A very dear friend has reminded me on numerous occasions that one must not let yesterday take up too much of today. However, the end of a year does provide good perspective and an opportunity to glance back over the past year while keeping a clear focus on the future.
In this year we have experienced ups and downs. We’ve had an election, seen significant emigration, fought factionalism and xenophobia, we’ve been under threat from ratings agencies, seen revelations comes to light through the Zondo commission, and witnessed another cricket world cup. While none of these have had a particularly positive effect on the property industry, the election provided a clear mandate to govern and we are seeing the effects of the new hands on the wheel on almost all fronts. We also won the rugby world cup, and more importantly from a property perspective, we had enjoyed relative stability.
As we look towards 2020, we prepare to celebrate Snymans’ 25th birthday. And if Ambrose Bierce is to be believed, the future is also that period of time in which our affairs prosper, our friends are true and our happiness is assured.
It is of course, important to remain pragmatic about what 2020 will hold. While I don’t see the market skyrocketing or plummeting, I believe Bishop Tutu, South Africa’s moral compass of many decades sums it up best when he says “I am a prisoner of hope”. We remain hopeful and committed as the new year nears.
As the pace slows as we approach the end of the year, rest well, recharge and enjoy blessed time spent with loved ones. It is indeed rare and precious. May 2020 see you rejuvenated and enthusiastic for the bright future which awaits.
Jansen Snyman