- Rotary International’s District 9350, covering the Western and Northern Cape, Angola, and Namibia, launched its 100-year milestone with a cocktail event at the V&A Waterfront and the ACT4IMPACT awareness campaign.
- The Rotary Expo showcased a century of initiatives, including early childhood education, support for street children in Angola, and hunger relief efforts, with more events planned throughout the year.
- Rotary leaders urged individuals and businesses to join their mission of sustainable change, emphasizing equality, education, and economic growth in communities.
Rotary International’s District 9350, a volunteer service organisation which includes over 80 clubs across the Western and Northern Cape, Angola, and Namibia, celebrates 100 years of making a difference in communities this year.
To kick start this milestone the organisation held a cocktail event at the V&A Waterfront on Tuesday 4 February.
The event also marked the opening of its ACT4IMPACT awareness campaign.
The initiative is a call to action for people to become community change makers.
Patrons also got to see the Rotary Expo which explored the wide range of community service projects undertaken by Rotary over the past 10 decades.
The expo was on display from Tuesday 4 until Thursday 6 February and will move to other parts of the province and the Northern Cape.
Services offered by Rotary include supporting Early Childhood Education, supporting street children in Luanda, Angola, fighting hunger among others.
Stephen Young, district governor of District 9350, Rotary International, said: “Our focus is to try and create an impact in our communities by building sustainable change. Whether it’s improving a hospital, schools, or helping to create food production or creating entrepreneurs and helping local economies. Rotary is a friendship organisation and we are waiting to meet new friends.”
Young explained that this is the first of year-long celebrations.
“An international peace forum will be held in Cape Town in April followed by a district conference in Worcester with the official centenary celebrations taking place on 10 May.”
He said while they have achieved many milestones over the years, their work is not done.
“We would like to achieve more equality and equity in communities. We would like to see people being able to live their lives with dignity.
“And have all the facilities they require to enable children to get through school until matric.”
Young urged more people to get involved.
Mymoena Ismail, president of Rotary Club Waterfront, said: “It is good to be part of an organisation that stood the test of time. It shows that if you put people first and you do good, then there is always a need for you to continue.”
Ismail also emphasised the importance of businesses working with organisations.
David Green, chief executive officer of the V&A Waterfront, said the Waterfront is proud to be associated with the organisation.
James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, praised the organisation for the “tangible difference” its makes in communities.
“A century of service is no small achievement, and I salute you.
“Your work in education, business support, and skills development speaks directly to what I am most passionate about: ensuring that Cape Town is a place where people, businesses, and industries don’t just survive but thrive.”
