Rotary International president Jennifer Jones revealed the 2022/23 presidential theme, Imagine Rotary, in which she urges people to dream big and harness their connections and the power of Rotary to turn those dreams into reality.
Recently, three female presidents were inducted into Rotary clubs.
The new president of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg South 101 is Theresa Bennett who served two terms as secretary.
Jane Soester returned as Ann’s club president for the umpteenth time and Chantelle Bennett was sworn in for the second time as Southern Star Rotaract Club president.
The induction evening was held at Lupa Osteria restaurant in Meyersdal where a delicious meal and fellowship were enjoyed.
The programme of events was delivered by all the ladies in the club with the outgoing president Kevin Bennett’s address being the only exception.
Linda Dent, past president of the club, was the master of ceremonies and there were some well-prepared, meaningful speeches delivered by Celeste Pereira, Bev Loubser, Jenny Cannon and Edith Nkosi which highlighted several themes.
These themes included dreaming big and turning those dreams into reality; South Africa, a country full of pride and promise, a land that is full of love and hope, a country we call home; celebrating WOMEN (an acronym for wonder, originality, morality, excellence and nurturing); and celebrating EMPOWERMENT (n acronym for educating, motivating, passion, opportunities. warmth, enriching and rising).
The women were also reminded to be as strong as the lion, as insightful as the elephant, as nimble as the leopard, as nurturing as the rhino and as calm as the buffalo.
Theresa shared her insights on a poem by Angeline Rasmussen. called Strong like her.
“Malala Yousafzai led the fight for women’s right to education, even surviving a bullet,” said Theresa.
“This Rotary year I hope to be as strong as her. To, therefore, have the courage, bravery, strength, determination, hope, warmth, devotion, and success to fight like her. I hope to be her. “
