At last, the news we've all been waiting for! The undersea cable really is about to come online, bringing high-speed low cost Internet connectivity to a number of countries in eastern and southern Africa.

For those of us who've become disillusioned by the long wait for the promised service, it seems almost unbelievable that it's finally going to happen. But according to SEACOM CEO Brian Herlihy, the new service in on track to go live on 27 June. That's this year, people!

9th Biennial SAIF Convention took place from 25-28 May at the Protea Karridene Beach Hotel in Illova Beach, KZN. Sheila was there on Day 2, soaking up some great ideas, catching up with old friends and meeting some new ones.

On 16 September, Sheila was invited to present a talk on Online Fundraising at the KZN branch of the Southern African Intitute of Fundraising.

Entitled, Your donors are online – are you there to greet them – Sheila's presentation emphasised the growth of online shopping in the South African market, and the need for fundraisers to embrace the new techology to reach potential supporters and donors.

Judging by comments made, most delegates found the session of great interest.

"I learnt so very much and came away greatly enriched,' - Sandra P, African Enterprise

'Thank you I really loved the presentation and found it most useful. I will be speaking to our IT people within the week!' – Karen, Thomas More College

"very useful ... I now have many ideas' - Ravind S, Dance4Life