
Over the past two years we have hosted many online technical meetings, two social events, and two training sessions. We have also developed the Import Code tool which is available to members only, and the Hose Safety Course which has run twice now.
At this year’s technical meetings there were 39 attendees on 2 March and 14 attendees on 4 May. At the two social events last year there were 30 participants in the golf day on 29 July, and at the soccer day held on 26 November, 11 teams participated. Our social media presence over the past two years has grown from zero to 99 on LinkedIn, 25 on Twitter and 59 on Facebook.
To the council members who have served with me over the past two years, I extend a huge word of thanks for your time, inputs and efforts; it has been a pleasure working with you. To the membership, thank you for your continued support and contributions to not only the association but also to our industry.
| Tel: | +27 11 061 5000 |
| Fax: | 086 589 2158 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.vdw.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about SA Fluid Power Association (SAFPA) |
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