Finally, Programme Director, as my time of heading this portfolio is coming to an end. Today, I would like to take this opportunity to say that I am proud of the fact that we are still one of the biggest players in the municipal engineering arena, due mainly to our members. I would also like to reassure members that I will remain involved with the Institute and the work that has begun.

Our transformation agenda remains one of our biggest key performance areas and all efforts that we can make in this regard we are, and will continue to make.

In terms of our educational programmes, I don’t want to boast too much, but the fact of the matter is that our bursary scheme is one of the biggest by a voluntary organisation in this country. In fact, Programme Director, we offer learners something that many other organisations do not – we offer them a chance to study without the strain of financial pressure. In the past five years we have awarded ten bursaries to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds annually. Cumulatively that implies that we offer a total of 30 bursaries annually, as we support each student through out their university career, which by any standard is something we can all be proud of.

Ladies and Gentlemen, with these few words I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the opportunity afforded to me to lead this organisation for the past two years. Thank you for your attendance and loyal support over the years. Finally, enjoy yourselves for the next three days, while learning, sharing knowledge and having a fruitful conference. (Back Home ... )