Rotary Africa November 2016

ROTARY AFRICAEstablished 1927 • A member of the Rotary World Magazine Press • November 2016

www.rotaryafrica.com

ROTARY FAMILY HEALTHDAYS


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4 ♦ Rotary Africa ♦ November 2016

Editor Sarah van HeerdenAdministration Sharon Robertson

Chairman Gerald SieberhagenDirectors Greg Cryer Andy Gray Peter Hugo Anton Meerkotter Natty Moodley

Publisher Rotary in Africa Reg. No. 71/04840/08 (incorp. association not for gain) PBO No: 18/13/13/3091 Registered at the GPO as a newspaper

Design & Layout Rotary in Africa

Printers Colour Planet, Pinetown

Advertising Sharon Robertson Sarah van Heerden Tariff card on request at www.rotaryafrica.com

Subscriptions Sharon Robertson www.rotaryafrica.com (digital)

Contributions [email protected]

Distribution Rotary Districts 9210, 9211, 9212, 9220, 9350, 9370 and 9400 (Southern and Eastern Africa)

Contact Rotary Africa P.O. Box 563 Westville 3630 South Africa

Telephone 0027 (31) 267 1848Fax 0027 (31) 267 1849Email [email protected] www.rotaryafrica.com

The Rotary Emblem, Rotary International, Rotary, Rotary Club and Rotarian are trademarks of Rotary International and are used under licence. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of Rotary Africa, Rotary International or The Rotary Foundation.

MEET THE TEAM From the editor

Sarah

BREED COURAGE

Rotary Africa

magazine

If this issue of Rotary Africa had to have a name it would definitely be the Rotary Family Health Days (RFHD) issue. I remember the first one held in South Africa. I did not realise how much bigger it would become. But I still don’t think enough people realise how amazing and far reaching this project is.

Many of our clubs were involved and our Rotarians outdid themselves. The fabulous pictures and stories which appeared on social media made me proud of our dedicated teams. I can’t wait for next year, as I hope to see more and more clubs joining this movement to bring health care to all people in all areas. Imagine if we could have 150 or more sites across South Africa or even if we had 90 percent of our clubs involved, that would be incredible! So, remember when you start thinking of ideas for club projects to undertake next year, Rotary Family Health Days should make your list.

On a more serious note, anyone who follows the news will be aware of the violent student protests that have rocked South Africa recently. While I agree that education should not only be available to the lucky few who can afford it, I will never agree that the radical action needed to bring about radical change (a phrase many protest leaders have used) has to include violence. History has taught us that violence and destruction don’t necessarily bring about change and in many instances leave communities worse off.

It seems the world as a whole is becoming more violent and intolerant. Once again, this highlights the importance of our peace projects. I personally feel it also highlights another issue, one which is clearly present in most countries (first world and developing). Too many politicians and community leaders pander for votes with empty promises and by playing on hatred and intolerance. It appears that leaders of integrity are discouraged from standing up and making themselves heard. We need people of integrity to stand up and say “enough!” We need to show people that promises of giving are more often than not empty and that help comes to those who are willing to help themselves.

This is why sustainable projects are important. Sure, we can give but we need to also try to give more ‘hand ups’ than ‘hand outs’. Some may think this is mean. It is not. By teaching people how to help themselves, by assisting them in taking the first steps, we are empowering them. We are giving them the confidence to believe that they can do anything and that they are in control of their own lives.

Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds courage. Courage allows you to dream big and be proud. When you have all that, those figureheads who feed on hatred, those who live and act without integrity become tiny insignificant beings who are easily ignored and dismissed.

Have a wonderful month,



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https://www.facebook.com/rotaryafricamag





JOHN F GERMPresident, Rotary International

Message from the

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ON THE WEBSpeeches and news from RI President John F Germ at www.rotary.org/office-president

DEAR FELLOW ROTARIANS,

Looking back at the momentous 1917 Rotary Convention in Atlanta, it is difficult to see what could have been contentious about the words of then President Arch C Klumph: “It seems eminently proper that we should accept endowments for the purpose of doing good in the world.” Yet, at the time, support for the idea was far from unanimous. Some thought an endowment fund would create more trouble than it was worth. But Klumph’s idea received the support it most needed in the form of an initial donation of $26.50 from the Rotary Club of Kansas City (D6040, USA).

Nearly 100 years later, we recognise Klumph’s idea as not only visionary, but revolutionary: It set in place the mechanism that allowed Rotary to become the vast force for “doing good in the world” that it is today.

In many ways, our Rotary Foundation is the foundation of Rotary as we know it. It has created a mechanism for cooperation and partnership among clubs and between Rotary and other organisations; it has enabled us to be ever more ambitious in our work and to reach for goals of historic proportions, such as the eradication of polio. It is impossible to quantify the good that has been done over the last century as a

result of The Rotary Foundation. All we can know for sure is that Arch Klumph, if he could see it, would be proud.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our international convention in Atlanta: the city where our Foundation was born. I hope a record number of Rotarians will be there to celebrate the centennial of our Foundation. In the meantime, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate! I encourage you to read more about the Foundation centennial at centennial.rotary.org. There, you’ll learn about the history of our Foundation and find ideas for events and projects in your clubs and your community.

One of the most important ways we are celebrating the Foundation centennial is with a fundraising goal of $300 million. Your gift to your Foundation is the best way of ensuring a strong second century for Rotarians Doing Good in the World and for Rotary Serving Humanity.


Foundation Trustee Chair’s message

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

First. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

Second. High ethical standards in business and professions; the

recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

Third. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;

Fourth. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a

world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

Of the things we think, say or do:1) Is it the TRUTH?2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Object of Rotary

The Four-Way Test

what you should know

Join in and show your support for The Rotary Foundation. Here are some ways to get involved:• Plan a Rotary Day in your community to raise awareness of Rotary and its Foundation.• Promote projects your club or district is involved in that are funded by the Foundation. Share your photos

and stories on your social media pages using #TRF100.• Empower The Rotary Foundation to support the good

work of Rotary clubs by making a special contribution.• Apply for a grant from the Foundation to fund a project.• Attend the Rotary Convention in Atlanta, 10-14 June 2017.

CELEBRATE THE FOUNDATION CENTENNIAL

Kalyan BanerjeeFOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR

CELEBRATE FOUNDATION MONTHBack in 1956, the Rotary International Board of Directors designated a week in November urging all clubs “to devote a programme to The Rotary Foundation.” In 1982, the Board determined that the entire month of November should be dedicated to the Foundation.

Since then our Foundation has grown and flourished in ways that few Rotarians could have imagined. In 1985, Rotary took on its first corporate project – a bold campaign to immunise the world’s children against polio and create a polio-free world.

Our humanitarian programmes grew so rapidly that the Foundation could not process the volume of requests for grants efficiently. That led to the creation of a new grant model that supports Global Grants with greater and longer-lasting impact and District Grants which fund small-scale, short-term activities. And we fulfilled Rotarians’ long-held dream for a “peace university” with the launch of the Rotary Peace Centres.

Rotarian financial support has skyrocketed as well. In 1982/83, contributions barely totalled $19 million. Compare that with 2015/16, when the figure jumped to

$265.6 million. This November, we’ll celebrate not just Foundation

Month, but also The Rotary Foundation’s centennial. The Rotary website offers many creative ideas for honouring this very special occasion, but there are three activities that I especially recommend.

The first is to hold an event for the entire community that spotlights the Foundation’s 100 years of Doing Good in the World. Second, plan and sponsor a project that addresses a critical problem. It could be done from locally raised funds, or you might seek a global grant. There are so many options to choose from - from providing clean water, to ensuring basic education for girls in every part of the world, to tackling malaria or HIV/AIDS or any number of preventable diseases.

The third activity I recommend is for every Rotarian to make a centennial donation. Let’s never forget that The Rotary Foundation belongs to all of us. You and I provide the funding for just about every bit of good that our Foundation is doing in the world – and has been doing for an entire century. Let’s make sure we continue that tradition for the next 100 years.


Convention

The Margaret Mitchell House and Museum was known as the Crescent Apartments when Mitchell and her husband lived there from 1925 to 1932. It was in their ground-floor apartment that Mitchell wrote the bulk of her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gone with the Wind. At first the novel’s heroine was named Pansy O’Hara but the name was changed to Scarlett prior to publication. Another interesting fact about the novel is that Margaret used parts of the manuscript to prop up a wobbly couch.

The great city of Atlanta suffered extensive damage during the Civil War and many of its pre-war structures were lost. However, stories of Georgia’s nearly 300-year history abound – you just have to know where to find them.

Only a short ride from the site of the 2017 Rotary International Convention, lies Oakland Cemetery, where you’ll find monuments dedicated to Confederate soldiers and the graves of famous locals, including golf great Bobby Jones and Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell. Tours of the 48-acre space are available.

Speaking of Mitchell, her former home – where she wrote her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel – still stands in midtown Atlanta. Across town at the Atlanta History Centre, you’ll find more historic homes to tour, including

a Civil War-era farmhouse and a cabin that dates to Atlanta’s earliest days.

An hour and a half away, in Macon, Ocmulgee National Monument offers the chance to journey even further into Georgia’s past: The prehistoric American Indian site is said to represent 17 000 years of continuous human habitation.

If Rotary history is what interests you, you won’t have to go far. The 1917 Rotary Convention was held in the Baptist Tabernacle, today a concert venue known simply as the Tabernacle, a short distance from the Fountain of Rings in Centennial Olympic Park.

–DEBLINA CHAKRABORTY

Register for the 2017 Rotary Convention in Atlanta at riconvention.org.

OLD-SCHOOL ATLANTA


by PDG Andrew Jaeger, Regional Rotary Coordinator

WHY DO WESTAY?

Your club - every club - has experienced this: You bring in a new member full of excitement and enthusiasm but after a year or two the member quits, without having become involved in the club. And this is something which is repeated many times throughout the Rotary year.

What happened? And more important, can it be stopped? Fortunately when you understand the answer to the first question, the answer to the second is a resounding “yes!”

Thanks to surveys we now know why members leave and the answer is no surprise. Members leave when they no longer obtain from Rotary that for which they joined. Why do people join Rotary? It differs by each member but the most common are to give back to their community (service), to network, to obtain professional development and to meet new friends. All of these are perfectly legitimate goals for Rotary membership.

I think that Rotarians sometimes fail to understand the full breadth of our great organisation. Yes, Rotary is a ‘service organisation’ but ‘service’ is much broader than most members think.

We have Five Avenues of Service (community, international, club, youth and vocational service) and they are of equal importance. Too many times we assume everyone joins for one reason – community service.

I once read an article in The Rotarian in which a long time member said he joined Rotary for the ‘wrong’ reason (networking) and stayed for the ‘right’ reason (community service). I completely disagree that networking is not a valid attraction to Rotary. In fact, most young people join for vocational service (professional development and networking) and leave when their clubs provide too little in this avenue to keep them interested. They never have a chance to learn about the other Avenues of Service that make Rotary membership a lifetime adventure!

Full disclosure: I joined Rotary to network with honest, ethical people who promoted integrity in their businesses and daily lives. I caught the service bug after a couple years. Service is also an important part of the Rotary road but networking was the hook that

brought me in, as it is for most of the younger members. As it was for Paul Harris himself, who started Rotary to network and make friends! Let’s embrace it as a valid introduction to Rotary.

Our first priority is to find out what current members want from Rotary. The old days of making members fit into our box are gone. The world has changed and Rotary and our clubs need to change with it, so that we can attract future members. We need to know what current members want and then we need to have the courage to implement changes to make those members happy.

How do you find out what members want? Ask them! Do club surveys or discuss it in club assemblies. Do member focus groups. Surveys need not be long or complicated. A few simple questions are all that is needed. Contact me if you need help to conduct a survey and implement its results.

People have limited time. They will only join and remain in organisations if they perceive the value to be worthy of their time. Does your club offer a value proposition? In other words, what do members receive from being a member of your club? Why should they join? Once you understand this you are on your way to growing your club. Please make use of myself or my excellent assistants, Stella Dongo, Annemarie Mostert and Maddy Webber, if you need any help in strengthening your club’s membership.

In conclusion, I read a Facebook post by Wally Pelser which had a quote from a book (I do not know its title) which epitomised an important part of the Rotary membership experience. It read: “The people who we surround ourselves with either raise or lower our standards. They either help us to become the best version of ourselves or encourage us to become lesser versions of ourselves. We become like our friends. No person becomes great on their own. The people around them help to make them great. We all need people in our lives who raise our standards, remind us of our essential purpose and challenge us to become the best version of ourselves.”

Can there be a more noble pursuit for Rotarians?

Trust is not a short-term prospectInspire action!

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www.salvationarmy.org.za


FOUNDATION MONTH LET’S CELEBRATEFoundation matters

By PDG Patrick ColemanRegional Rotary Foundation Coordinator Zone 20A South

About 50 years ago three singers, Chuck Negron, Cory Wells and Danny Hutton (who got his start with Hanna-Barbera Records in 1964 - the same company that brought you the Flintstones, The Smurfs and Scooby-Doo) formed a band called Three Dog Night.

Where did they get the name Three Dog Night? Danny Hutton’s girlfriend suggested the name after reading a magazine article about indigenous Australians in which it was explained that on cold nights they would customarily sleep in a hole in the ground while embracing a dingo (wild dog). On colder nights they would sleep with two dogs and if the night was freezing, it was a ‘three dog night’.

What does this have to do with The Rotary Foundation? Nothing… but you are still reading!

Three Dog Night sang a song entitled “Celebrate!” The message of the song is: Do not just sit at home… Go out and celebrate!

The Rotary Foundation is celebrating our centennial year! Make your centennial celebration something to sing about! A few weeks ago, Rotarians across South Africa conducted Rotary Family Health Days where communities came together and witnessed the incredible things Rotary can do. This is a great reason to “Celebrate!”

On the weekend prior to 24 October, Rotarians came together to commemorate World Polio Day with fundraising events to finish the task of Kicking Polio Out Of Africa… and off the planet for good. I am looking forward to hearing about those “Celebrations!”

How can we further the celebrations? Throw a party, have a braai; make it as formal or as informal as you please! Invite friends, business and community leaders to celebrate with us!

The short video: “A Century of Doing Good in the World” is available for download at http://video.rotary.org/mhDR/a-century-of-doing-good-in-the-world/ and is in all of the Rotary languages! It tells of the history and successes of our Rotary Foundation. It can be shown at Rotary club meetings, special events and even on local television stations.

We can CELEBRATE with the world and while we are at it… raise something for The Rotary Foundation.

A Rotarian from Australia, Susanne Rea, came up with a very simple idea in order to raise “a few dollars” for Polio Eradication – The World’s Greatest Meal to End Polio (WGM). It started small – as most great ideas

do – with a few people having lunch and putting a few dollars into a plate for PolioPlus. (Steve Jobs started in his parents’ garage. Michael Dell started in his university dorm room. Bill Gates formed Microsoft with Paul Allen in the The Poker Room in Currier House at Harvard University) The WGM grew to the point that Susanne is now travelling all over the world raising money to End Polio Now!

As of the end of September, there had been 3 122 WGM events registered in 72 countries with more than 173 600 participants worldwide. Nearly US$2.2 million was raised, a total which will increase to nearly USD$6.5 when the matching funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are added. This translates into enough funds to buy more than 10 831 000 polio vaccinations!

Is there a better reason to celebrate? We are, indeed, This Close to eradicating polio!

Why is this so special? This is the only Rotary Foundation Centennial that we are ever going to celebrate! Face it, the chance of any of us making it to the bicentennial are pretty slim. Let’s make our centennial a great one. Make this the year that you make The Rotary Foundation your Charity of Choice.

There are some very unusual and fun ways to raise funds. My own club is having a Bingo For Polio night. Several clubs in the USA are hosting Pints for Polio events! (Yes… That got your attention!) Other clubs are hosting dinner dances, raffles, casino nights and any number of other events to raise awareness and funds for The Rotary Foundation. Of course, there is that tried and tested fundraising method of dipping into our own pockets; I bought a baseball thrown by RI President John Germ in an auction!

Here is my personal challenge. As I browse through the giving records of Rotary clubs in southern Africa I noticed that many, many Rotarians and clubs have not made any contribution for five to 10 years.

We want to celebrate together. If every Rotarian in every Rotary club gives ‘something,’ then we can celebrate together. Some can do a lot and some can do a little, but everyone can do ‘something.’ I am not asking for equal gifts, but equal sacrifice. Together we can celebrate Doing Good in the World!

PS: To my American friends… Happy Thanksgiving on 24 November!


Digital directionsby Evan Burrell

CRISIS MANAGEMENT HOW TO HANDLE A SOCIAL

MEDIA CIRCUS

Evan Burrell is a 30-something, Generation Y Rotarian from Australia who has made it his mission to tell his Rotary story in a fun and irreverent way. He joined Rotaract in

June 1999 and has stayed an active member of the Rotary family. He is also an actor, model, professional public

speaker, promotional marketer and social media specialist. Each month in Rotary Down Under, and now Rotary Africa, Evan provides his thoughts and ideas on using technology

and social media in a fun and creative way.

There seems to be a social media crisis or PR nightmare almost every other week and sadly, your Rotary club isn’t immune to a potential crisis that could be blown out of proportion.

Crisis planning is essential and an effective crisis plan is based first and foremost on truth, transparency and sincerity.

Every Rotary club should have a strategy for how it will deal with a public relations disaster, either online or offline. If your club does not have a plan in place, I recommend one is devised as a matter of urgency.

As part of your crisis plan, make sure that your club leadership can confidently answer the following questions:

• Who will handle your social media accounts in case of a crisis?

• What will that person be authorised to write on social media about the crisis?

• Will they need to get approval for each post they make?

• What platforms will be used to communicate (i.e. social media, traditional media or through other Rotary clubs)?

• Will you have more than one person responding to online posts and offline discussion?

• What social media posts will you proactively post to manage it?

Managing a crisisWhen it comes to managing a crisis there is no set method to achieve a resolution. Each crisis is different and you need to do what is best for you and your club. Here are some ideas for successfully managing a social media crisis.

1. Identify and communicateIf a crisis is identified, the club leadership must be informed as a matter of urgency. You must tell them exactly what’s wrong and give them as much information as you are able to. They may need to seek legal advice or act on the information you provided.

2. AcknowledgeSome companies first response is “yes, we realise something has happened”. However if you don’t have all answers, then it is a good idea to seek direction on how to properly acknowledge the crisis. A clear and well-informed response may stop non-factual or malicious gossip, messages and or comments.

3. Respond quicklyOnce you have some relevant information and received some direction, you should respond to the crisis quickly. A timely response is essential in limiting the reach and potential damage. Be prepared to acknowledge the crisis within a few hours or at the most, a day. Two weeks after the crisis has started is way too late!

4. Manage the situationOnce you have posted a response to the crisis on your club’s Facebook page, be cautious about removing comments made by members of the public (unless they are offensive comments, contain hate speech or could be libellous). Trying to control the response and deleting comments made by the public can cause a greater backlash.

Remember this: You never know where or when a crisis will break. However, if you manage it properly, the fallout can be minimised.


EnglandFor some Rotarians, the quest for knowledge is hardly a trivial pursuit. A team of

Rotarians from five clubs in Mole Valley appeared on the game show Eggheads on BBC Two in May. The ‘Mole Valley Misfits’ team fell just shy of unseating the resident Eggheads, an all-star team of victors from British versions of general knowledge TV challenges including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and The Weakest Link.

“Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to call our team Mole Valley Rotary as hoped, or wear Rotary-branded clothing, as that was perceived to be advertising or branding [by the BBC], hence the name Mole Valley Misfits. But we certainly managed to mention Rotary a few times during the show,” said Simon Edmands, of the Rotary Club of Leatherhead (D1145).

The individual Misfits underwent telephone screenings and a videotaped audition before being flown by the broadcaster in January to Glasgow, Scotland, for a 30-minute episode that took more than two hours to record. Unlike most bouts against the normally dominant Eggheads, the contest was neck and neck until the Rotarian brain trust stumbled on a question about the telephone code for Leicester (0116, in case you’re wondering), while their opponents knew the name given to camouflage patterns painted on World War I ships to divert incoming torpedoes (Dazzle).

GhanaRepair work on a well-used bus stop along a busy Accra thoroughfare had long been on

local Rotarians’ to-do list, but the project hastened after a vehicle ploughed into the shelter. The Rotary Club of Accra-Ring Road Central (D9102) spent US$5 000 on a new structure that was unveiled in late April. Replacing a wooden shelter built by the club in 2011, the facility was designed not only to deter vandals, but also to promote Rotary with panache, said club member Janet Alamisi Dabire. “This design form concept took inspiration from the most popular suspension bridge over the Volta, the Adomi Bridge at Atimpoku, but with a roof to give users shade,” she said. Fundraisers, including a health walk, a dance party and a Taste of Ghana Food and Drink Fair, helped cover the expense.

PhilippinesThe Rotary Club of Zamboanga City East (D3850) meets in a hotel just 10 to 15 minutes

away from Divisoria, a barangay (a village, district or ward) with a population of 9 000. But residents of remote areas of that community lacked easy access to potable water until the club donated and installed two manually operated water pumps at a cost of about US$200 each in February through its El Agua Es Vida (Water Is Life) initiative. “We thought of the plight of the residents there, especially the children,” said Past President Arthur Nogas. The project has inspired other organisations to continue the effort, Nogas said.

AustraliaDozens of yachts will set sail 11 November in a charity regatta that is a signature

programme of the Rotary Club of Sydney Cove (D9675). The event has generated about AU$5 million for charities since its inception 22 years ago. Nearly 1 000 sponsors, guests, yacht owners, crew and volunteers are involved on the day, which provides guests a rare opportunity to race in Sydney Harbour. “Guests are encouraged to be involved in sailing the yacht, including hoisting the sails and manning the winches,” said Bill Little, the event’s director and member of the club, which meets aboard a Captain Cook cruise ship moored near the Sydney Opera House.

United StatesVeterans Day is typically observed by Americans in November, but the Rotary Club of Los Altos (D5170) got

a head start by celebrating those who have served in the military. The club’s annual cioppino dinner and auction, featuring seafood and red wine, raised more than US$30 000 for the Captain Matthew P Manoukian Memorial

Scholarship Fund. It was established in remembrance of a local marine who was killed in Afghanistan in 2012 and provides financial aid for six veterans to attend a local college. They, and Manoukian’s parents, were among the 120 attendees.

World RoundupROTARY PROJECTS AROUND THE GLOBEBy Brad Webber


ROTARY FAMILY HEALTHY DAYS

Rotary Family Health Days 2016


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This year’s Rotary Family Health Days got off to a roaring start as Rotarians, health care workers and volunteers gathered at 100 sites across South Africa and prepared to see, screen, test and treat as many people as possible. This immense Rotary-led nationwide health campaign was held over three days at selected rural, urban and informal sites. The sites were managed by Rotary clubs.

The 2016 campaign was launched from the Matale Street site in Boitekong, Rustenburg. This site was managed by the Rotary Club of Rustenburg (D9400). Alicia Michael, the new president of Rotarians For Family Health and AIDS Inc, visited South Africa to participate in the event and attended the launch.

Support for the campaign was remarkable. This year, Her Majesty, the Queen Mother Semane Molotleg, as well as South Africa’s first lady, Dr Gloria Bongi Ngema-Zuma, and the Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Mathume Joseph Phaahla, attended the launch and spoke to the guests. The guests and members of the RFHD team also met and chatted to some of the adults and their children who sought health care services.

At the launch, the deputy minister explained that particular focus would be placed on adolescent girls and young women as part of the department’s strategic plan. “Despite our success in rolling out the largest HIV treatment programme in the world, it is estimated that nearly 2 000 girls and young women in South Africa still get infected with HIV each week,” said the deputy minister.

Services offered at the sites included HIV/AIDS counselling and testing, TB, diabetes, hypertension and hepatitis B and C screening. Healthy lifestyle education, information on substance abuse and contraception were also offered. Some sites offered a more comprehensive array of services which included screening for cervical and breast cancer, polio and measles vaccines, deworming for children, vitamin A supplements, dental clinics and hygiene education, as well as mental health care and eye examinations.

PDG Anton Meerkotter, the financial director for RFHD South Africa and a global board member, said this year’s event was amazing and filled with many heart-warming experiences. One such incident was when a baby was found to have dangerously high blood pressure

Across the world, 1.3 billion people lack access to effective and affordable healthcare

South Africa’s first lady, Dr Gloria Bongi Ngema-Zuma with Her Majesty, the Queen Mother Semane Molotleg at the launch in Rustenburg.

and was rushed to a clinic and stabilised. Community participation made a great impact. “We were very fortunate in one area when a school agreed to let us use some of their relatively secured areas. We managed to see many people that we would have missed if it was not for the headmaster who helped us reach out to the community.”

The passion and dedication of Rotarians and volunteers was commendable. “It was a pleasure and privilege to work together with so many motivated people. We had amazing support from the nurses and staff from the Department of Health such as Anna Makgato, Edith Makua, Joyce Tlou and many others. Other wonderful experiences included dancing with children playing on the jumping castles sponsored by Glencore,” said Meerkotter.

Social media buzzed with activity as Rotarians and volunteers


chronicled the excitement and energy at their sites. Hundreds of people arrived to receive the free health services and the day ended on a high note as clubs reported their successes.

District 9350 reported that a team from the Rotary Clubs of Constantia, Kromboom and Wynberg processed nearly 2 000 registrations, provided more than 5 500 interventions and services, conducted nearly 1 000 eye tests and more than 400 oral hygiene assessments. Basic first aid was taught to 750 people. Hand-washing stations and blood pressure checks were among the many services offered at their site in Military Road, Steenberg, Cape Town.

The Eldorado Park site that was managed by the Rotary E-Club of Southern Africa D9400 attended to hundreds of people. YFM broadcast from the site and interviewed people at the testing stations. YFM’s on-site broadcasting was arranged by RPIC Kanthan Pillay.

The people of Lamontville flocked to the RFHD site, run by the Rotary E-Club

Every 5 minutes more than 90 000 children under the age of 5 die from preventable illnesses

A group of Interactors from the Interact Club of Hangklip High School in Queenstown (D9370) helped at the Rotary Family Health Day at Illinge Community Hall. At the site are Sibusisiwe Ntlanganiso, Lameez Petersen, Sibulele Jaxa, Caitlin Schwartz, Jeanae van Wyk, Reg Morgan - Rotary Club of Lukhanji Sunset (Queenstown), Chennise van Wyk, Abbigail Jacobs, Refilwe Tleru and Phillip Roodt (front).

The president of Rotary Club of Bloemfontein Thabure (D9370), Nozipho Sondiyazi, addressing community members during the Rotary Family Health Days.


of South Africa One (D9370), at St James Catholic Church Hall. The site provided the residents with free TB screening and testing, HIV counselling and testing, vitamin A supplementation, healthy lifestyle information, vaccinations and general health screenings (such as blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, as well as Hepatitis B and C screening).

The Rotary Family Health Days sites in Eshowe,

Empangeni, Ulundi and Nongoma, Zululand were run by enthusiastic teams of Rotarians, as well as officials from the Departments of Health, Home Affairs and Social Security. Doctors Without Borders also supported the event and joined the Zululanders at their sites.

Dr Phophi Ramathuba, the Limpopo MEC for Health, visited the Mashishimale Clinic site that was managed by the Rotary Club of Phalaborwa (D9400). There

Charmaine Rider (above left) of the Rotary Club of Klerksdorp (D9370) with one of the children who received a new pair of shoes at the site the club managed at the AFM Community Church.

The Rotary Club of Durban-Clairwood Park (D9370) managed a Rotary Family Health Days site at Clairwood Secondary School.


she spent time with the Rotarians and volunteers and also took time to visit the various stands and chat to some of the people who had received help at the site.

The Rotary Club of Edenvale (D9400) managed the site at Manche Masemola Anglican Church. The site serviced the residents of River Park and Alexandra East Bank. The club partnered with the Rotary Club of Johannesburg East. Support staff from the City of Johannesburg Department of Health conducted various health checks, while Working Knowledge International tested eyesight and hearing. Drug Free World SA had a stand to provide drug addiction education and Life Line Alexandra provided HIV education and testing. The Manche Masemola Anglican Church also arranged volunteers to assist at the site.

Members of the Rotary Clubs of Empangeni and Richards Bay (D9370) as well as the Rotary Satellite Club of Mtunzini (a satellite of the Rotary Club of Empangeni) managed a Rotary Family Health Days site at a community centre near Esikhaweni. Many heart-warming stories came from this site but two of the most moving stories involved wheelchairs. On Thursday the Rotarians met a student who had been in a car accident in April. Lindiwe Mthembu’s injuries had yet to completely heal and had impacted her mobility. This young woman had completed three years of study and still needs to complete the fourth. Without a wheelchair it would be difficult for her to do so. The Rotarians met the second recipient, a severely disabled girl, when her mother arrived at the site carrying her on her back. The two were asked to return the following day and were each given a wheelchair.

Bongekile Shandu, Sinenhlanhla Ntuli and Rotarians Lindiwe Ngcobo and Marie de Matteis with Lindiwe Mthembu, a student who was seriously injured in a car accident in April.


5

The Rotary Club of Estcourt (D9370) had sites at Injisuthi, the Estcourt TVET College and Ntabamhlophe. Assisted by enthusiastic staff from Estcourt Provincial Hospital, the Rotarians assisted more than 300 people who were screened and assessed for a number of medical conditions.

The Rotary Club of Dundee (D9370) hosted a site at Ebusi near Wasbank. Dental care was among the services provided at this site.

Reasons to join Rotary Family

Health Days1. You Save Lives

Sue Paget, a member of the Rotary Action Group Rotarians for Family Health & AIDS Prevention (RFHA) Board of Directors, told how Rotarians had saved a woman’s life. “Bev Frieslich of the Rotary Club of Cape of Good Hope (D9350) was testing for Hepatitis C, which is deadly disease. Until recently there was no cure for it but although one has been discovered, it is terribly expensive. We negotiated with various hospitals in case cases were discovered. Bev tested a number of women and one of the last ones to be tested was found to be positive. Bev asked the woman if she had been feeling unwell and explained the seriousness of Hepatitis C. The woman began to cry as she understood the disease would kill her, but Bev told her not to worry as the Rotary Family Health Days would see she got the cure. The woman has been treated at no cost. Treatment for Hepatitis C can cost more than R100 000.”

2. Help RFHA save and improve 5 million lives by 2020

“My most profound moment was when I met this little soul who came with her mum to the health days. The mother had been feeling unwell and was diagnosed with TB and advised of a treatment programme. Because of our programme, a little girl will not grow up without a mother and we have kept this little family unit safe.” DGN Gianna Doubell (D9370).

3. More than 1.2 million The number of men, women and children who have received

health services at RFHD sites since 2011

4. RFHD is one of the largest disease prevention programmes

Rotarians for Family Health and AIDS Prevention is a Rotarian Action Group, recognised by Rotary International. The group is also the mobilising partner for Rotary International on the largest Disease Prevention Programme after Polio namely Rotary Family Health Days. The members are Rotarians from all over the world. The group is an independent non-profit organisation governed by 14 trustees and led by a Chief Executive Officer with seven country teams in Africa. They recently completed a pilot project in India as well.

5. Together we serve moreRotarians for Family Health and AIDS Prevention is the linchpin

to the public/private partnership that drives the Rotary Family Health Days. Each component of the partnership is critically important as the entire model is based on all partners working together as a whole. Remove one and the model cannot function at all. This partnership between government departments, business and non-profit organisations ensures that resources, skills and infrastructure systems are shared and strengthened. By including the media in these partnerships we are not only increasing the public awareness of the health days, but also that of Rotary. An additional benefit of these partnerships is that they can lead to more effective club projects.


Dear Rotarians,What an honour and pleasure it was to visit with you in your beautiful country as we celebrated in service the fourth annual Rotary Family Health Days!

On behalf of the Rotary Action Group Rotarians for Family Health & AIDS Prevention (RFHA) Board of Directors, including our South African Directors Sue Paget and Anton Meerkotter, I would like to personally thank all of our outstanding partners and recognise the incredible service offered by the Rotarians.

The Rotary Family Health Days programme began as the vision of one Rotarian who had a mission to serve the local communities across his country of Uganda for one common purpose. Today, Rotarians for Family Health & AIDS Prevention leads and manages this programme by engaging more than 6 000 Rotarians in Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and India. We have served more than 1.2 million citizens with free health screenings, immunisations and follow-on referrals for care.

But Rotarians alone could not accomplish such a feat alone. There is an African proverb that states: If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

It is the support of so many incredible partners that has allowed this programme to grow and thrive. First and foremost, we must acknowledge the tremendous work of the South African Department of Health under the leadership of Minister of Health, Dr Motsoaledi. The support of this office has provided us with a guiding light that has enabled us to serve so many lives. Our relationship with the United States Mission, including the partnerships with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and PEPFAR, has proven to be invaluable. They have helped to ensure that our contributions have a positive impact at the community level.

Special recognition goes to our Premier Partner, Gilead Sciences. Gilead Sciences Inc is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercialises innovative medicines in areas of unmet

medical need. Gilead’s mission is to discover, develop and deliver therapies that will improve the lives of patients with life-threatening illnesses around the world.

Rotary International, the world’s leading service organisation, continues to provide incredible reinforcement in the way of promoting our efforts throughout the Rotary world.

Enough cannot be said for the efforts of the South African Broadcasting Corporation who provided television and radio broadcasting as well as Caxton for their support through print media in all of the local communities.

There are also so many other partners who played important roles in numerous ways. They include Alere Global Health, Media 24 News, YFM, Independent Media, Sesego Cares, Paprika Graphics and Communications, the National Community Radio Forum and Leighwood Lodge.

To each and every spoke on this wheel, a tremendous and heartfelt thank you!

I, as many of you, have worked hard for many years to provide what I could for my children. And I, as any parent, have only wanted for my children to be happy and most importantly – healthy – as they have grown into a young adults.

When I was offered the opportunity at the beginning of this year to work with RFHA, I knew that this was my chance to serve with others who had the same desire - the desire to help other parents give their children the gift of a healthy life and to give them the chance for a happy future.

It is my hope as we continue this important work that my children will take with them the lessons of this journey - the lessons of humility, service, kindness, generosity and cooperation, and maybe one day they will pass along these lessons to their own children. Our work for Rotary Family Health Days began in the heart of one single Rotarian who clearly understood that if you want to go far, you must go together.

Thank youAlicia Michael

President & CEO of Rotarians for Family Health & AIDS Prevention, Inc.2014/15 Past District Governor D6900, USA


Ahead of great anticipation and excitement, the Edunova Learning Centre was officially opened in September. Thanks to Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB) and the Rotary Club of Newlands (D9350), the learning centre has much-needed equipment and technological infrastructure.

The Edunova Learning Centre will deliver specialised information and communication technology (ICT) services as well as professional development to the Langa Education Assistance Programme (LEAP) and other schools in the area. This is the fourth learning centre implemented by Edunova since 2005 and was the result of a partnership between Edunova, LEAP and CCPB.

CCPB and the Rotary Club of Newlands provided more than R500 000 towards equipping the centre with new furniture, laptops, software and the latest in smart technological infrastructure.

“We believe that the investment made in this new centre, will become a valuable resource to the community and will give the beneficiaries who will make use of the services and technologies, a wonderful advantage in expanding their knowledge base,” said CCPB’s Priscilla Urquhart.

In order to create an environment that is conducive

to learning, Edunova emphasises the importance of the right physical space and enabling facilities. Edunova Director John Thöle said: “Modern, open-plan spaces that allow for training, support and access to physical and conceptual technological and educational resources such as hardware and software programmes are important.

“The learning activities are targeted at principals, educators and learners in order to contribute towards improved education and the development of employment opportunities. Members of the community are enabled to improve their own lives through the on-going use of technology.”

The project will leverage LEAP competencies to enhance these outcomes by developing greater awareness of educational best practice, youth leadership development and whole school development.

John Winship, a Rotarian at the Rotary Club of Newlands, elaborated on the club’s involvement with Edunova. “Creating sustainable environments and investing in the future of our youth, is the backbone of thriving communities. This centre will serve as a model for other schools, by maintaining an environment of high learning standards that is both stimulating and inspirational.”

SMART TECH UPGRADE

pro

jects


South Africa has 345 registered children’s homes in which approximately 21 000 abused, neglected and abandoned children are cared for, most of whom were placed by the courts. In 2012, statistics revealed that more than 1.2 million South African children don’t live with either parent and that nearly a fifth of South Africa’s children live in child-headed households.

These statistics hint at a darker problem – a frightening lack of support, services and care facilities or providers for vulnerable children. Although it is best for a child to remain with its immediate or extended family, there are many instances where this arrangement would be impossible or cause further harm to the child. In these cases, the courts place children in homes which provide them with shelter, care, love and safety.

The Rotary Club of Phoenix (D9370) has started what one hopes will become a wave of change in its community. Phoenix, situated north of Durban, is a large community with many vulnerable children. Until recently, there was no registered children’s home to care for them.

The club’s Charter President Sharm Moodley and Past President Alan Moodley decided to take matters into their own hands and donated one of their homes in which to establish a children’s home. The club quickly agreed to undertake the project and establish, support

and manage what would become known as the Rotary Home.

President Kercy Perumal and his team hit the ground running and decided to invite the Phoenix Child Welfare Society to collaborate on the project. This partnership would be ideal as the Rotary Home would become a resource which would best benefit the society and those in its care.

The Rotary Home was officially launched on 20 August and dedicated to the memory of Past District Governor Siva Naidoo, who was a dedicated Rotarian and helped charter the Phoenix club. A national radio station broadcasted the special event and highlighted the needs and work undertaken by the Phoenix club and child welfare.

The home houses up to six children and has a housemother who takes care of the children’s daily needs. The Rotary Home is situated in a safe neighbourhood and is spacious, fully furnished and definitely a positive environment for children to grow up in.

The Rotary Club of Phoenix is responsible for all the financial obligations and child welfare is responsible for the welfare of the children. The club has to embark on fundraising initiatives to raise a minimum of R16 000 each month to sustain the home and hopes to partner with other clubs to achieve this.

Aroona Chetty and Shakila Kooblall of Phoenix Child Welfare Society and Charter President Sharm Moodley, PP Alan Moodley and President Kercy Perumal of the Rotary Club Of Phoenix at the launch of the Rotary Home.

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S HOME


During a visit to Zululand more than two years ago, Professor Paul Knapstein was disturbed to find many households, especially child-headed households, had no water.

He decided the best solution would be the provision of water tanks in which to harvest rain water. The tanks would also be accessible so that municipal tankers could deliver water when rain water was not sufficient. This would reduce the great distance people have to walk to fetch water.

Prof Knapstein approached the Rotary Club of Empangeni (D9370) and asked it to partner with his home club, the Rotary Club of Mainz-Churmeyntz (D1860, Germany). After some discussion and a few debates, the project plans were finalised. Funding was raised and a Global Grant was applied for and approved.

The hard work started and more than 100 water tanks were installed, primarily in the Nkandla area where the Nardini Sisters operate outreach and care programmes for the needy. A few water tanks were also installed at community centres and crèches in and around Empangeni. The provision of water will promote health, sanitation and it will also reduce the risk of disease.

RAIN WATER HARVESTING

This event will cover topics relevant to the global activities and growth of Rotary as they apply to our Zone, as well as to train our future leaders. It will be an opportunity to meet the senior officers

of our organisation and be part of Rotary’s future in Africa.

SAVE THE DATE!

Rotary Zone 20A Institute (Africa south of the Sahara)

11-16 September 2017Cradle of Humankind, near Johannesburg

South Africa


Since almost half of South African children under the age of four spend their day at day care centres or educational facilities, a healthy and stimulating ‘school’ environment is crucial to their wellbeing and development. To achieve this, comprehensive early childhood development (ECD) programmes are an educational priority and will help improve the overall literacy rate.

The Rotary Club of Claremont (D9350) has worked tirelessly to address the country’s need for ECD programmes through its Injongo Educare Project. This project focuses on uplifting the community of Philippi in Cape Town by upgrading and providing support to educare centres in the area.

“The main aim of the project is to create a positive environment that ensures that children receive the best possible educational stimulation from an early age, giving them a real hope for excelling in the future,” said President Ian Robertson.

The Injongo project is believed to be the largest of its kind in the country and has worked with 47 Educare Centres in Philippi since 2012. With total project costs

of more than R12 million to date, it provides holistic interventions that include extensive teacher training, physical upgrades to existing facilities and daily mentoring assistance for educare centres. This helps ensure that the centres meet the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) requirements for official ECD accreditation and registration.

“The children are not the only beneficiaries of this project. The teachers are also provided with the necessary skills and equipment required in order for these educare centres to be sustainable in the long term,” added Robertson.

“Currently, there are more than 200 day care centres in Philippi that look after toddlers while their parents are at work, but not all of them offer the same developmental opportunities,” explained Injongo project manager, Pumeza Mahobe. “Children attending the educare centres within our cluster are provided with the opportunity to grow and develop in a safe, learning-conducive environment. They develop a hunger for learning and absolutely love to take part in the exciting

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and valuable learning activities on offer.”“In addition to the improvement and

enrichment of the toddlers’ immediate circumstances, this community initiative puts our children on track towards a promising future through education,” added Mahobe.

“The early childhood stage is an important period in terms of developing and stimulating young children’s curiosity, creativity and thought processing,” said Henry Septoe, chair of the Rotary Club of Claremont’s Injongo Committee.

“The activities and lessons learned by young children during the foundation education phase lay the groundwork for cognitive and socio-emotional development. The educare centres prepare them for school as well as for tertiary education, which ultimately has a direct impact on the literacy rate, the quality of life and overall welfare of South African citizens in the long run,” added Septoe.

“Of course, all educational support needs to be complemented by other measures to help improve children’s nutrition, hygiene and health,” concluded Septoe.

Pumeza Mahobe, the project manager, facilitating a parents’ workshop.

“If we listen closely, we will hear children asking for the opportunity to be just children - for the chance to play and the chance to learn.”

- Pumeza Mahobe, project manager

“Education, specifically developing educated young people, is a passion for the Rotary Club of Claremont and its members. The Injongo Educare project goes some way to addressing this issue. We believe that by educating our future leaders, politicians, doctors, engineers and teachers, we are taking a valuable step towards building a prosperous future for South Africa,” concluded President Ian Robertson.


Cycling for work and leisure keeps me alert and healthy; it helps me perform better in my job” said Romano Boer, a Windhoek City Police constable. Constable Boer is with the police cycling squad that patrols the city on bikes as part of a strategy to root out criminals and keep crime at bay. Together with three colleagues, Constables Alois Ndeevelo, Saratiel Mukahongo and Reinhold Breuwer, Boer is part of a team that participated in the 65 kilometre category of The Namibian Pick n Pay Cycle Classic.

A record number of entries and an exciting weekend of cycling ensured that the 17th annual Namibian Pick n Pay Cycle Classic was a resounding success.

The cycle classic has become a major community service and charity fundraising project of the Rotary Club of Windhoek (D9350). Although the figures have yet to be finalised, the club set a fundraising target of N$250 000. Last year N$200 000 was raised.

Many of the club’s projects focus on assisting the youth (it supports many kindergartens, primary and secondary schools) disabled people and elderly.

A number of sponsors were involved in this year’s event. The Namibian, Pick n Pay and Namibia Breweries reconfirmed their support as its main sponsors. The Namibian newspaper sponsored an amount of N$175 000, paid the registration fees for a group of

female cyclists from Katutura and ran free adverts. Pick n Pay sponsored N$150 000, provided t-shirts, refreshments and encouraged its staff to participate. It also helped the children from Dagbreek School for the Intellectually Impaired enter races. Namibia Breweries donated N$60 000 in prize money and provided about N$40 000 in product and logistical support.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers worked to ensure the event went off without a hitch. The cycle classic began on Saturday with the mountain bike (MTB) race which was followed later in the day by the kiddies classic. On Sunday morning, the road bike (RB) race, which attracts more than double the number of entries than the MTB and kiddies classic, started at 7am.

The prize money and goodie bags had been prepared

RECORD-BREAKING CLASSIC


a few days in advance. The sponsors and water point staff were also briefed before the event, while the equipment and beverages were prepared and chilled the night before each race. All of this was done by Rotarians, their friends and family.

Windhoek Pedal Power (WPP) officials and volunteers were also involved and their responsibilities included ensuring that the entries were processed, routes were marked, water points were positioned, the police had been liaised with and the marshalls had been arranged.

The cycle classic was officially opened by Pick n Pay’s Gilbert Botha who offered the MTB cyclists a few words of encouragement at the starting line before sending them off. Also in attendance were Hans Kress, president of the Rotary Club of Windhoek, Leander Borg and Brian Key of the Windhoek Pedal Power, cycle classic’s technical partner.

WANT YOUR CLUB NEWS IN ROTARY AFRICA?Send your photos, captions and stories to [email protected]. Make sure you include the first and last names of all people included in the stories and photos. Photos must be at least 1MB in size. Group photos with six or less people must be accompanied by a caption which includes all first and last names. Please include your club name and district.

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Life in Africa is not a bed of roses. It can be tough and the conditions in the rural areas can literally be just as tough on the feet.

Many South African children, especially those living in rural areas and townships, have to walk long distances to get to and from school. For many of them, just getting to school can be an excruciating exercise. The Interact Club of Reddam House Waterfall (D9400) formulated a plan to help as many school children as they could.

President Hannah Dannheisser had heard of a campaign in the northern hemisphere called DWS - Day Without Shoes, where on a specific date people were encouraged to go without shoes and donate a pair to charity. Inspired, she decided to observe DWS at her school and learners would attend school barefoot if they brought a pair of usable shoes to be donated to charity.

Her committee eagerly agreed. Not even the realisation that while DWS occurred in the icy Highveld

winter could dampen their spirits. The Interactors felt that being barefoot for an icy school day would be added motivation and help their fellow learners understand the severity of the issue.

DWS Day arrived in all its frosty glory and as the children started to arrive at school, it was soon apparent that DWS was a success. Learners tumbled out of cars, laughing that no-one (not even the sternest of educators) wore shoes. Soon the collection boxes were overflowing with shoes as many of the children had donated more than one pair.

After the counting and sorting had been done, the Interactors were excited to report that they had surpassed their target of 300 and had collected more than 1 500 pairs of usable shoes. “We at the Rotary Club of Knights-Pendragon (D9400) see this as going the extra mile and take our hats, and shoes, off to them,” said Andrew Stevenson.

SOLES FOR SOULS


For the members of the Rotary E-Club of Southern Africa D9400, the first club in South Africa to charter five Rotaract clubs in one day, the presentation of regalia to the 230 charter members and presidents of its five new Rotaract clubs was as exciting as chartering the clubs. The five clubs are based at the University of Johannesburg.

“19 August 2016, was one of my Rotary moments” said President Annemarie Mostert. She was assisted by five members of her club; Angela James, Dr Peta Thomas, Theo Buttress, TK Shangase and Steve du Plessis. The passion and commitment from all the Rotaractors is a humbling experience and the E-Club

members are excited about the future of Rotary in the hands of the young leaders at the University.

What made the day even more special was the induction of two new Rotarians; Dr Shepherd Dhilwayo and Professor Llewellyn Leonard. The club also recognised two honorary members, Monki Motsepe and Lebogang Mawelela.

The Rotaractors are very active in their communities and assist with a large literacy project which includes the South African National Parks. The morning after the presentation, 47 of the members left for Middelburg to assist the Rotary clubs there with their annual fundraiser, The Greatest Train Race.

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Miriam Gieseke, a short-term exchange student from Germany, was hosted by the Rotary Club of Klerksdorp (D9370). She spent three months in South Africa. At the end of November, Clare Janse van Rensburg from Klerksdorp will leave South Africa to spend three months in Germany.

Thanks to sponsorship from the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora (D9400), Interactors from the Interact Club of John Wesley Community Centre attended the RYLA camp in Magoebaskloof. RYLA was a completely new experience for many of the children and this, along with interacting with complete strangers, removed them from their comfort zones. They quickly adapted and returned home wiser, more confident and with stronger leadership skills.

On a chilly October morning, members of the Rotary Club of Hilton and Howick (D9370) said farewell to twelve learners from Howick High, Howick Secondary, Injoloba Secondary and Sibongumbovu Combined Schools as they left for a week-long RYLA camp. The camp was organised by the Rotary Club of Port Shepstone and a donation from the Rotary Club of Manly (D9685, Australia) enabled the Hilton and Howick club to sponsor the group of 12.

The Rotary Club of Johannesburg North Central (D9400) inducted President Xikhongelo Pearl Mukhari and the other members of the newly chartered Rotaract Club of Johannesburg North Central. The ceremony was attended by District 9400 Rotaract Representative Jessica Jones.


Members of the Rotary Club of Durban (D9370) attended the presidential induction of the Interact Club of Clifton College. At the induction are Rahul Mistri, Rydal Spavins, Lauraine Lafferty, AG John Johnston-Webber, President Mpumelelo Zulu, Uwais Mahomed and Rakeen Mohammed.


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The Rotary Club of Marondera (D9210, Zimbabwe) and Denise Creisson of the Rotary Club of Milton Keynes (D1260, England) enjoyed a site visit to Marondera rural district. The visit also marked the beginning of a project where the two clubs will provide a solar-powered borehole and storage tanks to Chirenje Primary School and a nearby clinic. Left: President Freddie Gwata welcomes Denise Creisson to Zimbabwe.

The Rotary Club of Johannesburg North Central (D9400) held a dinner to celebrate the success of the 25th annual Jazz in the Garden. To thank them for their assistance during the event, the club invited the members of the Rotaract Clubs of Wits University and Johannesburg North Central, chefs, their families and friends to join the celebration. Vivian Tsisika, a member of the Rotary Club of Nairobi-Langata (D9212, Kenya), who was visiting Johannesburg at the time, also attended the dinner.


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The Rotary Club of Klerksdorp (D9370) and its Rotaractors took part in the annual Heritage Day Potjie Kos competition at Rio Casino.


The Rotary Club of Polokwane (D9400) donated a garden bench with commemorative plaques to the Theunis Fichardt Hospitium in Polokwane. The bench commemorated the lives of Chaz Rawlings, PP Dirk Kotze and Rotarian Helena Mouton.

Charmaine Rider, a member of the Rotary Club of Klerksdorp (D9370), is a champion for cancer awareness. Each year she participates in the Cancer-vive Motorcycle Ride. The seven-day motorcycle awareness ride across the country is Cancer-vive’s flagship event. This year more than 60 cancer survivors, supporters, crew and media took part in the journey to deliver a message of hope and encouragement to communities in the Eastern and Western Cape.

The Rotary Club of Durban-Clairwood Park (D9370) celebrated Women’s Day by hosting an Overcoming Cancer - Celebrating Life event. Guest speakers included Dr Lucille Heslop (radiation oncologist) and Dr Urishka Singh, who is a surgeon and cancer survivor.


Fifteen children shared the joy of attending the Spring Spectacular performance of the South African Lippizaner Horse Show. The tickets were sponsored by Fifty Shades of Spay’s, Yvette Wilde, and the Rotary Clubs of Boksburg Lake, Benoni Van Ryn and the Rotary Anns Club of Boksburg Lake (D9400) provided transport and supervision. Meeting one of the horses for a carrot and a chat is Diego Rosenberg.

For the past four years, the Rotary Club of Johannesburg South 101 (D9400) has distributed several bales of blankets to needy people in Lesotho. This year, emphasis was placed on identifying and providing blankets to disabled community members.

The presidents of the Rotary Clubs of Benoni Aurora and Boksburg Lake, Heidi Tucker and Nicky Savvides, met former Miss South Africa (1984), Lorna Potgieter-Rossetti, at a breakfast hosted by Benoni Aurora. Lorna runs a project which collects evening dresses which are given to girls who can’t afford expensive gowns for their matric farewell dances. Benoni Aurora donated 30 dresses to the project.


President Nicky Savvides of the Rotary Club of Boksburg Lake (D9400) and Rotarian John Smith organised the Foundation Fun Rally the club held as part of its Foundation centennial celebrations.

District Governor Grant Daly (left) visited the Rotary Club of Boksburg Lake (D9400). He visited Urban Ruins, a project which is supported by the Anns. This project cares for children of all ages during the day. The children participate in a number of activities which include arts and crafts, educational and developmental play, reading books, caring for ducks, gardening and skateboarding through the ruins. The benefit of these activities has been noted in the reduction of aggressive interaction between some of the children and an improvement in their performance at school.

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TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE

For the members of the Rotary Club of Knysna (D9350) the annual cricket challenge between Epilepsy SA and the club is a favourite event. The Epilepsy SA team is a strong force and spends time during the year practising bowling and batting. This year the Rotarians had to fight fiercely to win the coveted cup, however it was the female Rotary team members whose formidable batting won the match for the club. Afterwards spectators and players were rewarded with boerewors rolls, cold drinks and ice cream. Some of the Knysna Rotarians have been involved with this outing for more than 15 years and have seen the challenges the residents of Epilepsy SA have to face each day.


The children from Laerskool Kameeldrift received TOMS shoes from the Rotary Club of Pretoria Capital (D9400). The school is situated in a rural area near Pretoria and educates about 500 children, many of whom live in nearby informal settlements. The school aims to give each of these children the best academic, sport and culture opportunities.


President Sibongile Booi (centre) of the Rotary Club of Beacon Bay (D9370) pledged to Youth Potential South Africa managers Alexis Vincent and Ray Schone that the club would assist with training and workshops for five rural schools and the high schools in the Chalumna area. The courses include productive self-sufficiency, team work, leadership training, healthy living, anger management, literacy and numeracy.

The Rotary Club of Paarl (D9350) was thrilled to be visited by the enterprising Durban resident, Sue Barnes (right), of Project Dignity. Through its Girls Talk project the club distributes Subzpads (a long-lasting washable product supplied by Project Dignity) to school girls. The Girls Talk project, which is supported by a Global Grant, sends a female doctor to schools to counsel girls on female health, their sexual rights, as well as pregnancy and HIV prevention. With Sue are Rotarian Elsabé Koch, Liza Adlem (the Western Cape distributor for Subzpads) and President Marita van der Sluys.

To mark World Habitat Day, celebrated internationally on Monday 3 October 2016, members of the Rotary Club of Claremont (D9350) mixed cement and laid bricks at a building site in Mfuleni. Rotaractors and learners from the Interact Club of Rustenburg Girls High School joined Rotarians to build a house with Habitat for Humanity South Africa.


The Rotary Club of Polokwane hosted nine members of the Rotary Club of Francistown (D9400) for a weekend. After a pleasant outing to Haenertsburg on Saturday, which included a lunch and a craft beer tasting, a social evening with a braai was held. The weekend’s activities concluded with a visit to the Rotary Club of Pietersburg 100’s Family Fun Day.

The Rotary Club of Flamingo-Welkom (D9370) partnered with the Rotary Club of Mooloolaba (D9600, Australia) to distribute reading glasses to needy people in Welkom. The Mooloolaba club shipped more than 2000 recycled reading glasses to Welkom that had been donated by Lions International clubs in Australia. The distribution venues were at the weekly Flamingo Rotary soup kitchen at the Anglican Church and at Morning Star Children’s Centre. A third distribution was done at a school, where the club helped a number of children with eyesight problems. Above: Christo van Eeden, Audra Visser and Jill Lombard at one of the distribution points. Left: Alison Buchanan busy testing a child’s eyes.


Leo Borman, a veteran Rotarian of the Rotary Club of East London (D9370) celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the club.

An icon in the Eastern Cape business world, genial Leo Borman is as sharp as many of the younger businessmen in the area.

When asked whether he thought Rotary had changed much in the 50 years, Leo felt that at the core Rotary has remained unchanged. “Rotary is still doing what it has always done; looking after and helping those who are poor, sick and less fortunate than we are.”

He acknowledged that the acceptance of women as Rotarians was a big change and said that as a departure from the previous men’s only institution, the change was “a great success.”

Leo is a graduate of Rhodes University where he acquired a BSc in Chemistry. During the Second World War, he worked with the British on a secret project, the object of which was to neutralise any poison gas warfare which Nazi Germany might have tried to wage against the Allies.

After the war, Leo worked for companies where he could use his knowledge of chemistry and then he was selected by a British consulting company to undergo a business management course. He moved to East

London in 1964 where he succeeded Walter Essex-Clark as MD of CDA (Pty) Ltd, a motor vehicle assembly plant of various makes of vehicles including Mercedes Benz cars and commercial vehicles.

From 1967 to 1985, after Mercedes purchased the majority shares in CDA, he was a member of the Mercedes Benz Management Board and an alternate director of Atlantis Diesel Engines. During this period, CDA changed from an Assembly Plant to a Manufacturing Plant for Mercedes vehicles only.

Leo was always prominent in business affairs as President of Border Chamber of Industries, President of SA Federated Industries and President of NAAMSA, the National Association of Automotive Manufacturers of South Africa

With a strong belief in Education and Training he served on the governing bodies of Rhodes University, Fort Hare, EL Technical College and Border Technikon. He started a training centre at Mercedes Benz in East London which has grown into the present Technical Academy.

Leo is a regular at the club’s weekly lunch meetings and he and his charming wife, Peggy, grace all its social occasions.

Veteran Rotarian Leo Borman and his wife Peggy at the club’s induction dinner in June this year.

50 YEARS IN ROTARY

celebrate


Lawrence Omulu, Carol-Ann Irvine, Marlene Gracie and Crystal Meyers are new members of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg South 101 (D9400). With them is President Glenn Botha.

WELCOMED AND HONOUREDNEW MEMBERS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS

During his visit to the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora (D9400), DG Grant Daly inducted three new Rotarians. The new members, Robyn Begemann, Angelique Kotze and Nikita Colaco, are Rotaractors who opted to utilise the new dual membership option that was approved at the last Council on Legislation. This membership model allows for Rotaractors to also be members of a Rotary club. With DG Grant Daly are Robyn Begemann, Sylvia Knoop (sponsor), Angelique Kotze, President Heidi Tucker, Nikita Colaco and Grace van Zyl (sponsor).



recog

nised

Frances Nsunguma, Hannington Kasirye, Sunette Pienaar, Michael Ngake, Tatenda Makuti and Jan Visagie are new members of the Rotary Club of Pretoria East (D9400).

Waldo Thöle received a Paul Harris Fellowship Sapphire Pin from the Rotary Club of Dundee (D9370).

Sharol Naidoo is a new member of the Rotary Club of Benoni (D9400).

Marielize Brotherton was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Polokwane (D9400).

Desere Heck is a new member of the Rotary Club of Port Elizabeth (D9370).

Deon Roberts is a new member of the Rotary Club of Benoni (D9400).

The Rotary Club of Edenvale (D9400) recognised Carol and Leigh Evans and Shirley Kelly as Paul Harris Fellows. With them is President Garth Trumble.



HAVE YOU WELCOMED OR HONOURED SOMEONE?Email their photos and captions to [email protected]

Melissa Awu is a new member of the Rotary Club of Port Elizabeth (D9370).

Beate Schulte-Brader is a new member of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg North Central (D9400).

Catherine Namono was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Johannesburg North Central (D9400).

Cornelia Kohler is a new member of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg North Central (D9400).

The Rotary Club of Harrismith (D9370) welcomed new members. They are Michelle Jarm, Marelize Hamman, Jacqui Hillaert Duvenage, Joy Strydom, Claudette Skinner, Ethne Moor, Wendy van Heerden, Adri Steyn and Mariaan Potgieter.

Photos must be at least 1MB in size. Please make sure first and surnames are supplied. Preference is given to individual “head and shoulders” photos. Photos of more than one person will be used at the editor’s discretion.



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Rotary Africa November 2016

News & Politics

Transcript of Rotary Africa November 2016