Individuals and different organisations received leadership awards from Springs Rotary Club on Saturday.
The event was held at Riverside Country Estate. Everyone was welcomed by the past president, Geoff Havenga, and present president, Siobheanne Landsberg.
She points out she will reign as president for another year.
“When I was asked to take the reigns for the 2016-2017 Rotary year, I have to admit I was a bit hesitant.
“It is a whole different ball game to step up and take charge of a Rotary club,” she says.
However, the people who she claims she never thought she would ever be ‘on-par’ with as a Rotarian, are the people she has gotten to know over the years.
“These are the people whom I have amassed a great respect for,” she says.
Landsberg shares quite a few highlights from the past year and says it was jampacked.
“I cannot wait to see what the new year ahead will bring,” she says.
Geoff Havenga and his wife Cheryl each received a Paul Harris Fellow award for their continuous work and support to the community and as Rotarians.
Landsberg says the purpose of the Paul Harris Society is to honour and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.
“Usually this is done to recognise an outstanding commitment to the club or the community.
The following people received Leadership awards:
Robert de Groot and Meika Lange for their assistance at all the Rotary functions.
Siyamukela Thamane, who runs a feeding scheme in KwaThema, at her own cost.
Louise Mawhinney and Nikki Belford from Hope and Halos, a non-profit organisation, who has been supportive of other organisations including the Knysna Relief, Vita Nova Centre and The Potters Haven as well as various non-specified animal shelters.
Kattitude, an NPO, founders Tanya Kitching and Mandy Thorpe, received the award for their effort to control feral cat colonies in and around Springs.
Dr Thulani Mthimunye, a local vet, received the award for his contribution to the community and his assistance with sterilising cats at a discounted rate for Kattitude.
Andrew and Marlene Minnie, the founders of The Potters Haven, says they were honoured to receive an award.
“What we do, we do for the love of children,” says Marlene.
Landsberg points out that the director of Vita Nova Centre, Michelle Immelman, brings joy and meaning to the residents of the centre.
Bill Makepeace and his wife Maude was honoured for their continuous work as Rotarians.
Landsberg says the couple will relocate to KwaZulu-Natal soon and they will miss them terribly.
The Leadership award was handed over to the Addie, for their continuous support of the Rotary Club.
“I am so privileged to work alongside these wonderful people.” says Landsberg.
