MEETINGS
FRIDAY 7am
FEBRUARY is PEACE & CONFLICT RESOLUTION Month
23 Feb 2021 - Happy 116th Birthday Rotary!
FEB 2021 - CoViD19 UPDATE
Until further notice, the regular Friday 7am Zoom meetings continue.
The major up-side is that you don't even have to be in the same country to attend - so do invite Rotary friends from other countries to join us!
Request an invitation: email Sue Truter
MEETINGS & EVENTS
Join our virtual 'Zoom' meetings - contact Janet Kriseman. She will send you an invitation link.
Fri 26 Feb 2021
Sean Mahoney - The "Ridge" - a new office typology - a talk about the new 'green' building in the Waterfront
Fri 5 Mar 2021
Business Meeting
Fri 12 Mar 2021
TBA
Fri 19 Mar 2021
Dr Johan Woodland - Covid Medications and Vaccines
Fri 26 Mar 2021
Mark Jennings - The Challenges of Community Radijo
Sat 10 Apr 2021
POETS (President and Officers-elect Training - 2021-2022)
Sat 17 Apr 2021
District Assembly
Sat 24th & Sun 25th April 2021
Zone 22 Rotary Africa Centennial International Conference - Johannesburg (on Zoom)
NEWSLETTER
SEAL'S BARK
2020/21 BOARD
Meet Janet Kriseman
Janet has been a member of WRC since 2014. Cape Town born Janet is an alumnus of Herzlia High School. In the USA, she received a BA Hons in Political Philosophy from Brown and a Law degree from New York University.
Sat 27 June 2020
INDUCTION of JANET KRISEMAN
as 30th Captain of WRC
ROTARY - 'GLUE' FOR A BROKEN WORLD?
In the Anthem – Leonard Cohen sings; “There is a crack in everything, that’s where the light gets in…” I think he means that when something breaks, it can be an opportunity to improve it.
Covid19 has crashed into us like a wrecking ball, and while we are still standing, we are surrounded by the shards of the world we knew. The challenge for us is to try pick up the pieces that we want to keep, and glue everything back together in a way that we emerge stronger and more beautiful...
Read the full transcript of Janet's inspiring speech here.
What went well?
Having resolved to hold some of our regular meetings on-line, the lockdown forced us into holding all our meetings on-line. Our membership and speakers displayed amazing adaptability; we transitioned almost seamlessly. Apart from reducing our carbon footprint, 'zoom-meeting' allows us to connect with the world - we've already hosted 'visitors' from 5 continents.
Great efforts in Fundraising - well done!
Great efforts in difficult circumstances with projects. This was never going to be easy, but members rose to the challenge.
What could we have done differently?
More effort in looking after our members
More volunteers for club projects
More socials – while we could
Finally, to quote Alvin Toffler - now, more than ever, we need to learn from what's in front of us, un-learn what has become obsolete and re-learn as events evolve - The future will be different - that is a given.
AWARDS & CERTIFICATES
VOCATIONAL SERVICE AWARD
SUSIE MOFFATT - for exemplary vocational service and her selfless contribution to literacy through support of School Libraries
MERIT AWARDS
For exemplary MERITORIUS SERVICE - fundraising and raising awareness of Rotary...
JUNE WEBBER - for the Waterfront Canal Challenge event.
SPIRO MITCHELL - for the Waterfront Canal Challenge event.
SIHAM BODA - for the Waterfront Canal Challenge event.
DIRK HOFMANN - for the Cape Town Cycle Tour and Cape Town Marathon events.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS
MOHAMED AHMED-MOHAMED - for sustained service to Christine Revell Children's Home - particularly handling the Covid 19 protocols.
MICHELLE KOREVAAR - for her invaluable support to numerous Covid19 Hunger Relief projects.
PIETER SWART - for sustained Community Service with 'One to One' fun-day for the intellectually disabled community.
JANICE HALLIFORD - for sustained community service in respect of Wallie's Golden Oldies and support for club members.
BIANCA & THOM MITTAG - for 16 years continuous commitment to Early Childhood Development in Northern Cape Province.
PIETER POSTEMA - for sustained service to Club Community Service Projects including Christine Revell Children's Home.
SPECIAL SERVICE AWARDS
SIMON GERBER - for outstanding service in running an on-line Quizz fundraising event.
July 2020 - Welcome DG Carl-Heiz and Caroline!
We wish Distrit Governor Carl-Heinz Duizberg and his wife Caroline, an enjoyable and successful year ahead as they take the leadership baton for our unique, diverse district. Waterfront Rotary is committed to suport our DG to achieve the goals idenfied by RI President Holger Knaack this year, one of which is to expand our reach creating new innovative club models. The RI President has asked us to select our members carefully, also to take a look at what our club should look like in five years time and how do we can achieve this vision.
We are proud that members of the RC of Waterfront are serving on numerous district committees this year to assist our DG - they are Siham Boda and Derek Pead (Support Facilitation Team), Derek Pead (Entrepreneurship), Glynis Jennings (Environment), David Bradley (Rotary Youth Camps) and June Webber (Membership - Future Pillar) Janet Kriseman (Literacy without portfolio). Siham also is on an inter-district Mediation Team for the African Centennial Celebrations in April next year.
30 Sep 2020 - 52 Books to honour Pepsi
Capt Janet Kriseman writes:
"To honour our late member Pepsi Dube, we will be donating a brand new book to each of the 52 Grade 1 Rahmaniyah Primary School learners.
These books will be for them to take home and keep, and there will be a sticker inside each book acknowledging Pepsi and her contribution to Rotary, youth and literacy.
I am a firm believer in the tactile pleasure of holding a beautiful and interesting book in one’s hands, particularly for young children. Snuggling up with a new book, the aroma of freshly printed pages, the sight of crisp black letters next to detailed, imaginative pictures offers a rare contentment that will be remembered.
We hope that these books will have a lasting impact on the children who receive them, and will spur them on to enjoy reading, learning, and ultimately, living well. There could be no more fitting legacy for Pepsi."
RIP Phephelaphi Dube
"We began last week’s meeting with the heartbreaking news that our esteemed crew member Phephelaphi Dube had succumbed to her illness. No doubt this was shocking to everyone, as Pepsi had reassured us all along that ‘this too will pass’. Pepsi was an accomplished lawyer, a loving daughter, wife and mother, and an outstanding Rotarian. RIP Pepsi, you will be missed."
Capt Janet Kriseman
PHEPHELAPHI DUBE - RIP!
"Phephelaphi’s passing was as gracious as she lived her life. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Pepsi will agree that she carried herself with such poise and elegance", writes Siham Boda.
Pepsi was a member of the Interact Club under the RC of Bulawayo in her home country Zimbabwe. She was special. That she was inducted by RI President Ian Risely when he visited Cape Town, was no coincidence. After joining Waterfront Rotary on 19 September 2017 she went on to become the club's Youth Director, as youth was her passion. At the time of joining Pepsi was working for the FW de Klerk Foundation and had served as an Advisor to the Centre for Unity in Diversity.
Pepsi lost her battle with lymphatic cancer and quietly slipped away on Thursday 17 September to Higher Service, shortly after 23h00 at the Milnerton Medi-clinic at the tender age of 42. Pepsi will always be remembered with great love, admiration and respect by the crew of Waterfront Rotary.
5 October 2020 - 52 Books for Rahmaniyeh's Grade 1's
Pepsi loved books and Rahmaniyeh School had a special place in her heart. So, to honour our late member Pepsi who was also our previous Youth Director, we thought it a fitting tribute to give a brand new book to each of the 52 Grade 1 learners at Rahmaniyeh Primary School.
Dr Dube (Pepsi’s mother seated with the children and Mpumi Msimanga (Pepsi’s husband, next to Nadene) were present and helped to hand out the books. Rahmaniyah arranged a touching tribute to Pepsi which was very moving for all present. The children of course were so excited to receive their new books which lifted everyone's spirits. Sincere thanks to Captain Janet, Siham and Janet for organising the handover and event.
Mr A Rawoot, the Principal of Rahmaniyeh Primary School wrote this to Captain Janet:
"The School Governing Body, Management and Staff express our sincere thanks and gratitude to you/your organisation for your kind gesture in donating reading books to our Grade 1 learners. This goes a long way in boosting the morale of learners.
May you and your organisation grow from strength to strength, God-Willing. Thank you. This was an emotionally moving event that provided the appropriate closure to the passing of our Beloved Pepsi. May she RIP."
"Immortality lies not in the things you leave behind, but in the people your life has touched" Unknown.
12 Sep 2020 - Induction of V&A Corporate Members
Capt Janet Kriseman very happy to celebrate Waterfront RC's 28th birthday with the induction of our first corporate members: Ni-shaat Abrahams and Don Kau from V&A Waterfront.
Henry Mathys, Capt Janet, Don and Ni-Shaat - all suitable socially distanced and masked - in front of the Rotary beacon that points to other waterfront cities and serves as a reminder to strive for peace and goodwill between people everywhere.
Sept 2020 - A GOLD Citation for WRC
What an honour - and heartiest congratulations to pp Derek Pead and his crew - a fine achievement!
25 Aug 2020 Kick Polio out of Africa
Today, 25 August 2020 Rotary celebrates this milestone event - the eradication of the wild polio virus from the Continent of Africa. The KPOA campaign just ahead of the 2010 Soccer World Cup event, put the focus firmly back on the urgent need to eradicate polio as it had spread into 23 polio-affected countries in Africa. Ten years later, Rotary and its Global partners WHO, CDC, UNICEF and the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation have achieved this incredible feat. Our children on the Continent of Africa are safe, but surveillance and immunisation must continue to prevent future outbreaks. Only Pakistan and Afghanistan remain endemic.
7 July 2020 - Supporting the Environment – RI’S 7th Area of Focus
This is Rotary Club President Induction season. The highlight of your Scribe’s week was attending the induction of President Koos Burger of the RC of Cape of Good Hope on Tuesday, 7 July.
To celebrate the good news of the Environment being added by Rotary International as the 7th Area of Focus, President Koos Burger launched what we believe, is the biggest ever “Mandala” in the world. The new Mandala at Rotary Camps Glencairn is a 36m diameter Rotary wheel. It was created using fynbos plants and was done to make a positive mark on the planet. This is another way to celebrate Rotary's involvement in Environmental Sustainability.
Video footage from a drone also showed President Koos being handed the chain in the cog of the wheel – spectacular!
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13 Mar 2020 - Meeting in the Aquarium
The weekly meeting was held at the beautiful Two Oceans Aquarium, in front of the Predator Tank. Guest speaker was Maryke Musson who is the former Curator of the Aquarium and now heads up the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Trust. She spoke about what the Trust is doing and told us where Yoshi the turtle has been swimming since he was released from the Aquarium.
Janice Halliford and Maryka Vermaak were ready to welcome members and guests at the beautifu venue.
Sue Truter and regular visitor Kai Howie took time out to pose in front of the coral.
Glynis Jennings and Vaughan Pierce chatting while a ragged tooth shark circles around. We were shown the teaching classrooms where school children are exposed to all aspects of the ocean.
8 Mar 2020 - Cape Town Cycle Tour
And before we knew it, it was Cape Town Cycle Tour day again and what a gorgeous day it turned out to be for the 30,000 odd cyclists who came out to enjoy a perfect day for cycling in Cape Town.
Florencia, Vic and Janice huddle for a 'selfie'.
Once again the WRC crew - and a bunch of interacters - rose to the 'marshalling challenge'. Thank you one and all. The reward is enormous - we get the chance to contribute to the amazing atmosphere in a gorgeous setting.
Joe Hansen takes a 'groupie' with Glynis, Maryka and Vaughan.
May 2020 - Food Relief for Langa ECD's
As part of the Langa ECD upgrade project with RC Newands, RI was asked if we could aportion part of the Global Grant contingency to the Covid-19 Feeding Scheme as we were told that only registered ECDs would receive their usual allowance of food. This left 15 unregistered ECDs with nothing and we covered this gap to the value of over R200k. There are food parcels for 770 children which will feed a family of 5 for 6 weeks. Leeanne, the principal of Siyahanyisa Centre was delighted with the contributions.
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Need a "feel good" boost?
Watch these little videos:
Christine Revell Children's Home
They will warm your heart: YES - Rotary IS making a difference!
"WHAT IF Paul Harris started Rotary today?"
A very interesting read by Evan Burrel.
NEWS from 2019/2020 have been moved to the HIGHLIGHTS page...
Until the global pandemic made so many of WRC's community and social activities impossible, there were loads of pictures to enjoy. Take a look back at the highlights of previous years:
19 Feb 2021 - PDG June Webber receives the prestigious 'Service Above Self' Award
Piet dropped in to congratulate June on her wonderful and well deserved “Service Above Self” award. This was followed by a personal delivery of the most beautiful flowers from Captain Janet!
The Service Above Self Award is the highest honour bestowed by Rotary International on a Rotarian. Only 150 Rotarians worldwide are considered each year and hundreds of nominations from districts across the world are received by RI.
June's energy, commitment and enthusiasm for Rotary is unbounded and extends not only to the activities of RC Waterfront but to our District, across Africa and the Rotary world.
22 Feb 2021 - Tables for Atlantis ECD centre
Danny Pietersen with Michael Brand's staff who loaded the bakkie and David. Michael Brand was a member of Waterfront Rotary for many years. He continues to "make a difference", helping the Waterfront RC out with storage where needed. Big thanks to Mike and to David for coordination.
David Bradley met with President Danny Pietersen at Brand Engineering to collect tables that had been stored there. Danny delivered these little tables to an ECD in Atlantis. He would be back to collect the rest. When they left their bakkie was crammed full, including boxes of books for primary and high school children. David has indicated that he has five more boxes of childrens books and other items earmarked for Atlantis.
WATERFRONT ROTARY COVID-19 LEGACY PROJECT - an outdoor 'break room' for the staff of New Somerset Hospital.
Captain Janet, Piet, Maryka and June are on a mission to raise the much needed funds of some R255,000 to complete this Rotary Covid-19 care project asap!
17 Feb 2021 Christine Revel Children's Home donation to Siyakhanyisa Early Learning Centre
Maryka, Spiro and Piet handed over books, toys, chairs and bikes on behalf of Christine Revell Children’s Home to the creche. Leanne (Principal of the Centre) was delighted with the donation.
Feb 2021 - WELL DONE Inner Wheel!
Anne Postema, Karin Smith (Atlantis Rotarian), Pauline Whitehead, Lorna Bradley, Winston Wilsnagh and Yurisha Maharaj both of Atlantis hospital. The members of the IW Club of Waterfront make up these 'baby packs' for impoverished new mothers. The Inner Wheelers have built a meaningful relationship with the Rotarians of Atlantis, especially with President Danny Pietersen. We salute them for their commitment to this community.
Anne Postema, Danny Pietersen (President Atlantis Rotary), Karin Smith (Rotarian Atlantis Rotary), Pauline Whitehead, Glynis Jennings, Charmaine Hansen and Lorna Bradley at Thuthuzela Centre handing over Rape Comfort Boxes.
Feb 2021 - Captain Janet in Action!
How high is that wall?
Waterfront Rotaract Club Initiative
Captain Janet measuring the Sea Point Play Park wall in preparation for the Rotaract Mural Project.
The photo was taken by Rotaractor Emily O'Ryan, who is providing a supportive District Rotaract role to assist us get this very exciting initiative off the ground. Our goal is to get the club launched by 30 June 2021, in Captain Janet's year.
The Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation is also on board, thanks to Maryke Musson!
Feb 2021 - Siham & Derek's Peace and Conflict Resolution Initiatives
February is Peace and Reconciliation month in the Rotary calendar. Siham shared with us that the first group of mediators (35), part of the Rotary Africa Centennial Mediation Legacy Project, commenced their training this month. Waterfront Rotary's contribution to Peace and Conflict resolution, is substantial. The important roles that both Siham Boda and Derek Pead play, using their unique skills' sets to make the Peace mindset a reality, on our continent and in our clubs in District 9350, is hugely valued.
9 Feb 2021 - Langebaan Satellite Club Meeting
Our satellite club in Langebaan is going well and we have had a few meetings. The lockdown on the West Coast, where Covid was rampant during the festive season, hindered progress, but today, Ralph Roseman representing Waterfront, met with five members of the community to discuss possible projects. The outcomes we believe, were extremely positive. We will keep crew posted of progress.
Feb 2021 Springbok to Atlantis on a Bicycle - a ride to raise awareness...
Konrad Clifton, a former member of Kirstenbosch Rotary, cycled from Springbok on 31 January to arrive in Atlantis on the 10 February to raise awareness of phycially challenged folk - highlighting the need to build ramps. The ramp building project is a collaboration between Newlands/Kirstenbosch Rotary and Saldanha Rotaract. 15 Ramps were identified and are being built to replace steps. Konrad is seen here wearing a Centennial Rotary Cycling Shirt ensuring that he is well-branded, cycling under the banner of Rotary through nine rural towns.
Dec 2020 - Gifts for Abused Women and abandoned kids...
In collaboration with SISTERHOOD!, Nadene and Debby collated the gift bags which were delivered by Captain Janet and Debby. Big thanks for donations from Carol Miller, Blue Sky, and Nadene and Debby for their contributions. The balance of the content were sponsored by the club. A great initiative. Well done ladies!
19 Dec 2020 - #Feed 5000
Waterfront Rotary donated R5000 to the Hope Exchange #Feed5000 initiative. The aim was to help prepare food for the less fortunate over the festive season. Special thanks to Maryka Vermaak who kindly coordinated the volunteers for the day. Another BIG thank you to those superstars who stepped up to provide a meal for those less fortunate.
Dec 2020 - Seapoint Playpark Reopens
The Sea Point Playpark Restoration is now complete. Many thanks to Spiro who drove the project and made sure it was done in time for the festive season. It looks amazing - what a difference!
4 Dec 2020 -Happy Retirement Dolphina and Merle!
Two stalwarts of the Christine Revell Children's Home, retired today. Merle Jacobs, after 16 years and Dolphina van Rhyn after 33 years of loyal service. The delayed lunch function was held on Friday 4 December. Their long standing service of many years is hugely valued. All the very best for the future.
AFRICAN ROTARY COMMUNITY MEDIATORS VTT-GLOBAL GRANT PROJECT
In 2020 a group of Rotarians from District 9350, District 9370 and District 9400 took the initiative to establish the African Rotary Community Mediation (ARCoM) Vocational Training Team (VTT) Global Grant with the aim of training 100 community mediators to work in communities in the three districts. From January 2021, a multi-disciplinary will complement the skills training to lay the theoretical and philosophical foundation for the cohort of Rotary mediators consisting of 30 Rotarians and 70 non-Rotarians. Applications will remain open until the end of January 2021.
Prospective trainees (Rotarians and Non-Rotarians) can apply HERE.
RIP Dough Withey
On Friday 27th November 2020, PDG Dough Withey passed to higher service. He was 100 years old.
Rotary friends, the people he worked with and him and Jose's extended family all describe him as "Gentleman Dough".
In later years it was heartwarming to see how many of the youth exchange students they hosted through the years not only kept in touch, but took the time to visit. In the picture, Dough and Doloris (one of the exchange students) are enjoying a visit.
The restrictions on visitors during the CoViD19 lockdown was very hard on Douglas and even when near family could visit again and spend a few minutes with him (a great comfort in his last days), his thoughts were often for the plight of the other residents whose family are far away.
How fortunate we are to have known him...
On Friday 27th November 2020, PDG Dough Withey passed to higher service. He was 100 years old.
Rotary friends, the people he worked with and him and Jose's extended family all describe him as "Gentleman Dough".
In later years it was heartwarming to see how many of the youth exchange students they hosted through the years not only kept in touch, but took the time to visit. In the picture, Dough and Doloris (one of the exchange students) are enjoying a visit.
The restrictions on visitors during the CoViD19 lockdown was very hard on Douglas and even when near family could visit again and spend a few minutes with him (a great comfort in his last days), his thoughts were often for the plight of the other residents whose family are far away.
How fortunate we are to have known him...
10 Nov 2020 Protea Library at Walmer Estate Primary School
The Otto Foundation, led by Zephne Ladbrook partnered with the Kamvalethu Foundation to create ‘a carefully designed and well-stocked library to be a space from which to inspire a love of reading, a desire to learn and a curiosity to explore new facts, thoughts and ideas.’
The Premier of the Western Cape Allan Winde arrived on time, and sat in the hot sun while the school principal, Mrs D Kellerman expressed the school's very heartfelt thanks. She pointed out that having access to such a quality library made a difference to the children as it made them feel valued, and it gave them dignity, that despite the generally drab school buildings, this gem had been placed there for their use. Mr Winde said how heartwarming it was to be there for such an uplifting experience instead of the usual COVID emergencies that he has been dealing with all year. A small boy recited a poem he had written for the occasion, and three Grade 7 boys sang a song of thanks in beautiful harmony.
After a brief tour of the gorgeous new space, there was the opportunity to catch up with friends from The Bookery and SHINE who had all come to see the beautiful new library unfurl its wings.
Nov 2020 - Loadshedding Inverter at Christine Revell Childrens Home
The newly installed “loadshedder inverter” will provide lighting to all corridors as well as power to the offices in the event of further loadshedding.
This was possible due to savings from our Solar Project and through donations from the Stichting tot Steun from the Netherlands, International Precision Trading NL, and an anonymous donor.
Huge thanks to you all.
Oct 2020 - ROCKING THE DAISIES IN ATLANTIS!
Eight clubs responded to the Clarion Call of Assistant Governor Peter Sharples, to join in the fun day at Orion - a rehabilitation centre in Atlantis - to assist Rotarians of the Atlantis Rotary Club plant vegetables. Out in the fresh air, appropriately masked and socially distanced, everyone putting their shoulders to the wheel to complete the task. It was hard work and no doubt there were some stiff muscles on Sunday! But what an amazing opportunity for fellowship which we have all missed so much during this lock down period. Not too many daisies to be seen. Pics kindly provided by Captain Janet of Bev Frieslich (Cape of Good Hope Rotary Club) and crew June Webber.
SPEAKER'S CORNER
Fri 19 Feb 2021 - Max Coleman & Jack Scott-King: SubjeX
SubjeX is an Ed Tech business founded in 2017 by Max Coleman and Jack Scott-King, with the objective of providing students with a single platform to access relevant academic information.
12 Feb 2021 Christelle Colman - CEO Elite Wealth: The power of a personal brand: "Your Network is your Net-Worth"
Spiro introduced our guest speaker - Christelle Colman - a good friend whom he had known for many years and admired for her professional achievements.
Christelle shared with us that she had had no tertiary education but at present was an MBA candidate of the University of Stellenbosch Business School proving that it is never too late to learn.
Christelle explained that "Your personal brand" is the essence of what stays behind long after you have left a room. "Your personal brand" is the culmination of your life experiences, unique character, ethical standards and personality. She went on to say that it is how well we communicate this brand to the world that will ultimately differentiate one from other professionals – something that is particularly imperative for women, who continue to face gender-based disadvantages throughout their working lives.
Starting the process of presenting oneself as a marketable brand can become overwhelming very quickly. It is important, in this sense, to think of building a personal brand as a marathon and not a sprint. An asset that you have to grow and refine over time, your brand will naturally change over the years as you mature, and it is vital to ensure that what you present to the world remains consistent with who you are.
Once a strong personal brand has been established, it is important to be mindful that in addition to distinguishing one professionally, it also provides us with a voice. Valuable advice.
11 Dec 2020 - Thamsanqa Hoza - CEO of Hot Nozzle Innovate ...
Derek proudly introduced Thami, his 16th Alan Gray Orbis mentee, who was now in his final year at UCT and the proud inventor of Hot Nozzle.
What is the Hot Nozzle and how was the idea conceptualised?
The Hot Nozzle is a portable, gas-powered shower attachment that heats up cold water. Motivated by daily cold showers, Thami Hoza and his business partner Bokamoso Molale conceptualised the idea in 2014, when they were only 15 years old. The Hot Nozzle is specifically designed for townships and rural areas.
In June 2018, Thami received the Queen’s Young Leader Award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during a reception at Buckingham Palace. The award recognises the exceptional work of young people in their communities. Thami Hoza was one of only two South Africans to receive the honour. Thami is confident that the next business growth frontier is in Africa. With South Africa's miserable 50%+ youth unemployment rate, the focus needs to be firmly on entrepreneurship and the importance of investing in innovation.
We came away inspired.
27 Nov 2020 Thandile Chinyavanhu - Green Peace Africa
Thandile is an Environmental Health graduate with an Honours degree from Nelson Mandela University, working for Green Peace - Africa. This excellent presentation by Thandile brought home clearly the importance of protecting our environment, and in particular, our oceans.
The MV Wakashio went aground on a coral reef on 25 July 2020 in a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of the Eco Tourism industry of the Mauritius. The ship began to leak fuel oil in the following weeks, and broke apart in mid-August. Although much of the oil was pumped out before she broke in half, an estimated 1,000 tonnes of oil spilled into the ocean in what was called by some scientists the worst environmental disaster ever in Mauritius. Two weeks after the incident, the Mauritian government declared the incident a national emergency. The response of the community was incredible - erecting make shift ocean booms of cane trash - waste from the sugar cane processing - to contain the spill. 15 kilometers of shoreline was affected. Hundreds of whales, dolphins and other forms of sea life perished. The response from the Japanese Government has been minimal despite the fact that the the vessel was not allowed within 16 kilometers from the coast.
Glynis - who is an ardent environmentalist - thanked Thandile for her passion and commitment.
13 Nov 2020 - Shelley Finch from Handcrafted Brands on Crowd Funding
Guest speaker Shelley Finch is the founder of Handcrafted Brands, a creative and digital marketing agency that specialises in working with socially and environmentally conscious brands. She is also the Director of Sports Media. As District Brand and Marketing Pillar Coordinator Shelley generously shared her knowledge with us.
Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the Internet – they way to go in the future to fundraise.
Shelley provided a lot of information that she backed up with an informative ppt presentation which she shared with us.
Four key suggestions - Make it easy for people to donate the money; a promotional video can make a big impact; have a data base of people ready to send the campaign to and use all platforms including email, social media, Whatsapp; have people ready to donate when the campaign is launched to get traction from day one. A promotional video will make or break the campaign. Shelley was thanked by Derek Pead.
30 Oct 2020 Maryka Musson - CEO 2 Oceans' Aquarium Education Foundation
Crew were captivated by Maryke Musson's story about the rescue of Loggerhead Turtle Annie who had been caught up, along with a seal, in ghost fishing nets in Kommetjie and rescued by the NSRI in Cape Town. Sea Turtles Maryke said "were amazing creatures with great personalities". The conservation team cares for compromised sea turtles such as Annie, and prepares them for release back to their home in the ocean. Annie's 13 month rehabilitation had meant constant care. They had to teach her to feed. When caught, Annie weighed 56 kilos. Five months of not eating made self-feeding critical. Annie lost 14 kilos.
Maryka said that Annie survived because of the incredible around the clock care by the turtle rehabilitation team at the Aquarium Foundation, where she was surrounded by caring staff. A final CT scan ensured that her ‘bubble but buoyancy’ would not be a problem. (Pics clearly show her "bubble but buoyancy'.
Annie would be taken 30 nautical miles offshore for release into the lovely temperate current possibly in January next year. Waterfront Rotary had contributed towards the expenses for the release of Annie.
Maryke also shared with us that according to the Shark Spotters Coastal Rehabilitation team, a large number of "nurdles" had been washed up on South Peninsula beaches last week – with Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town, Millers Point, Witsand and Kommetjie affected so far. Shark Spotters had urged Capetonians to visit their local beach and collect as many "nurdles" as they can. From an environmental perspective, it is worse than an oil spill because nurdles won't break down, experts say. Pieter Swart thanked Maryke for a fascinating talk.
Oct 2020 - Siham Boda & Derek Pead - World Champion Negotiators!
In a twitter feed The Negotiation Centre was happy to announce that the first unofficial Negotiation World Champions for 2020 are Siham Boda and Derek Pead from Cape Town, RSA, followed by Lucas and his brothers Mark and David from Cordoba, Argentina and two bronze medals Lorenzo and Sam from China and Pamela and Annemarie from Germany. Many thanks to all participants for being with us over the last few weeks."
Congratulations and well done Siham and Derek - we're so proud of you!
24 Sep 2020 - Happy Birthday David Bradley!
SPEAKER'S CORNER
11 Sep 2020 - DON KAU - V&A Waterfront
Don has had 20 years experience as a Public Relations Practitioner. He is now head of PR and Communications at the V&A Waterfront.
Don's talk focused on the new developments at the V&A Waterfront - The Ridge, Dock Road Junction and Makers Landing (see images below). Through the ongoing evolution of the V&A Waterfront it has become a leading destination and a tourism powerhouse, for the country, the continent and is globally seen as one of the world's leading Waterfronts.
A visionary new food destination - Makers' Landing - a food emporium and incubator space showcasing a 360 degree farm to plate food experience. It is also a food community consisting of small-scale food producers, artisanal food makers and industry experts alike using the freshest local produce to offer the most authentic South African flavour. Makers Landing is also about youth, flair and innovation and so it will offer young food entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow their culinary skills as they learn from industry experts.
4 Sept 2020 - Jared Molko : Yenza - an AI response to mitigate youth unemployment
We were privileged to have had Jared Molko talk to us about Artificial Intelligence as a Response to Youth Unemployment. Jared Molko has returned to South Africa after a 7 year tenure with Google where he worked across Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Jared is an expert in Artificial Intelligence, future skills and building technologies for emerging markets. He has now set out to improve one of the biggest issues of our time, youth unemployment.
Jared has built Yenza, the first truly personalised career guidance development and placement platform for the youth, having developed "Smart Career Technology" which adapts, responds and recommends pathway progression to individuals based on scientific methods of career and personal development. He highlighted that 80% of youth have no access to professional career guidance, no support throughout their career journey and poor insight of oneself or the career landscape.
21 July 2020 - Michelle Korevaar - ChangeMakersHub
WRC has worked with Michelle on number of projects and a warm and productive relationship has developed.
Michelle's passion is to use her skills as both a professional but also as an active global citizen, to make a significant impact through strategy, innovative leadership, collaborating within dynamic partnerships, cultivating a globally relevant network of expertise to do good business for good and inspire Africa through example. "If not now...when?"
Michelle shared with us that significant change does not come from doing it alone, it is in our togetherness and our collaboration for the greater good that real impact is made. Michelle quoted:"It’s about the collective that generates a force to be reckoned with."
This resonated with us all. We look forward to working with the ChangeMakersHub on many future occasions. Thank you Michelle. .
Have a look at ChangeMakersHub - Ordinary people making an extraordinary difference!
Tracey Wilson: Rotary's ShelterBox Project
It was a real pleasure to welcome our District Governor Nominee Tracey Wilson, to talk to us about Rotary's ShelterBox.
This year ShelterBox celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Tracey joined the ShelterBox South African Affiliate in 2010 and in 2011 qualified as a ShelterBox Response Team member at the ShelterBox head office training facility in Predannack, Cornwall, UK. She was deployed into Brazil and Mozambique as a team lead to assist with flood disasters. The nine day course, she says, was grueling training! Each ShelterBox weighs 56 kilos! The mental capacity of a Response Team Member is paramount - arriving at devastated and conflict ridden sites where people had lost everything, took its toll. Tracey served as the ShelterBox South African Affiliate Chair from 2018 – 2020. The picture above of women singing as aide arrives in Malawi, says it all.
Tracey shared with us that "ShelterBox has supported 1.5 million people with emergency shelter in 97 countries across the world from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. "Our work in Syria is our largest and longest running response. We have been working there since 2012 and have helped over 250 000 people (50 000 households or ‘families’’) so far". ShelterBox has responded in the Philippines 27 times since 2004, hence the SB Operation Philippines. Local registered NGO supported by ShelterBox Operations HQ in the UK. There is sufficient stock to assist 3000 households
14 Apr 2020 - Lockdown at CRCH
In spite of the lockdown, the caring staff of Christine Revell Childrens' Home are making heroic efforts to entertain their small charges... Here they are all showing off their masks.
20 Mar 2020 - WRC meeting goes virtual!
At 7am on Fri 20 Mar 2020 the members of WRC assembled for a notable 'first': a virtual meeting and an opportunity for Cindy Mkaza-Siboto from Emagqabini Education Academy to share their wonderful story.
A record number of members attended and this format of meetings will continue for at least until the CoVid19 countrywide lockdown ends.
16 Mar 2020 - Blouberg Rotary & Rotaract
Blouberg Rotary Club member Jean Freeborough thanking WRC Siham Boda and fellow speaker incoming Claremont Rotary Club President Tsie Mogoje for talking about their Rotary experience.
Siham with Rex Omameh current Blouberg Roteract Club President and who will be incoming District Roteract President. Rex Omameh is on the far right with newly inducted Rotaract members. Also in photo is Blouberg Honourary member Dr Bettie Walker.
17 July 2020 - Mandela Day "All Hands on Deck"
CMH (Change Makers’ Hub) had a mission of gifting 67 000 meals to over 100 soup kitchens on Mandela Day. The volunteer team assisted packing 15 tons of fresh produce into ready to make soup packets – each feeding 100 on “67 minutes for Madiba” shifts.
Rain and Pieter's mom Hanna, got out the knitting needles... The aim was 67 Mandela Day Beanies and we ended up with more than 170 that went out to Change Maker's Hub.
22 July 2020 - Best District ECD Project Award to Newlands & Waterfront RCs
PDG Geraldine - the Langa ECD Project Co-ordinator, warmly thanked Waterfront RC for our contribution of R80,000 as a Global Grant Partner and for our hands on hard. PDG Geraldine paid tribute to both Maryka Vermaak who had assisted on the legal side, but also especially thanked Piet Postema.
"Piet's time and effort on this project over the past two years was worth very much more that the club’s initial financial contribution. Piet used his superb building industry knowledge and expertise to help plan and ensure quality control of facility upgrades for 16 Langa ECD centres, to make them more health and safety compliant and thus able to apply for government subsidies which would lead to sustainability". PDG Geraldine went on to say that Piet had “literally walked the walk, regularly tramping the streets of Langa, working closely with the ECD principals, assessing and measuring buildings and advising on options and ensuring quality control. More recently Piet also provided major financial management support to the project team”.
WRC and Newlands RC shared the award for “Best ECD project” at the recent 2020 District Conference. Well done WRC; Well done Piet and Maryka, for all their hard work!
30 June 2020 - Sans Souci Girls High School donates 10 domestic Sewing Machines
On 30 June, Piet Postema took delivery of 10 domestic sewing machines from the Headmistress Ms Ruschda O’Shea which the Sans Souci Girls High School no longer use. “Some years ago they stopped offering sewing lessons as part of their Domestic Science subject” writes Piet. He promised the sewing machines to President Marcel Hoogebeen of the Rotary Club of Franschhoek and Drakenstein Valley who will be collecting them from Piet on Friday for their project called Hope Through Action Centre. Unemployed women are paid a minimum wage to sew masks for the folk in the informal settlements around Franschhoek. The project thus not only employs people, but also provides free masks to the community whilst learning the art of sewing. Well done Piet! (As an aside, there was apparently also an article in The Tatler.)
15 May 2020 - Zooming in from all over the world!
What an amazing experience - friends zoomed in from the USA, the UK, Switzerland and Kenya to join us for JP Smith's informative chat - thank you JP for spending time with us - you must be one of the busiest people in Cape Town at the moment!
11 MAY 2020 - Packing Food Relief for Western Region
The Club's Covid-19 Relief donation of R7000 went to Michelle Koerevaar who is an online media and marketing strategist and has many years of experience in serving both local and international business organisations, boards and non-profit organisations.
ChangeMakersHub is what she believes is her legacy work, a way she can use the gifts she has been given, the expertise, the network, to build something that will connect and inspire those who want to help with ways they can, for real.
Michelle and her little army of willing hands deliver cooked food and food parcels to the destitute people of Joe Slovo, Dunoon, Fisantekraal and Lavender Hill settlements. She expressed her gratitude for our generous donation. - Spiro Mitchell -
24 October 2020 is World Polio Day
... and Africa is officially polio-free - what a remarkable achievement! WRC's June Webber has been a tireless campaigner - delighted to see Foundation's expression of appreciation.
Oct 2020 - Chumani! (Let's Thrive) project makes 300 loaves for Atlantis
President Farhat Danyal informed us that they were starting the second phase of the Covid-19 Rotary Bread Project. The Chumani (Let's Thrive) is a successful training and Job Placement project of young SAfrican Chefs. Sea Point Rotary, as a gesture of appreciation for Waterfront Rotary's support, donated 300 loaves of Ciabatta to distribute to our food projects. Nadene (from WRC) collected the bread from the Cooktastic Hub, which were then collected by President Danny Pietersen of Atlantis Rotary. Thanks to Sea Point Rotary and Nadene for well orchestrated logistics!
24 Aug 2020 - Art Supplies for St Mary's Primary School
WRC's Nadene Rolston delivered art supplies and children books (from donations to CMH) to the St Mary’s Primary School.
The teachers were very excited especially with the chalk, paint, glue and paint brushes.
24 Aug 2020 - Books for Trafalgar Hight School
Nadene also dropped off a box of books from CMH at Trafalgar High School. Its heartwarming to see how happy they are for new books!
11 Aug 2020 - Inner Wheel Donations for Westfleur in Atlantis
Among the myriad needs at Wesfleur Hospital in Atlantis; Inner Wheel Club of Waterfront has for years focussed on two: Supply of Layettes for babies born to near destitute mothers who come to the hospital to give birth, but who have no baby-grow, nappies, jersey, booties, beanie, blanket etc for when they leave hospital. Hand-over of 20 baby Layette Packs for new-borns gratefully received on 11th August by Dr Abi the Senior Doctor in Charge of Maternity, Jeanine the Dietician and Dr Earl Meyer the Hospital CEO seen on the right above with Inner Wheel member Lorna Bradley.
Responding to the tragic need to provide comfort boxes for the victims of sexual assault - toilet soap and washcloth, Sanitary Pads and other toiletries as well as clean underclothes and glucose sweets are provided. Also toys in the all too frequent cases of child victims. 50 packs were handed over at the Thuthuzela Centre that processes victims.While there, we met a representative from the Gift of the Givers who was delivering donated hospital supplies. Well done!
HAPPY WOMENS' MONTH
‘I just love bossy women. I could be around them all day. To me, bossy is not a pejorative term at all. It means somebody's passionate and engaged and ambitious and doesn't mind leading.’
Amy Poehler
Celebrating all the feisty women who hold up our sky... and the awesome men who stand with them.
AUG 2020 - WELCOME ASHLEIGH WRENCH!
June Webber - one of our charter members - enjoying a socially distanced coffee to welcome Ashleigh Wrench, one of the youngest crew to be inducted as a membeer of Waterfront Rotary at the age of 25.
Ashleigh is a dedicated and self-motivated individual. She graduated in April 2019 with a post graduate LLB from the University of Stellenbosch, and is now working as a Learning Designer for Valenture Institute. This entails designing 'Business studies and Sustainable Entrepreneurship' Junior High school curriculum as well as the Service in Action extra-mural curriculum.
We wish you smooth sailing Ashleigh on your journey from Interact to full crew member!
July 2020 - International Friendship Day
Captain Janet and Spiro attended this celebration of International Friendship Day.
Captain Janet: "I left the meeting with a renewed sense of appreciation for the international reach of Rotary, and the outstanding people who are its members. This was a perfect occasion for Rotary to affirm its core values, which enable different people around the world to unite to take action, joined by their shared values and interests."
1 Aug 2020 - Goodies for CRCH from Groote Schuur Staff
Christine Revell Childrens Home staff were delighted to receive a huge donation of goodies from the staff of Groote Schuur Hospital. Enormous thanks for your incredible support!
24 JULY 2020 - 67 FOOD PARCELS FOR CRCH
FishSA made a generous donation of 67 food parcels to Christine Revell Children’s Home last Friday 24 July for Madiba Day. Piet Postema writes - "CRCH has been so blessed with donations, a day doesn’t go by without somebody dropping off something such as fruit and vegetables, nappies, baby food and knitted jerseys and more". Great news!.