Please note that our offices close on 18th December and reopen on 9th of January 2012.

19 DEC 2012
Hello 2013 Goodbye 2012

Dear Silke Clients,

Firstly, we would like to thank you for your very valued business. We're blessed to be associated with an ever increasing number of inspirational people.

As 2012 draws to an end, I am acutely aware that we are coming to the end of a 5125 year-long cycle in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar. This date is regarded by some as the end of the world "prophecy" date and is scaring the pants off the general public. In keeping with my academic studies this year, although various astronomical alignments and numerological formulae have been proposed as pertaining to this date, none have been accepted by mainstream academia.

Anyone worried that the world will come to an end on Friday (Dec. 21) can scan the heavens online this week for any sign of the end of all seasons. The online Slooh Space Camera will broadcast a series of live cosmic views all week, beginning Dec. 17. The free webcasts will help the public keep watch for any monster solar storms, impending asteroid strikes, or other potential agents of the so-called "Mayan apocalypse" that doomsayers claim is set for Friday. You can check out the schedule and watch the shows at: http://www.slooh.com.

As 2012 leaves us with, amongst others, there are memories of the start of an exceptional learning journey at Stellenbosch (mine); art with the boys from the Homestead; a Moody rand; hanging with Uncle Warren Buffet; four new Silke babies (includes Trevor being a grandpa for the 3rd time); Carole taking on a CRM course at UNISA; Luvuyo awarded the Hayden Lubisi Scholarship award from UCT for the important role he has played in the area of social responsibility; Ken rocking on legally and musically; newly employed Linda managing my time (who would have said that someone could do this); and my kids teaching me quantum theory (I think it's maths); I am reminded that it is the festive season once again.

Time for mistletoe kissing. I believe mistletoe is hung up in houses at Christmas and hopefully [if I can convince my wife] gives one the privilege of kissing whoever is under it! In the past this tradition was activated by plucking a berry from the bush. When the berries are all plucked, the privilege ceases.

Personally my goals remain the same as last year: Don't wish the remaining days (3 if you believe in the Mayan Calendar) 2012 days away and to enjoy every day to its fullest. Find that mistletoe bush and let's not forget last year's Resolution #223: 'I will not spend my money frivolously, I will not...'

Before I let you down: My financial recommended goals for 2012:

• Continue to focus on your personalised goal orientated budgets; and
• Stay positive in thoughts and actions. [Remember you CANNOT think yourself into anything, you need to reinforce this with POSITIVE ACTION]

In closing, season's greetings to you all, a very Happy Christmas and Happy Chanukah [Hanukkah]. And do stay safe on the roads.

This will be our last Communiqué until mid-January 2012. Should you experience any emergencies during this period contact Shane (cell 082 373 2899) and he will assist you where possible.

"Let's talk soon"
The Silke Financial Services Team!