Back to basics for new Amanzimtoti RT chair

New Amanzimtoti Round Table president, Terence Hartwanger, 34, is keen to get back to the basics of what being a Tabler is all about. Terence is an experienced Tabler, being a member of RT Toti for five years. “When I originally started and because my work offices are based in Pinetown, I was involved with RT Westville for the last three years as well, with both clubs working close together to strengthen the support base of each other, in these more challenging economic times, as do all the RT clubs from the greater Durban and South Coast areas. ”

He has held many various RT portfolios since his induction by choice, including NSC area secretary 2012, NSC area secretary 2013, RTSA national secretary 2013, RT Amanzimtoti chairman 2014 and RT Westville chairman 2018. “It was and still is a really great feeling being given the honor and privilege of leading all the Round Table clubs in the area and representing our great province on the National Round Table Council of Southern Africa.”

Terence was born in the small potato farming town of Bethal in Mpumalanga. He attended HM Swart Primary School, Evander High School, Hoërskool Hoogenout and matriculated at Kingsway High School in 2002. He has lived in Toti for 18 years. While at Kingsway he met his high school sweetheart Tamlyne Veldtman, and the pair got married in April 2008 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Toti. They have two children – Tate, 13, and Tannah, 7 years.

Asked what made him get into RT, Terence said, “Tamlyne and I reached a stage in our lives where we wanted to make some sort of significant difference and contribution to our local community and try to assist those less fortunate than ourselves.

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“My father was in RT in Bethal many years ago and when I was introduced to RT Toti for the the first time, I was already familiar with the organisation, which it presented the perfect platform for myself and my family to do what we had set out to do.

“However, without us even realising it, RT over the years has giving us much more than anticipated, such as great personal development, sound business acumen, organising skills and social networking opportunities, over and above all the other meaningful community service projects and various fundraising events we have organised and been apart of for the last eight years. Plus we have had two opportunities to travel abroad, to RT in Germany and Mauritius and it has been an amazing experience so far.”

Terence said during his term as president he will focus on getting back to the basics of what RT is and what Tablers enjoy doing by leading by example. “But also still working smartly with some fun invasions thrown into the mix and further encouraging all our RT clubs to make even more of a concerted effort to better get involved and known by their relevant local communities and businesses, in a mutually supportive relationship, to make a real difference where best possible.

There is always room for improvement in RT and also most other service clubs throughout SA. “However, membership is the biggest problem for all of us these days and we see less young business men and families getting involved and working together to make a real difference for everyone’s long term benefit in our country.

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“So in saying that, RT Toti and all RT clubs in SA appreciate any and all support they can get from the local communities, in whichever means or ways possible and we really encourage and invite all past Tablers (41ers), the public and also businesses to send their young and eager gentlemen of their local communities, to visit and get involved with our really awesome organisation, which will give them a unique platform to learn and develop themselves into responsible and respected contributing members of society while having great fun, networking with others and making a real difference for both the underprivileged and involved hardworking members of our communities. ”

RT is represented in 55 countries worldwide with about 35 000 members internationally. In South Africa, they are about 1 200 members. “We have managed to increase our membership over the last two years by 400 members and we still intend to continue growing steadily each year going forward.

“We are only looking for quality members to sustain a respectful and responsible image as well as have truly involved and productive members for the long term and for the right reasons. We have various area projects and social events planned every year as well as each individual club hosts their own, to attract more members, so people can either call their local RT club-appointed chairperson and get involved, or follow what their RT club is getting up to in the area and assist however possible, or just come through to say hello in support.”

Terence and his family are also involved with Warnadoone Lifesaving Club and they try to get involved with each of their children’s schools. “My interests are my family, my day job as a forklift salesman and RTSA. I enjoy it all very much and they keep me busy, as well as out of mischief. When relaxing, I enjoy going outdoors, cooking new dishes, playing golf with friends and fishing on our beautiful South Coast of KZN.”

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