Vetnews | Desember 2024 2 « BACK TO CONTENTS As I sit down to write this message, I find it hard to believe that the time has come for me to greet the association as the President. Serving as your President has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, filled with moments of camaraderie, growth, and shared achievements and has been very significant for me. I am reminded of the saying, “There is a time to come and a time to leave.” The phrase reflects the natural rhythms of life, emphasizing the idea that everything has its appropriate moment. My end of term marks the beginning of a new chapter for SAVA with Dr Ziyanda Qwalela taking over as the new President, and me taking up the responsibilities of the Immediate Past-President. While I am excited to contribute to SAVA in my new role, it is difficult to part, albeit only partially, with such an extraordinary group of fellow directors, chairpersons of the various committees, branches and groups, all members and employees of SAVA. Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and fostered an environment that promotes collaboration and innovation. It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals who tirelessly commit themselves to our shared mission. I am genuinely grateful for the trust you placed in me and for your unwavering support throughout my tenure. Reflecting on the time I was honoured to serve SAVA as President brings a flood of cherished memories - our collaborative projects, shared challenges, and the many moments of laughter. Each one of you has played a part in this journey, contributing not just to our goals but also to a sense of community that I will deeply miss. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support, camaraderie, and all that I have learned from each of you. Your dedication and passion have been an inspiration, and I am confident that the organization will continue to thrive due to your hard work and commitment. Though I am vacating as President I carry with me all the lessons learned and the friendships formed. Each of you has contributed uniquely to my journey, and I cherish the memories we have created together. I am excited to see how the association will continue to grow and evolve, and I do not doubt that you will pursue new heights with the same enthusiasm and dedication that has defined us. Our paths will cross again with my responsibilities as Immediate Past-President and Chairperson of various SAVA committees. Though I may be stepping down from my official role, please know that I will always be a supporter of our association, and I look forward to staying in touch with each of you. I encourage you to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and to continue serving our mission with passion and integrity. Until then, I wish you all the very best in your endeavours and continued success in all that you pursue. Thank you once again for the privilege of serving you, for fantastic experiences and for all the wonderful moments we've shared. Wishing you all continued success and fulfilment in your endeavours. As we are coming to the end of 2024, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our saviour, who brought a message of peace and salvation, a message of change and new beginnings to the world. As He did, may we embrace the upcoming changes, that each end is merely a new beginning, a new dawn of better things to come. May 2025 be a blessed year for all members, their families and SAVA! v Warmest regards, Paul van der Merwe From the President Dear members, To Ziyanda: may your term as President be blessed and may SAVA grow under your leadership.
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