I’m currently taking part in an excellent corrosion seminar in Johannesburg. Now, you’re probably wondering why I’m typing this rather than paying attention to the current speaker. Simple answer. Power cut plus netbook equals chance to get some writing done. Apparently, someone cut through the main cable while fixing the road.

While here I’ve had the opportunity to talk with the movers and shakers in the Corrosion Institute of Southern Africa and it perhaps comes as no surprise that they have many of the same problems, concerns and opportunities as we do. There are a lot of potential synergies between our two organisations. It’s only a few weeks ago since I was having similar discussions with corrosion professionals in South Korea and there is an article giving more details elsewhere in this edition. The photograph this time is taken in Busan, South Korea (thanks to Bob Cottis) and shows what a tough time I’ve been having on your behalf.

My hotel room here has the interesting feature of a translucent wall to the bathroom so, presumably, when sharing the room you are treated to an impromptu erotic cabaret as your partner (hopefully life, not business) takes a shower. Of course, I’m on my own and had hung up a shirt in the shower cubicle for the creases to fall out in the humid air. Between the glass wall and the back lighting it looked like my bathroom was haunted. Gave me a bit of a turn – but not as much as someone else would have got had they encountered me showering. Less erotic than emetic, I suspect.

While I have your attention (if no longer your respect) I would like to impart some news relating to our next President. As you will no doubt recall, Dave Worsley was lined up as our next President and due to take over towards the end of the year. Unfortunately, Dave isn’t going be able to take on this role at the moment so we have deferred his Presidency for the time being. Fortunately, we are anything but limited in the qualities of our membership and I am delighted to inform you, with the overwhelming support of Council, that Bob Crundwell has agreed to step in. Bob has a long association with the Institute and brings a powerful blend of technical and commercial competence to the task. About time, I hear some of you say – I have broad shoulders, I can take it. I look forward to his formal election at this  year’s AGM.
Finally, I’d just like to remind you about the technical forum on our website where you have the opportunity to ask questions and start discussions about any aspect of corrosion, the Institute or virtually anything else you can think of. Remember, we need answers too so don’t be coy.

Hurrah, the power is back and I should direct my attention to the nice gentleman talking about remote monitoring in the process industry. It’s a hard life.

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