As I start my fifth month with the RMI, I am reminded daily of the significance of the collaborative relationships that exist within our sector. Henry Ford once said that “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”
This was highlighted once again on 18 April, when I was both humbled and privileged to attend another milestone event on our calendar, the SAMBRA 2023 Annual Awards, where we could celebrate excellence, innovation, and the relentless spirit that defines our industry.
Together with our partners Lightstone, it was an opportunity not only to acknowledge excellence, but also to show our deep appreciation for the relationships that exist within our sector. The incredible opening rendition of “ A million dreams’ by young 19-year-old Jordan Rogers, followed by the highly inspirational talk by Lee Den Hond perfectly epitomised on the one hand the talent and courage of our next generation of young people that will take our industry forward and on the other, the grit, resilience and fearlessness described by Den Hond which is needed right now to transform and grow our evolving industry.
My hugest congratulations go to all of the evening’s top award winners and to everyone who came to show their support and willingness to join hands with our organisation and chart a sustainable way forward. I left the evening with an indelible feeling of pride and purpose and with the confidence of knowing that if we work collaboratively, we will have a stronger, more robust sector.
This month is also significant in that it marks 30 years of a free and democratic South Africa. As proud South Africans we will have the privilege of exercising our electoral vote on the 29 May. I am reminded of the words of Louis Brandeis who said, ‘The most important office, and one which all of us can and should fill, is that of private citizen.’ I encourage each and every one of you to take up your right, and have a voice, not only for yourself but for the future generations to come.
May 2024 Automobil edition here: Automobil May 2024 (publuu.com)
