Rotary ‘Unites for Good’ in Stellenbosch on Friday – 30 January
District 9350 was privileged to host the RI President on a brief visit: Above: Rotary Leadership of District 9350 with RI President Francesco Arezzo and his wife – Anna Maria (flanked by DG Pam Rawbone) His Excellency Alberto Vecchi, Ambassador of Italy to South Africa attending the business breakfast in honour of the visit of the Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo to Rotary District 9350.
Rotarians from all three countries in our District travelled from near and far to attend the business breakfast hosted at the Devon Valley Hotel in honour of the visit of the RI President last Friday.
DG Pam warmly welcomes the RI President and distinguished guests
District Governor Pam warmly welcomed President Francesco Arezzo and his wife Anna Maria, whose warmth, humour and humility resonated deeply with everyone. “Greeting the RI President was like welcoming a family friend” she said. DG Pam also welcomed our RI Director, Daniel Tanase and distinguished guest His Excellency Mr Alberto Veccho, Italian Ambassador to South Africa.
RI President outlines three key priorities for Rotary
In his informative address the RI President outlined his 3 priorities:
- Grow membership
- Eradicate Polio
- Build peace through impactful, sustainable projects that change lives.
But the emphasis of his message focused on “change” referencing the well-known quote of Founder Paul Harris – “This is a changing world; we must be prepared to change with it”. “If Rotary is to realize its proper destiny, it must be evolutionary at all times, revolutionary on occasion”. Rotary must remain relevant through modernization, diversity, and adaptation to new global challenges”.
Rotary defined as passion work requiring bold adaptation
The RI President went on to say that “Rotary is passion work. In this fast changing world, Rotary needed to adapt to change, think change, work with other clubs – work without borders as one family, working for Peace in a fast changing world. Understand what is happening. Guide the changes. Be bold – motivate change.”
Event leaves members inspired and deeply connected
We left inspired after re-connecting – a brilliant Rotary morning – rich in fellowship, vision and sunshine. The privilege of listening to RI President in person, in Stellenbosch on his one day visit, was a magic memory, mixed with emotion and gratitude.
Mymoena’s reflection: “An inspiring speech from the RI President, with a powerful interpretation of Unite for Good“.
Photo Highlights from the RI President Visit
No photo bombing allowed, pics taken by table. Above:Table 8 with Lyndon Marescia, Janet Kriseman and June Webber, to the right of the RI President – PDG Ann Wright our District PI Chair, who did a great job getting news and pics into social media. Below: Table 3 with Spiro, Mymoena and Piet.
Happy crew pic with RI Director, Daniel Tanase.
Left: DGE Anton Lubbe, recently back from training in Orlando Florida, welcoming guests; Right: RI President Francesco Arezzo whose talk was inspiring – followed by an interactive session where Rotarians could ask questions.
Above: All the way from Namibia! Richard Cook who recently led the formation of the newly chartered Keetmanshoop Rotary Club, with Martina and Frank Schwardmann.
