Rotary Club of Springs inducts its new president

The event commenced at 7pm and saw the inauguration of president elect, Siobheanne Landsberg.

“I have been a member of Rotaract for 13 years and have built a good rapport with this club over recent years,” says Siobheanne.

“I officially joined this particular club two years ago.”

Siobheanne, who was a district chairperson of Rotaract, says she looks forward to the challenge and opportunity that lies ahead of her.

“This is going to be a different ball game but I believe I have had great and exemplary predecessors before me,” she adds.

Siobheanne says the club, which is 81 years old, has only ever had three other female presidents, which makes this even more of an honour for her.

“They have been good role models for me and I am very confident that I will make them proud,” she adds.

The outgoing president, Lauren Foneman, addressed the gathering and reflected on some of the club’s successes during her term of office.

“We have done a lot in terms of our feeding scheme initiative and food packages,” says Lauren.

“The ‘Men on the side of the road’ and ‘Anti-freeze’ programmes have also been fruitful and will continue with the handover of this presidency.”

Lauren attributed the successes of the club, not only to her leadership but also to the unwavering support of all members and non-members of the club.

“I could not have done it without you,” she adds.

Going forward, Siobheanne says she plans to use the power of Rotary to effect change in the community while empowering females in areas of education, through the execution of special programmes.

She used her favourite quotes, “Be the change you want to see,” to introduce her theme for her term of office as president.

“I want us to show Springs that it’s up to us to make a difference and that is the only way we will grow and build our town,” she adds.

Sergeant Anton Foneman saluted women leadership in the rotary and highlighted his excitement for the club’s future.

“Women represent untapped potential,” he says.

“Women help us to engage better with communities while helping them meet communities’ needs.”

“We have elected a very special president,” he says.

The president of the Springs Girls’ High School Rotary Interact Club, Lesego Khumalo (17), was also inducted on the evening.

The evening’s newly-inducted Ann president, Cheryl Havenga, expressed great faith in Lesego’s presidency going forward.

“We trust that you will fulfil this honour to the best of your abilities,” she says.