“Rotary does not see caste and creed, it sees serve above all. This is my language, do good and let it flow in the sea, that is what I will be looking at doing.” This is the vision of Arifa Parker, the new Rotary Club Sea Point president.
Parker received the president’s chain during a small ceremony at the Hyde Hotel in Sea Point last month. She is taking over from Cosmina Zaharescu.
Rotary International is a global network of volunteers who support their communities with various upliftment projects that are made possible through fund-raising activities.
Rotary Club Sea Point is part of District 9350, which covers the Western Cape, Namibia and Angola.
Projects
Rotary Club of Sea Point is involved with many projects, including the Ilitha Family Educare in Khayelitsha, Blue Train Park, Ellerton Garden and Cooktastic Hub learning.
Arifa explained that Rotary has always been part of her life as she was first introduced to it as a child by a family member while living in the Seychelles Islands.
“Rotary was introduced to me by my uncle Ali Parkar, one of the founders of the Rotary Club of Seychelles. He kind of installed the foundation of Rotary in me. Then, in my third phase of change, namely Mumbai, India, I was introduced to the Interact, where I was the Sergeant of Arms.”
She said when she moved to Cape Town, she was introduced to the club in Sea Point.
Parker said she “has big shoes to fill” but added she is ready for the challenge.
During her tenure, she said her priorities would be to recruit more members, assist with fundraisers and establish more food gardens.
“In today’s world and economy, one has to remember that people are not as free in giving money out so easily, but all you need is to give the outcomes and the benefit of the projects, so I hope to get that moving for Rotary Club.
“I would like to see at least two more food gardens grow in my time. With experts in our team, this should not be impossible. I would like to see one at the Belgravia High and one in Delft. I have already started and negotiated with the powers that be. Getting our communities to realise that there is light at the end of the tunnel is very crucial. They need hope.”
Together
Parker encouraged people to work together and not in silos.
Zaharescu, a former lawyer originally from Romania, explained that her journey with Rotary started a few years ago.
“As part of the team of the Consulate General of Romania in Cape Town, we developed during the years a very good relationship with the Romanian community of South Africa, who referred me to some beautiful charity projects run by Rotary Sea Point Club, where I had the chance to get involved and bring my own contribution.”
Zaharescu said she will always remain a Rotarian.
“As my term as president concludes, I am honoured to have been part of the Rotary family. I am grateful for the valuable lessons learned and for the chance to strengthen friendships between Rotary clubs and the international community world. Building these bridges has been a highlight of my presidency, and I am proud of the progress made in fostering collaboration.”
At the ceremony, Zaharescu was awarded the Paul Harris Award, which honours a Rotarian or a member of the community that has made an outstanding contribution to the community.
She said she felt honoured to receive this recognition.
Parker encouraged her successor with a quote by the late Nelson Mandela: “It is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in. Let this quote inspire you to lead with compassion, integrity, and a relentless dedication to serving others. Your leadership has the potential to create positive change and impact lives in profound ways.”
She encouraged diplomats and members of the international community to join Rotary clubs to connect and serve a better world.
“By leveraging diverse skills and networks, we can foster international understanding, collaboration, and impactful service projects. Let’s unite in Rotary, transcend boundaries, and create a brighter future together through shared values and collective action.”
She thanked Club District 9350 and the City of Cape Town for their guidance, assistance, and collaboration with Rotary initiatives.
Nicola Jowell, Ward 54 councillor, wished her well in her new role and said she was excited to be working with her.
“Since I became Ward councillor five years ago, I have seen Arifa at all the projects, always with endless passion, energy and enthusiasm which has been amazing to see. So, I am excited to see you being inducted as the new Rotary president for Sea Point.
“I pray and hope I have the strength to carry on with all I have taken on. But I know with God’s grace and all my support system in place I will do my best,” concluded Parker.
