Captain Tony Austen Takes Helm as RC Waterfront's 35th President in Inspiring Ceremony

Preparing For a New Voyage – Induction of Captain Tony Austen – Saturday, 5 July At Kelvin Grove Club

Flowers ready, come rain or storm, good to go!

The induction event at Kelvin Grove on Saturday despite the wicked weather, did not deter the warmth and spirit of a thoroughly enjoyable event that ticked all the boxes. A well-structured programme, an eloquent MC – Andre du Toit who brought the whole room together in harmony with wit and wisdom, topped by excellent cuisine. The event ran impeccably without fault.

Captain Mymoena’s Legacy – Diversity & Inclusion, Lasting Impact for Community Impact

Captain Mymoena’s valedictory address did not take the form of the normal exceptional slide deck presentation, but instead shared a personal message from the podium of her primary objective when taking on the captaincy of the club – to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion, to grow a stronger more diverse club. Every crew member was referenced with gratitude for their contribution. Speaking from the heart, Captain Mymoena reflected on an incredibly successful year with both satisfaction and pride.

She skillfully acknowledged the importance of our corporate partners, also partners in service that had strengthened over the year, as well as international partnerships. What the RC of Waterfront had achieved in the last two years under her captaincy, has left a legacy of successfully empowering our youth and communities, helping young people to gain real-world skills and confidence, reaffirming our Peacebuilder Club status and encouraging fellowship – the glue that binds us. Finally, making our voice heard through improved communication, actively upgrading our social media platforms, consistently updating the club’s website and weekly newsletter, as powerful communication tools. A solid foundation has been laid in two years. Five crew were recognised with Certificate of Excellence Awards.

Celebrating Excellence: Certificate of Excellence Awardees

L-R: Siham Boda and Hamilton Zwane: Peace in Action Award; Jenny Hacker – Fellowship Champion and June Webber – Beacon of Communication, with Captain Mymoena. Nadene Rolston (overseas) received the Multi-Portolio Excellence Award👏👏👏 Captain Mymoena shared the motivation for those receiving PHF recognition.

Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF) Recognition

PHF Spiro Mitchell: Recognizing Quiet Leadership in Service

“Some projects shine because of their scale, others because of their heart. The Waterfront Canal Challenge, under the leadership of Spiro Mitchell did both – and more. Beyond the headlines and awards the WCC earned Best Project and Best Project Awareness Award. It is the quiet consistent leadership Spiro brings to everything he does. “Spiro’s service isn’t loud, but its powerful”.

PHF Piet Postema: A Model of Collaborative Community Service

“Piet Postema embodies the essence of Rotary service — quietly effective, deeply collaborative, and always thinking beyond boundaries.

As Community Services Director, Piet has led with purpose and heart, not only within our club but across the wider Rotary network, always seeking ways to unlock greater collective impact.

He spearheaded the creation of the Peace Garden at the Long March to Freedom Park in Century City — a District-wide project during the ICC Africa Peace Forum.

Piet successfully secured a District Grant for the CRCH borehole and food garden, building sustainability into the heart of community support. He also played a pivotal role in forming an international partnership with the Rotary Club of Amersfoort for the Stitch Ahead Project at Salesians, in collaboration with the V&A Waterfront. Week after week, project after project, Piet delivers — not for recognition, but for the joy of service and the belief that Rotary can always do more, together.”

PHF Pieter Swart: Empowering Youth Through Event Leadership

“Pieter leads with quiet strength and unwavering dedication. As project leader for both the Cape Town Marathon and the newly acquired Walk for Life Run, he’s the steady hand behind the scenes — ensuring every detail is in place, every marshal briefed, and every opportunity maximised.

What sets Pieter apart is not just his efficiency, but his heart. In partnership with Gabriel Hamuy from Salesian, he’s helped over 70 NEETs students step into these high-powered events — giving them more than just a task, but a real sense of purpose and possibility. As part of their journey, they receive certificates of participation — and Pieter personally hosts a motivational session to remind them of their value, their potential, and their power to rise.

More than half of our crew gets involved in these events — not because they have to, but because Pieter makes it easy to say yes. The result? True Rotary fellowship in action: members, youth, and communities coming together, side by side, in service and shared joy.”

Captain Mymoena Ismail Receives Well-Deserved PHF Recognition

A highlight of the morning was recognising Captain Mymoena as a Paul Harris Fellow, presented by Spiro Mitchell. Mymoena’s tenure of two consecutive years before the mast made history at RCW. Captain Mymoena has steered our ship tirelessly, on course and true to her vision of building a stronger more inclusive club (see para above in her valedictory report back, highlighting our club’s achievements). Many congratulations on a well-deserved PHF recognition.

Transition of Leadership: Outgoing Board Thanks and New Additions

hanks to the outgoing Board members. The board remains the same next year, welcoming Michelle Whitehead as Membership Director. Big thanks to Dirk Hoffman who stands down after two years as IPP /Fundraising.

Captain Tony Austen Officially Takes Command as 35th President of RC Waterfront

Left: Captain Mymoena reads incoming President Tony his “Sailing Orders”
“As Captain of the Waterfront Rotary Club I hereby formally hand over command of our Rotary ship to Tony Austen from 1st July 2025 to 30 June 2026 By accepting this command you pledge to uphold the spirit and programmes of Rotary, as stated in the Object of Rotary, and echoed weekly through the 4-Way Test. I hand you a copy of our Club Manifesto which pledges that we make a difference and ask you to maintain the Club Logbook in which to record our journey of Service. As you embark upon your journey you have the support of all crew members of this ship. We wish you fair winds, good speed and a safe passage.” Above Right: DG Pam pinning Captain Tony with his President’s pin.

Welcoming New Crew Member Christian Voss to RC Waterfront

Induction of the our first crew member for the 2025-2026 RY – Christian Voss
Proposed by Piet Postema Christian Voss from Munich was warmly welcomed as a new member. Already involved in numerous Service Projects, he will add great value with his vast building experience, to UNITE FOR GOOD!