View Annual Review - IAESTE

International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience
Anniversary Congratulations
IAESTE ANNUAL REVIEW 2006
AFTER 50 YEARS:
NEW BEGINNINGS FOR
IAESTE SOUTH AFRICA
In 1956 South Africa joined a network of
dedicated people, who cared about the
future, not only of their own country,
but of the world. This was the IAESTE
network. Since then IAESTE South Africa
actively participated in the exchange
with other Member countries under the
hosting organisation, the National Research
Foundation. Since our inception IAESTE
South Africa has sent 1400 students abroad
and received 2239 trainees in our country.
Forty five years after South Africa was
accepted as a Member of IAESTE, we
had the opportunity to host the IAESTE
University of Pretoria, South Africa
Annual Conference in Durban in January
2001. According to attending delegates, it
was a great success. In 2003 the National
Research Foundation handed over IAESTE
South Africa to the University of Pretoria
and IAESTE South Africa went through a
complete transition. From being run by
full time paid staff at the National Research
Foundation it became a volunteer student
run organisation. This proved to be a tough
time for IAESTE South Africa but thanks to
the help and guidance of other Members
we are now beginning to find our feet in
the workings of the new A.s.b.l Association.
IAESTE South Africa is in the process of
rebuilding its reputation.
On a personal note, as the
new National Secretary
of IAESTE South Africa,
I would like to thank all
Member countries who
offered their help and
knowledge at the General Conference 2006
and to those who already helped me so
much when I needed information.
PJ van Ginkel
National Secretary,
IAESTE South Africa
14