From the new SANRASM Executive Committee

[Geoff Pethick]

Hello all

For some time, and particularly after the Chamdor debacle, which saw 27 historic locos cut, SANRASM has had a pretty poor reputation andhas been a prize candidate in the art of not communicating. This despite the excellent SANRASM Courier put together by John Batwell.

The Chamdor saga resulted in a number of resignations from the SANRASM Committee, leaving stalwarts Mike Dyke and Joe Lekalakala to face the flak. John Hammill and Geoff Pethick have joined the Executive Committee, and there are one or two more people still to make a decision.

Following an AGM and SGM the membership have approved an action plan based on that put forward by Steam In Action and empowered the Executive Committee to carry it through..

In short this means leaving the present Randfontein sites as soon as possible, they have become indefensible in the current climate. Seven security incidents in the last week or so, only reinforce that view. Fortunately nothing of any significance was taken, although there is a wheel awaiting collection from the Kagiso Police Station. Scrap thieves have again been busy of the hacked G Class, cut up rods left behind are evidence of that

Notably the NGG 11 Garratt outside North site has already been rescued and gone to Sandstone. It's hard to think of a worse place to leave the world's second oldest Garratt and it's a wonder it too wasn't written off by the thieves. Some steam rollers and the narrow gauge O&K have followed and Sandstone have made available their mobile crane and large forklift.

We also want to thank the Steam in Action team for the help and support given to us at this trying time.

The intention is to move the core of the collection to Reefsteamers, where the security is being vastly upgraded in conjunction with Shongololo. Sidings are being refurbished and new fencing will be put up to store the increased number of items there.

One of the worst tasks is making up a list that satisfies the preservation criteria, while at the same time being feasible in terms of space, transport and cost. Hopefully, once this list is released, and it should be ready any day now, it will become clear that favourite and historic items are to be retained. There will be locomotives that are available for sale, as well as for spares or scrap, rest assured scrapping is the last resort. The task is made more difficult by the fact that we have not located an up to date Asset Register, so piecing the picture together involves going through hundreds and hundreds of documents.

We cannot live in the past, nor do we wish to pursue unrealistic dreams and goals. It's the most challenging task in SA preservation today and we need your support, views, input, ideas and assistance. No more will SANRASM be a 'secret society', ploughing a lone furrow against the world, its important we hear from everyone.

Plans are being formulated as we go on, and there will no doubt be changes along the way. We don't claim to be infallible, but we will give it our very best shot.

Regards
Mike Dyke
Joe Lekalakala
John Hammill
Geoff Pethick
SANRASM Executive Committee

[Dylan Knott]

Thanks. I will assist wherever I can with this saga. I will also support the new SANRASM EXCO and SIA.

[Steve Appleton]

Thank you for that update, Geoff. I have no doubt that the new committee will drive this to the best conclusion possible. A candid and pragmatic realisation of the dire and terminal situation that existed has set you on the right path. I am pleased to see that path is now being taken.

Under the new committee's guidance, I am sure SANRASM will arise as a full and trusted member of the rail heritage preservation community and will take its deserved place.

Well done all and full strength to your elbows!!