The outgoing Chairperson, the current sitting committee and the members of the SANIRE Coal Branch.

I would like to start by thanking you for honouring me with an opportunity to serve as Chairperson of the Coal Branch to complete the term of office 2020-2022. I owe all the heartiest appreciation to the exemplary leadership and encouragement by outgoing chairperson, branch committee and its members.

In 2020 I was elected treasury of the Coal Branch for the term of office 2020-2022 which have been particularly a challenging one. It witnessed the entire world forced into unchartered territory to adopt new ways of doing things due to the Pandemic. This resulted in minimum to no face-to-face branch meetings, technical visits and workshops, which ordinarily members of the branch would have enjoyed.

(Left) Chairperson: Nyandano Netshivhazwaulu
(Right) Vice- Chairperson: Olwethu Swakamisa

We also noted within our fraternity that some experienced senior rock engineering practitioners are either nearing retirement or retired. This necessitates the importance of urgent interventions to facilitate skills transfer from senior to young rock engineering practitioners. The Coal branch has already made great strides in promoting the interest, development and skills transfer through recommending new examiners for SCO and RMC examinations.

For the remainder of 2020-2022 term of office, the Coal Branch will continue its focus on advancing development and education in rock engineering and collaboration for information sharing between its members. None of what the Branch has achieved or endeavour to achieve can ever be possible without the support of its members and the national branch. Members and their continued involvement in the affairs of the branch is highly appreciated. It is this support which will ensure SANIRE Coal Branch’s success. I therefore humbly call upon all members of the SANIRE Coal Branch to support all programs of the branch.

“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world”
Howard Zinn

I thank you.
Nyandano Netshivhazwaulu