In January it will be 40 years since I arrived in South Africa on a 3-year contract! Having spent more than half my life here, despite my strong UK roots, this is home – “because of” and not despite!
One of the things I love about this country – and there are many, many things – is what I call “the predictability of the unpredictable”. In other words, you know something unpredictable will happen, but you just don’t know what!
During 2024, many of the world’s significant economies have had, or are soon to have, General Elections – India, the UK, France, the US – and off course, South Africa (although we are not that significant!). The results of most of them have so far been predictable – including our own! Although, none of us dared hope for the result we got, it was predictable that the ANC share of the vote would drop below 50% but to go to 40% I suggest was unpredictable – despite the polls. The prospects for the world of a Trump victory next month are too scary to contemplate – unless off course you are a Republican!
What, you may ask, has this got to do with AIGS and our customers and partners? Quite simply, and unfortunately, quite a lot! As much as we may want to believe that we don’t need overseas trading partners and foreign investment – they are essential if we are to rebuild our economy, significantly reduce our unemployment and ensure that our various businesses can grow and prosper.
In his Sales Message, Gustav talks about “clear signs of resilience and recovery in several sectors, also noticeable is the strengthening of the Rand/USD Exchange rate” and this is certainly true and encouraging. However, in order for this to be sustainable, it is up to us – the small businesses – to continue our drive and our passion for success!
At AIGS we are totally committed to this and, to help us succeed in our endeavours, we are delighted to welcome Annelien de Jager to the Management Team in the role of Business Development Manager. Later in the newsletter, Annelien tells us a bit more about herself and her background. Suffice to say that she comes to AIGS with lots of very relevant experience, particularly in the areas of Data, Data Management and Data Analytics – all of which are at the heart of our business. Even AI needs data!!!
Also mentioned elsewhere is the EMEA PUG Challenge, that was recently held in Prague. There was a healthy contingent of South Africans in attendance, including 8 people jointly sponsored by Progress and AIGS. These events, although predominantly technical, are also a great opportunity to catch up with what is happening in the larger Progress Community. It is always heartening to see that, despite all the challenges that we face, particularly on the economic and social fronts, in the Progress OpenEdge world we continue to grow on a par with the rest of the world.
A little over 14 years ago, on July 1st 2010, AIGS opened its doors as the Progress Distributor – we will celebrate 15 years next year! The need for continued representation of Progress in South Africa has not diminished in this time, nor will it into the future. We have some exciting opportunities as we go into 2025 and, with your support, we intend to be here for you well into the future!
In January it will be 40 years since I arrived in South Africa on a 3-year contract! Having spent more than half my life here, despite my strong UK roots, this is home – “because of” and not despite!
One of the things I love about this country – and there are many, many things – is what I call “the predictability of the unpredictable”. In other words, you know something unpredictable will happen, but you just don’t know what!
During 2024, many of the world’s significant economies have had, or are soon to have, General Elections – India, the UK, France, the US – and off course, South Africa (although we are not that significant!). The results of most of them have so far been predictable – including our own! Although, none of us dared hope for the result we got, it was predictable that the ANC share of the vote would drop below 50% but to go to 40% I suggest was unpredictable – despite the polls. The prospects for the world of a Trump victory next month are too scary to contemplate – unless off course you are a Republican!
What, you may ask, has this got to do with AIGS and our customers and partners? Quite simply, and unfortunately, quite a lot! As much as we may want to believe that we don’t need overseas trading partners and foreign investment – they are essential if we are to rebuild our economy, significantly reduce our unemployment and ensure that our various businesses can grow and prosper.
In his Sales Message, Gustav talks about “clear signs of resilience and recovery in several sectors, also noticeable is the strengthening of the Rand/USD Exchange rate” and this is certainly true and encouraging. However, in order for this to be sustainable, it is up to us – the small businesses – to continue our drive and our passion for success!
At AIGS we are totally committed to this and, to help us succeed in our endeavours, we are delighted to welcome Annelien de Jager to the Management Team in the role of Business Development Manager. Later in the newsletter, Annelien tells us a bit more about herself and her background. Suffice to say that she comes to AIGS with lots of very relevant experience, particularly in the areas of Data, Data Management and Data Analytics – all of which are at the heart of our business. Even AI needs data!!!
Also mentioned elsewhere is the EMEA PUG Challenge, that was recently held in Prague. There was a healthy contingent of South Africans in attendance, including 8 people jointly sponsored by Progress and AIGS. These events, although predominantly technical, are also a great opportunity to catch up with what is happening in the larger Progress Community. It is always heartening to see that, despite all the challenges that we face, particularly on the economic and social fronts, in the Progress OpenEdge world we continue to grow on a par with the rest of the world.
A little over 14 years ago, on July 1st 2010, AIGS opened its doors as the Progress Distributor – we will celebrate 15 years next year! The need for continued representation of Progress in South Africa has not diminished in this time, nor will it into the future. We have some exciting opportunities as we go into 2025 and, with your support, we intend to be here for you well into the future!
Recent Posts
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
October 21, 2024MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
October 21, 2024PUG CHALLENGE EMEA – AND THE FUTURE
October 17, 2024PARTNER & CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
October 16, 2024Categories