Steijn back at helm of leading local Rotary club
The club is celebrating its 95th year and hopes to grow its membership, thus ensuring its longevity.
It has been 16 years since her initial election as president of Rotary Club Benoni, and Annie Steijn is back to fulfil the role again.
Armed with her customary jokes, which often poke fun at the legal profession, Steijn set the tone for a jovial induction ceremony on July 25 at Grid and Grill, Rynfield, which also celebrated the second-oldest club in the district’s 95th year of existence.
Making the customary toast to the country, assistant governor Grace van Zyl said that despite the many challenges SA and its citizens faced, the world acknowledged our resilience.
“We are a nation with ingenuity and brilliance, where hope is always celebrated,” said Van Zyl.
“May we continue to raise a glass to our strengths and remain hopeful in our endeavours.”
Speaking of her term as newly elected district governor, Riana Pretorius, who visited the club to celebrate the induction of its new club president, shared her vision of providing 120 schools across the district with toilet facilities made from 100% recyclable materials.
“As Rotary International celebrates 120 years of service, and to commemorate my 20th year of membership, I want to restore the dignity of learners by finally equipping their schools with proper ablutions,” she said.
“I hope you will assist me with this tremendous task. I believe our hard work and efforts throughout this coming year will be greatly rewarded.”
Concluding her third consecutive year as the club’s president, Wilna Dixon said that as many other clubs, Benoni Rotary Club had to contend with drastically declining membership numbers.
However, she said the club would not concede to closure and hoped that through continually mentoring its 225 young Interact members at Willowmore High School, the club actively played a role in moulding future Rotarians and securing the club’s longevity.
“Currently, we are only a handful of active members, but every member is a driving force behind our ongoing projects,” said Dixon.
“These committed individuals are always willing to jump in to get the work done in service of the community.”
Before proceeding with Steijn’s formal induction, Dixon highlighted some of the accolades bestowed on the stalwart, who has been a club member for the last 19 years.
“Annie has worn various hats within our organisation while juggling a successful career, raising compassionate children and actively participating in community projects,” said Dixon.
“The four-time recipient of the coveted Paul Harris award encompasses every aspect of being a Rotarian, and I am excited to serve under her leadership.”
Smiling as she took to the podium, Steijn jokingly mused at her first induction, saying that some members of the then all-male club jabbed at the fact that a woman could become president.
“I was told it would snow should I be successfully elected and inducted in 2007. That year, we experienced snow for the first time in 26 years. Perhaps my re-election was an indication of why we recently experienced a similar phenomenon,” Steijn said with a glint in her eye.
“As we step into this new year, we will remain committed to our projects and will work toward creating more interest and support for the club and inspire others to join our ranks.
“This year, we will create hope and light up our organisation for all to see.”
Before engaging in fellowship, Dixon celebrated two of the club’s members.
“It is always difficult to single any member out. However, Margeret Papas and our newest member, Nalika Gopal’s tremendous efforts cannot be ignored,” said Dixon.
“Our club is richer for having you in it.”
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