Amanzintoti Round Table has refuted rumours that its membership has dwindled to such an extent it faces closure.
“This year our numbers have dipped due to a couple factors, our past table, area and then president of our association got ‘axed’, meaning he turned 40-years-old and he is therefore no longer a voting member, but still attends our meetings,” said chairman of Amanzimtoti 85, Pieter Labuschagne.
“One of our members opted to become a friend of table, as he works out of country two months out of three. When he is in the country he still attends and assists with Round Table matters.
One of our more senior members resigned due to personal problems. Another member took a leave of absence and resigned last week due to being in difficult circumstances and not being able to commit to Round Table.”
However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as according to Pieter, the club is about to be bolstered with new young members, who are ready to sacrifice their free time and hard work to give to the less fortunate.
“We have two pipe liners who will be inducted very soon, four new guests that have already committed to Round Table, one member who is transferring from another club, as well as two honourable 41ers and a committed 41er, with old members attending from time to time.
We have three existing members, which means our club has grown by at least 150%,” said Pieter.
You do not just become a Tabler by signing a piece of paper and paying your capitation fee. It is a screening process that begins by first being a visitor then a guest. You then move on to being a pipe liner and once every member has voted, the pipe liner is rewarded with becoming a Tabler.
“The young men now sitting at the Round Table are a bunch of good-hearted scholars and gentlemen for whom I have the greatest respect and admiration.
Round Table Amanzimtoti 85 has been around for 56 years and we intend to be here for another 56.”
