Letter from SAKKS
South African Koi-Keepers Society
____________________________________________________________
Administration: M A Botha
Tel: 011 433 2665
E-mail: sakks@netactive.co.za
Chairman: Dr Kevin Harrison
Tel: 082 772 0616
E-mail: kharrison@myconnection.co.za
12th December 2007
SAKKS Western Cape Chapter Members
Re: Potential Closing of the Western Cape Chapter
It has now become a matter of extreme urgency that this letter is addressed to the members of the SAKKS Western Cape Chapter, highlighting the concerns that the SAKKS National Committee has relating to the existence of the chapter. The National Committee is comprised of all the elected committee members as well as all the chapter chairmen – Kwazulu Natal, Southern and Eastern Cape, Free State and Western Cape.
Financially, the WC Chapter is for all intent and purposed bankrupt. This is of utmost concern to the society as a whole. The WC Chapter has managed to turn a healthy positive balance around to a negative balance of which SAKKS is accountable. No formal justification has been forthcoming from the “current” committee. Clearly this carte blanche approach with little or no communication by WC Committee members will not be allowed to continue. A gathering of chapter chairmen (Bosberaad) held in Gauteng recently was snubbed by the WC, despite having received confirmation that the WC Chairman would be present. There has been no accountability for decisions taken. The absence was conspicuous and disturbing and no apology beforehand or on the day was forthcoming. This goes against the ethos that has been instilled amongst koi hobbyists and SAKKS members who generally have respect for each other and the hobby. Common courteousy and open communication channels have always been in place.
Potential closure of the WC Chapter is now imminent and the re-allocation of assets to other committed chapters is to be considered if no one from the WC is willing to take on the challenge and commitment of keeping the hobby alive in the WC.
It is vital that WC members call for an Annual General Meeting and put the current state of affairs to its members, in an attempt to salvage what is left. Clearly this initiative cannot be initiated from Gauteng or any of the other chapters, but will receive SAKKS support should some commitment be shown. SAKKS has already attempted to get WC members to assist and take on the responsibility of getting a plan of action, but unfortunately these members are koi dealers or have commercial interest in koi. This is not the ideal and it is not encouraged.
The outgoing WC Chapter Chairman has not responded to any of our E-Mails or calls made by the National Chairman and other Chapter Chairman. The current status quo is that the WC Chapter Chairman has resigned and is intending to assist with sponsorship of the next koi show which has been put in writing. This is a gesture put forward to prove that he “has not gone awol” indicated in the letter of resignation.
Currently there will be no show in the WC in 2008 as there is no evidence of a committee. Nobody from the “existing” committee has come forward with any proposal or comment relating to this tragedy. This is an absolute shame as the WC has so much potential and always showed immense promise.
SAKKS urges all of its WC members to get together and to discuss the current reality in an attempt to rescue what was once a vibrant chapter.
Please address your correspondence and possible suggestions to the National Chairman, e-mail address above. Suggestions will be put to the National Committee so that a plan of action can be put in place.
It is truly hoped that there is someone out their that can run with this initiative to rescue the Western Cape Chapter.
Yours sincerely
Kevin Harrrison (Dr)
SAKKS National Chairman
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