With two Round Table associations, Pietersburg 22 and Impala 157 in Polokwane it is surprising that not many people know what it means to be a Round Tabler or what the association does.
Round Tabler Walter Groenewald from Impala 157 explains that Round Table Southern Africa is a non-political, non-denominational association of young men between the ages of 18 and 40 years. “We embrace representatives of nearly every profession and occupation whose objectives encompass the encouragement of high ethical standards. Round Table South Africa is made up of over 940 members belonging to Table clubs spread within 14 areas covering our vast country.
“Bushveld is one of the 14 areas and is made up of 12 individual Table Clubs across Pretoria, Polokwane, Tzaneen, Phalaborwa and Loskop,” he further explains.
Groenewald says as Round Tablers they believe in bringing about positive change in themselves and their communities.
Asked what they do, he responds by saying they call it Tabling. “A Table is a local club. We meet regularly. We plan and organise functions and events for ourselves and others, which focus on community service, raising funds for charitable causes, personal development, as well as fun and fellowship. Together we form an international network of bright young men.”
He says being a member of Round Table has been an exciting and life-changing experience. “It has provided so many memories and great experiences, opportunities for me to learn and develop new skills and also travel to amazing places. Round Table has also afforded me the opportunity to be part of a team that has provided medicine to the sick, fed the hungry and provided clothing and hope to the destitute,” he further explains.
Every Round Table holds one or two business meetings and usually one social meeting per month. These meetings are the forums at which various welfare projects and fundraisers are discussed, often with input from outside speakers.
“In particular, Round Table offers an excellent opportunity for meeting new friends from your own community, area, country and the world. It also offers an excellent vehicle for self-improvement in areas such as public speaking, leadership, project management, and meeting procedure,” Groenewald says.
Anyone interested in obtaining more information, or joining them for a meeting can contact on of the two clubs on the following numbers: Groenewald, Impala 157 on 072 136 6604 or Gerhard Booysen, Pietersburg 22 on 082 052 8080.
Story and photo: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za
