MOKOPANE – The new president, Dalene Perlzer, was introduced and recognition was given to some of the members.
The evening started with greetings, the object of Rotary, the four-way test and a loyalty toast. After the starter was served outgoing president, Blondie McGlashan reported on the club’s 2016/17 projects.
Blondie said the club, which celebrated its 55th birthday on Tuesday, achieved the highest percentage membership growth last year. Projects included a long table breakfast and a potjiekos competition at the Crossing Mall. Three students attended the Ryla Academy for young leaders at Magoebaskloof.
Rotary also donated 250 solar lamps to learners at 25 schools and the demand is still high. She thanked the editor of Bosveld for the articles that were published on the club’s projects during her term as president.
Maliti de Beer was elected as the Rotarian of the Year and a Paul Harris Fellow recognition was handed to Mokopane businessman Hein du Plessis for his community work and contributions. It then came as a big surprise to Ian and Blondie McGlashan when both were awarded with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
Pelzer with Bosveld Editor, Charmaine Lourens.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals for their hard word and effort in communities. It was established in 1957 to show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions.
Paul Harris, a US lawyer, was the founder of Rotary in 1905. Rotary is an international organisation of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, promote high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build good will and peace in the world.
After the main course was served the main event kicked off with the introduction of Delene Pelzer as the new president of the club. Pelzer thanked the members for believing in her and said the Rotary Club became a vibrant club in 2016. “Members worked together and it shows that sometimes quality is better than quantity.”
Pelzer shared the words of wisdom from Rotary International President Ian Risely. She said: “In 2017/18 we will answer the question what is Rotary with the theme Rotary making a difference. Each of us chooses to serve because we know our service is making a difference in the lives of others.”
She also shared words of wisdom from District Governor Jankees Sligcher.
“We can be of service to our communities in many ways, but the six areas of focus remains critical as to how we direct our efforts especially in our new South Africa of today. They are peace prevention and treatment, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy and economic and community development.”
Pelzer thanked Bosveld’s editor “who walked the extra mile” to help promote our club’s good work’ before she introduced her new committee leaders to the guests. They are: Francois de Villiers (secretary and administration), Maliti de Beer (foundation committee and membership), Blondie McGlashan (service projects and public relations), Leon van Huyssteen (youth), James Mamaleka (youth sub-committee member), Ian McGlashan (treasurer) and Trust Muzondo (IT and tools).
“As your president I want to help the club reach our goals by inspiring members to carry out projects, contribute to the Rotary foundation, participate in Rotary programmes, develop leadership skills and promote the club’s good work,” Pelzer concluded.
redakteur.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
