Goodbye 2013 Hello 2014

20 December 2013

In many ways, 2013 has been one of the most challenging and exciting years ever at Silke Financial Services.

Challenging, in that we have shared the loss of loved ones and many clients, yet have had the privilege of assisting them and their families during their process.

On this note, I would like to share some profound words spoken by Steve Jobs in 2005 in his Stanford commencement address about connecting dots, education, love and loss. The part that resonates with me the most is the heartfelt case he makes for following our creative curiosity in order to contribute to the world our best potential:

'Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.'

Christmas is much related to the above, it gives us the opportunity to focus on and thank the people in our lives.

"Thank you for sharing your life experiences with us." ...

Exciting, in that our management team has grown to include greater levels of expertise in related and supporting fields. This has allowed us to develop our systems to continue servicing our ever growing client base with absolute excellence.

Members of the reconstituted team count amongst them more than 57 years collective experience with Silke, and will steer it towards even stronger growth in the years ahead. The team's key focus will always be enhancing the level of service delivered to our loyal and stable client base, and meeting their complete range of wealth management needs. Our comprehensive wealth management offering includes a fiduciary service, an online investment account, risk management, and asset management. We also continue to pursue philanthropic activities like Ikwezi Art Centre, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year.

As many of you already know, at the beginning of the year owing to ill health, Ken decided to take on more legal work in the financial services industry and all clients are now being seen by me. I started helping clients with Personal Wealthcare at Silke Financial Services in 1998 and was appointed Managing Partner in 2007. I am a Certified Financial Planner®, General Tax Practitioner (SA)™ and Financial Coach with COMENSA, supported by Linda Graham (B.Bus Sci Marketing, Economics, UCT).

Sadly, we would also like to take this opportunity to formally announce that our dearest founder, Kenny Silke, was recently diagnosed with motor neuron disease. He is assured by his neurologist that he has many years ahead. Needless to say the past few weeks have been a roller coaster ride for all of us and as you can all appreciate, our lives have been turned upside down. I would like you all to know that Ken is in excellent medical hands and is emotionally in good spirits. Ken (my mentor) will continue to be part of the managerial team and intends to participate actively in client meetings in the years to come.

As you know, Jon Jaaback who has 15 years' experience as a management consultant, joined our team at the beginning of this year and will be managing the change programme alongside Trevor, Carolyn and me. Trevor will continue managing our core operational team and focus on servicing primary clients within Silke Financial Services.

From a business perspective, assets under management have again grown by a healthy margin in 2013. We are encouraged by this strong performance in a challenging environment and believe the outlook for 2014 is positive! In addition to the management changes, we have amended the investment upfront fee on all existing primary clients with assets of R2m or more to 0%.

It is safe to say that 2013 will also be remembered as one of the best years of my life. Filled with tears, but mostly laughter. I wish to use Mandela as my sounding board for the road ahead. Love, simplicity, honesty, service, humility, care, courage, foresight, patience, tolerance, equality, justice. "We dare not fail you Tata."

Thank you for your support, time and friendship during 2013. And so, as this eventful year of 2013 draws to a close, I wish you a Joyous Festive Season and New Year, and whatever you are doing, please do it safely!

Please note that our offices will be closed from the 20th of December to the 6th of January 2014. This will be our last Communiqué until mid-January 2014. Should you experience any emergencies during this period contact me (Shane) on my cell number 082 373 2899 and I will gladly assist you where possible.

"Let's talk soon."

Shane, Ken and the rest Silke Financial Services Team.