This year that is racing towards its end has had many highlights and a few lows. A number of our members have moved on and they are going to be sorely missed. We were controversially knocked out of the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup (Bryce Lawrence).

On the bright side we have to congratulate Prof Mthunzi Ngcelwane on a year well run as President and on gaining respect while travelling; our thanks are due to him for accompanying the overseas guests on their visit to a game farm. Jan de Vos and his team are to be commended on hosting a successful congress at Sun City - excellent instructional courses and academic programme - as well as for arranging delightful social events.

During the year members of EXCO and the secretariat worked hard on projects, the results of which we should see in the near future. And payments granted by the Compensation Commissioner have been accelerated.

I also want to thank Prof Roelie Gräbe and his team for their constant input into the South African Orthopaedic Journal; it is a job well done.

May everyone have a wonderful festive season and come back fully revived in 2012.