Rotary International celebrates a century of community service

Rotary International’s District 9350, which includes over 80 clubs across the Western and Northern Cape, Angola, and Namibia, celebrated their 100-year anniversary with an awareness campaign, called ACT4IMPACT.

The campaign, which aims to inspire people to take action and build communities committed to lasting impact through service, kicked off with a Rotary Expo at the V&A Waterfront last Tuesday, February 4.

The exhibition explored some of the projects undertaken by Rotary over the years, including conducting 100 eye surgeries and establishing 40 food gardens to saving 600 sea turtles in collaboration with the Two Oceans Aquarium, and a training hub that equips 150 community members with skills, to expanding 24 early childhood centres to 40 in different communities.

Projects in Cape Town explored at the exhibition include partnering with SANParks to protect biodiversity; improved water access in Gugulethu by installing new multi-tap points; and improving early childhood education in Langa, by upgrading facilities and integrating technology to assist struggling readers.

Rotary District 9350 governor Stephen Young said at Rotary, they were passionate about service with the goal to inspire others.

"We strive to unite people and organisations committed to making a difference, empowering communities, and building a better future.

“The need is so vast that it will take all of us working together—even though our part of it may be small—together we can all make a significant impact.”

He said the campaign was a call to action for people of all ages to help create lasting change in communities.

“There's a lot of work to do and our clubs need partners and assistants to do it.”

He said Rotary works with many partners and local municipalities to execute the work they do.

At the event, speaker and CEO of the V&A Waterfront, David Green (OBE), said the Waterfront had strong roots with Rotary, with whom they had partnered with on projects such as the Waterfront Canal Challenge, which aims to raise funds for Rotary projects.

He said the relationship with Rotary stemmed back to the origin of the Waterfront, over 30 years ago, with the managing director at the time, David Jack, being a Rotarian and the first honours member of the Waterfront Rotary club.

“When I joined the Waterfront 16 years ago, I also enjoyed supporting ad working with the club.”

He said the Waterfront has an ongoing corporate membership with the rotary and every year; two young members of staff join the rotary, where they get induction training into business.

Mr Green said growing up, his parents were avid Rotarians. “I remember on every international holiday we went on, my father’s first task was to find the rotary meeting and to exchange the Falkirk banner with the club.

“I think deeply instilled in me is the values and the social benefit the rotary brings in the work that they do,” he said while congratulating the club on 100 years of service.

Mr Green was honoured and received a Paul Harris Fellowship for his donations to Rotary International. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of US$1 000 to The Rotary Foundation.

Mymoena Ismail, president of Waterfront Rotary Club, said Mr Green’s leadership at the V&A has not only transformed Cape Town, but has also strengthened the bond between South Africa and the United Kingdom.

“Under his leadership, the V&A Waterfront continues to collaborate with Rotary, supporting transformative projects such as the annual canal challenge, as well as numerous social investment projects that uplifts lives and communities.

“In recognition of his outstanding contribution to community development, international collaboration and sustainable leadership, we are honoured to name David Green a Paul Harris Fellow. His dedication embodies the very essence of rotary values and we warmly welcome him into the rotary family.”

Mr Green said he felt honoured. “The success of the Waterfront is a collective effort, and I am honoured to receive this on their behalf.”

Mayoral committee member for economic growth, James Vos, who is also a Rotarian, congratulated Rotary on a century of service “I salute you for the tangible difference you continue to make in our communities.”

Mr Young said individuals and organisations can draw inspiration from Rotary’s century of impact through mentoring, volunteering, or spearheading projects that make a difference.

"We have been collaborating with the private sector, both locally and globally, to address major community challenges and drive sustainable change.

“We witness the strength of these partnerships daily in our projects. Rotary offers a unique platform to discover opportunities, spark innovation, and devise solutions that address social issues and create lasting impacts.”