2011 has again been a tough year, and a year without the highs of the World Cup, nor the winning of the Rugby World Cup nor, for that matter, the Currie Cup.

Well done to New Zealand and the Lions.

Besides the economic problems of Europe and the world, we in South Africa have had our difficult economic times, compounded by the inefficiencies of government and some of our municipalities. Corruption has again filled our newspapers.

The encouraging signs, however, have been the fact that some of the pillars of our young democracy have stood firm. We have seen the new Chief Justice grilled in an open and transparent forum, a sight that we would not have seen in the old South Africa. The President has at last called for a Commission of Enquiry into the Arms Deal. Some may say due to the pressures of a possible Constitutional Court ruling. Due to Advocate Thulisile Madonsela, the Public Protector, putting pressure on the President, two Ministers have been packed off and the Commissioner of Police suspended. It is sad that all these happenings have taken place, but it has also shown that the cornerstones of democracy are in place. These examples show that the citizens do have power, even if they have to fight long and hard to exercise it. Again, this would not have happened in the past.

More and more frequently we are hearing cries from prominent citizens attacking the ANC. These citizens include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Moeletsi Mbeki, Dr Mamphela Ramphele and Prof Jansen, among others.

In 2008 the Dinokeng Scenario team came together and posed the following questions:

1. How can we as South Africans address our critical chal-lenges before they become time bombs that destroy our accomplishments?

2. What can each of us do in our homes, communities and work places to help build a future that lives up to the promise of 1994?

The Scenario team, under Dr Mamphela Ramphele, came up with three ways that we might walk into and create our future.

The scenario that we would all like to see was the third; where we walk together. The scenario sees citizens becoming engaged and take leadership, and holding government accountable. This is not an easy path, and can only be achieved if citizens, groups, business, labour and broader society actively get involved.

This year we as a firm initiated Proudly Pietermaritzburg, a movement with the intention of forming Pietermaritzburg's first Business Improvement District in the central city. This was initiated after the municipality collapsed, and provincial government was forced to step in and appoint an Administrator. This is a long-term project which we are pleased to say has gained the support of the Premier of KZN, the Mayor and executives of the municipality, the Chamber of Business, and many citizens and businesses of Pietermaritzburg. It will be a hard task, but if we stick to it and manage to follow the example of the Cape Town Partnership, Maritzburg will be a far better place.

As we go into 2012, we call on all of you, our clients and friends, to consider the role that you are playing in this country and to see if you can do something, however small, to ensure that the "walk together" scenario comes to fruition. The more of us that get involved, the more successful we will be in realising the dream of 1994.

On behalf of all the Directors and staff at Venn Nemeth & Hart, we wish you a wonderful festive season, and may 2012 be a good year for you and your family.

Regards and best wishes

Guy Smith
Chairman