Message from South African Radio League President Graham Hartlett ZS6GJH

"Another year has rushed to an end and a new year with many new challenges is upon us. 2005 was a good year for Amateur Radio and the SARL.

After several years of working with ICASA, the amendments to the radio regulations came into force in February giving ZR operators access to the HF bands. The SARL achieved official status as the national body for Amateur Radio in South Africa and kept the South Africa flag flying high at the Region 1 IARU Conference held in Switzerland.

Other highlights include the Radio Technology in Action Open Day with record attendance, South Africa's attendance of the Disaster Communications Conference in Finland and the introduction of the Divisional Adviser programme to enhance mutual communication flow between Council and members.

Another satisfying feature of the past year is the turn in membership. Strengthening of membership is important as the SARL needs the muscle of a large membership to make the voice of Amateur Radio heard with the various authorities that influence amateur radio and its future.

The best thing you can do is to encourage your peers, who have strayed away from the SARL, to put their differences behind them and join. It is not a question of what I can get out of the SARL but what my membership will do for Amateur Radio.

During this time of the year many of you have and are enjoying various religious festivals from Deepavali in November, Eid, the celebration of the end of Ramadan, Christmas and Chanukah, the festival of lights starting shortly, I wish you all joyous celebrations.

As the year turns to 2006 in a few days time I wish you health and prosperity and for amateur radio another year of growth as we are dedicating 2006 as the year to bring the youth into amateur radio.

73 to you all."

An audio version of this message is available from www.amateurradio.org.za

Courtesy of The South African Radio League

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