Maybe it is time I respond to "Airscrewed" aka Joe... I only know this because I had to search for post where your name popped up
I was sincerely apprehensive to respond as it only lends itself to a spat on a public forum, something I don't think anyone can really afford at this moment. I have also been in hospital for a couple of days, am in severe discomfort, but it did give me some time to consider responding and I do so as follows:
The line Joe used is from the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Little did I know some 40 years down the line, my English prescribe book would pop in my memory. For those not versed in the tale ... it implies or is used to describe corruption or a situation in which something is wrong. Generally a term that would quite easily fit in anywhere today I suppose.
Joe, I hope that this was merely to "stir the pot" as opposed to any intention of malice as you do say "IT APPEARS". However, I know you are not a MISASA member and thus respond for the benefit of
MISASA members.
"...it would appear that the central Misasa committee have already elected themselves and have now only opened the nomination and elections for lesser positions on the committee."
ALL the position are available for nomination. If you were familiar with the process, the current committee steps down and are automatically nominated for re-election unless any individual has indicated that he is not available again to serve. If there are no nominations for that position, it goes vacant to be filled by either someone being prepared to serve at a later stage or be co-opted. If more than one nomination for the position is received, it simply goes to a vote. Nothing out of the ordinary and has been done like this before I came onto the committee.
I am however curious as to what you deem to be lesser positions?
Also question that begs answer is "Why the AGM on a weekday night and so far from the majority of members?". Is the committee trying to hide/manipulate the election?
This is a totally unfair conclusion or statement to make. MISASA is a national organisation. NOT EVERYTHING happens in Gauteng or is reserved for your convenience up North. We could have called the AGM down in Cape Town at Morningstar Airfield or in KZN at Ballito for that matter. Historically the AGM has taken place at different times, there hasn't been a preset norm. Had it mid-week (just before an AeroclubSA AGM (was not well attended), has taken place at some of our events ie Kitty Hawk (was not well attended). Now that we have arranged so that the certain elected officers can attend the Aeroclub Boardmeeting and other relevant meetings (scheduled for the 10th) to save costs and personal inconvenience for several, and it does not sit well with some folk. Some of us take leave from our employment and businesses to attend, yet the time of the week is questioned? For the folks up around the cabbage patch, you lose an afternoon, we lose 3 days, neglect our businesses and families but don't complain. Just curious, did you perhaps attend the Aeroclub AGM or the rescheduled SGM? I wonder how many folk did.
Also, the proxy forms could be queried as normally proxies specify a nominated choice of a subject, but it would appear that these are opened to any choice that the chairman makes. Hmmmm?
The proxy form is the same one that has been used for years. Once again, the demographics of MISASA members is widespread. If anyone awards a proxy to a person, he does so trusting that person, not so? If it is the suggestion that the Chairman (which I happen to be at the moment) would misuse the proxy awarded, I would be betraying those that have put their trust in me.
Maybe the post by Joe was as result of some "hangar talk" or possibly a disgruntled member for some reason or other. But I can say this, in having an openhearted conversation with my old friend Lone Ranger (he happens to be a devout MISASA member and served on the committee for many years), the stark conclusion (pun intended) was reached - nothing has changed!
One thing is a given - AVIATION is suffering. Membership numbers are down because people are finding the financial challenges insurmountable and believe me, it is GLOBAL. South Africa is not unique or immune to the rigours of the economy. Trikes are gathering dust in hangars, less if any hours are being flown and we need to be very aware of the challenges we all face!
In closing, even if my doctor does not clear me on Friday to travel - I will be there...
