As 2007 rapidly draws to a close, we extend our best wishes to all the SERA participants, our partners and stakeholders for a restful year-end break and a happy and healthy 2008.

The past year has been marked by a number of significant achievements for the SERA Focus Area teams. Among these is the success of the Mopani Processing Project of the Sustainable Rural Development Focus Area. By February, 13 of the 33 targeted villages in Limpopo had already been trained in harvesting and preparation of Mopani worms.

Of particular importance nationally and across the continent, is the establishment of the University of Pretoria Water Institute - spurred by the relationship between the SERA Water Focus Area and the Georgia Institute of Technology. This world-class education and technology transfer institute has created a new and united front to tackle capacity and research problems towards more sustainable use of Africa's water resources.

During 2007, we have recognised and celebrated the local and international successes of the SERA partner organisations. These include the submission of a proposal for a project to develop a process integration approach as an optimisation tool in Clean Coal Technology by researchers at UP and CSIR, in collaboration with the University of Limerick in Ireland. This coincided with the announcement of the first three chairs of energy research by the South African National Energy Research Institute (SANERI).

The finalisation in 2006 of the renewal processes within the CSIR and UP, have provided us with the opportunity to accordingly review SERA's framework. The CSIR's Beyond 60 process, and the national reconfiguration of institutions of higher learning for UP, have enhanced the essence of SERA in building cross-boundary capacity and fostering a research environment that benefits its participants. In turn, we are responsible for ensuring that the Alliance now continues on this trajectory with renewed commitment and vigour.

The 2007 Panel Review process provided for the continued alignment of SERA and its Focus Areas and related projects and initiatives, with the mandates of the CSIR and UP and government national strategies. The Review included methods of collaboration and performance monitoring indicators. Our thanks to all who participated in this process - their valuable input contributes to steering SERA on the path to even greater success.

2008 initiatives will include the production of joint SERA-related publications, the development of models for joint ownership of intellectual property, and joint contribution to training of technical staff and students. SERA remains committed to its initial mandate of pioneering new and powerful collaboration within the National System of Innovation, attracting and retaining the best people, and applying knowledge and resources to all aspects of the SET value chain.

To all who have travelled this journey with us, and to those who will join us in the future, thank you! We look forward to continuing and improving upon meeting the challenges and sharing in the successes.

Khungeka Njobe, CSIR	Robin Crewe, University of Pretoria
SERA Relationship Managers