Architect and Builder December 2019 | Page 6

EDITORIAL LOUISE FENNER-SOLOMON | PUBLISHER OUR TEAM PUBLISHER / ADVERTISING Louise Fenner-Solomon 082 572 4707 [email protected] PUBLISHER / DESIGN Peter Fenner-Solomon 082 521 3916 [email protected] W ell, what a year it has been. Has the industry ever been through a more difficult time? Chatting to so many people I don’t think we have. Sadly some firms have not managed to overcome the many negative factors against them and I am deeply saddened by that. Some of these firms will rise again in other guises but some will not and with that we lose skills and developed infrastructure that will be hard to replace, in the short term at least. These difficult times have not left Architect and Builder immune, but we thank our clients that have stayed loyal and prepared to support us. We have done our best to assist our clients by adding value to diminished budgets and publishing stories at no ACCOUNTS Peter Fenner-Solomon 082 521 3916 [email protected] cost for firms that really could do with a boost. There have also been times when I personally have had a crisis of confidence in our country this year and wondered for a while whether there was a future for myself and my family here. I have a British passport, I have somewhere I can go. It hasn’t been helped by seeing friends and family emigrate or plan to, and you are left wondering SUBSCRIBE whether you should follow them. I spent some months pretty down about our country’s SOUTH AFRICA much to be thankful for in our beautiful country. 1 Year / 5 Issues 2 Year / 10 Issues INTERNATIONAL 1 Year / 6 Issues 2 Year / 12 Issues state of affairs despite my optimist husband trying to convince me that we had so R300 exc. VAT R500 exc. VAT I have always been involved in work with the community, especially since moving to Knysna and it’s what gives me the greatest satisfaction. It is working with so many people who face massive challenges on a daily basis that has been one of the main R800 exc. VAT R1 400 exc. VAT HOW TO SUBSCRIBE Email us your subscription choice: [email protected] factors in convincing me that my place is here. What will those in need do without the army of volunteers working to make their lives just a little easier and give them hope that they have a brighter future? Discovering the Facebook group #Imstaying has also given me so much hope for the future of our country. Nearly 900,000 members within just a few months. South Africans of all races coming together here to embrace the spirit of Ubuntu and learning that we have for more in common than the politicians would have us believe. It’s been such a wonderful experience to see people helping each other and breaking down CONTACT US TELEPHONE 082 572 4707 FACSIMILE 086 551 8323 EMAIL [email protected] WEB 6 stereotypes. I have felt my spirits lifting and I have started to see some small positive signs within the industry. Corobrik’s announcement of a large investment in new factories, news of increased tender activity, Rabie’s launch of the massive Bridgewater One precinct at Century City to name a few. I hope you all enjoy a very well earned break over the holidays. Who knows exactly what 2020 will bring, but I wish you all the very best both at home and work. www.archibuild.co.za Editorial