The highlight of every Rotary year is the visit of the District Governor and his/her spouse/partner. This year was no exception. We warmly welcomed DG Ann and Dave Wright, along with crew, special guests and Waterfront Rotaractors.
Signing of the Donor Agreement with the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town/Rotary Club of Waterfront:
Above: Henry Mathys and Diedre Vrede (CSI), V&A Waterfront Cape Town, together with Captain Mymoena Ismail and June Webber (Corporate Member portfolio) signed Donor Agreement formalising a partnership for the next three years with the Rotary Club of Waterfront. After the signing Henry briefly reflected on our journey together over the past five years. The MOU commits to support the Waterfront Canal Challenge for the next three years, and also two Corporate members.
Induction of two new members
Above: Induction of two new members – Liz Henry and Tony Austen. Rotary Club of Waterfront is committed to achieving its goal to grow the club’s membership by five new members this Rotary year, members who will add value by integrating their professional skills and contacts into our numerous service projects.
District Governor Ann addressing our members (below an extract from her talk)
DG Ann said it was always a pleasure to visit the Rotary Club of Waterfront, despite the early hour!
RI President Gordon McInally was caring and humble. His chosen theme for this year is ‘Create Hope in the World. “Rotarians bring Hope to communities in the work they do. Hope motivates us to work together. Peace is the soil where Hope takes root”.
DG Ann requested all clubs to consider project/s relating to PEACE and MENTAL WELLBEING. This was the RI President’s focus this year. The DG encouraged Rotarians to join the Rotary Action Group for mental wellness and work with them, also encouraging Rotarians to create opportunities to work with doctors as the health care system is under enormous pressure, post COVID. The scale of mental health challenges being experienced world-wide had increased exponentially. Economic hardship, climate change and global conflict had impacted the mental well-being of millions of people around the globe.
DG Ann recommended that every Rotarian should attend an International Convention and District Conference, join District Committees and to attend the World Polio Day promotion event on 24 October on Signal Hill. Next year the District Conference is in Mossel Bay. An exciting add-on – a Golf Day at the prestigious Pinnacle Point Golf Club which should attract avid golfers. Diversity and inclusivity remained a priority goal for our district, as was building capacity in our clubs and District. DG Ann encouraged new, and not so new members, to attend the new member orientation on Saturday, 28 October.
Captain Mymoena thanked the DG for an inspiring address and handed mementos to her, Dave and AG Justin, thanking them for their attendance.