DG Newsletter October 2023
Edition 4

Message from DG Ann Wright
Dear members‘Dit is die maand Oktober, diemooiste, mooiste maand’- C. Louis Leipoldt

Could October get any better? It’s one of my favourite
months. I celebrate YOU for all that you have done thismonth, thank you. I’ve been blown away by the incredible
projects you are currently doing and those still in theplanning stages. Please share this information.
Tell the story of your amazing work on RI Showcase, on
our D9350 website and on your own club’s social media.
You could inspire or motivate another club to take onsomething similar, or perhaps they could collaborate withyou?
Are you hosting an event or fundraiser? Please send aflyer to JJ (John Jacobs) for the district calendar and to me
for the DG newsletter. We’re happy to help boost yourevent and encourage inter-club fellowship.
We can learn so much from our fabulous Springboks whotaught us so much about teamwork. They proved that
great things can be achieved when a team/group work
together towards the same goal. Nelson Mandela said,‘Sport has the power to change the world.
Sport has the power to inspire.
Sport can create hope where there was only despair.’Have you considered running a children’s programme
offering diverse activities with sport as a focal point during
the holidays? Encouraging school children to exercise, to
eat healthy and to learn new things will help ourvulnerable children to be mentally healthy.
Mini Conference
Rotarians attending mini conference were privileged tolook at their own mental wellness and experience
activities that would form a tool kit of what to do if theyfelt that they were not coping. And all of this took place innatures own garden, the beautiful Goedgedacht Olive
Farm in Riebeek Kasteel. There have been numerous
requests for another weekend which I’m looking into forearly next year.
Congratulations and thank you to President Deon and his
Riebeek Valley committee as well as the staff at the farm
who went out of their way to ensure that everyone left
the farm with body, mind and soul renewed
and refreshed.

Mental Wellness project
Consider offering a wellness day to those citizens
who work in stressful environments every day; thepolice, hospital staff, teachers and social workers.
Club visits
In the spotlight this month were: Stellenbosch, Melkbos,
Blouberg, Somerset West, Helderberg Sunrise, Signal Hill,
Waterfront, Sea Point, Newlands, Bellville, Franschhoek
and Swellendam.
I visited 12 clubs this month and which one would I join if
I was a potential member? I would be spoilt for choice.
Reflecting on my visits these words tumbled out of mymind….a super club, great ‘customer’ service, delicious
food, a bit clicky, outstanding leadership, action packed,
member centred, awesome venue and old world.
Thank you to Presidents Stuart, Jaco, William, Jo, Godfrey,
Mymoena, Cosmina, Jenny, Dalene, David and Jacques forgoing the extra mile for my visit.

To my AGs Anton, Frederik, Eppie, Pam, Justin, Wendy,
Jeanette and Bev, thank you for checking in on my visits
and keeping me company. Your dedication is muchappreciated.
Club goals
I encourage all clubs to log into Rotary Club Central,select your goals to pursue for this Rotary year: Members& Engagement, Rotary Foundation Giving, Service,
Young Leaders, and Public Image. Pick the categories inwhich your club wants to work, and then create goals forthe year. Earning a citation for ticking the boxes isrecognition for the planning and hard work done by themembers
The Stayers
I asked a couple of Rotarians why they’ve remainedcommitted Rotarians and these are some of the replies:•••

A basic human need is friendship and this is what I
found in my club.
I was very introverted, but when I joined I chose tovolunteer for things I’ve never done before – being
the secretary, arranging the guest speakers, writing
the club bulletin. I am a proud Rotarian
I didn’t enjoy my first club, but my current club
suits me just fine. We all get on and most of us
socialize outside of meetings.

TAKE ACTION: www.rotary9350.co.za

District 9350

Pray for Peace
The horrific news and media images of the ongoingviolence in the world is a complex topic. Rotarians are
humanitarians. We do not discuss politics or religions. The
loss of life and suffering on both sides of a war zone mustbe acknowledged. We are an inclusive organisation
working for world peace. Can we please respect eachindividual and be careful of offending or alienating
members.
World Polio Day
It’s not too late to share what you did on the 24th October
to support Rotary’s END POLIO NOW AwarenessCampaign. Let’s make the final push the biggest
ever! Thank you to Janey Ball for setting up our district
PR on Signal Hill. See photos elsewhere.

NEWSLETTERHIGHLIGHTS
1. DG Ann Message
2. District Mini-Conference
3. World Polio Day
4. DG Club Visits

The Rotary Foundation
November is the time to focus on TRF which is thenon-profit corporation which supports our GG projects.
It’s totally supported by voluntary contributions. Consider
increasing both your personal and club contributions as
the world needs Rotary and our humanitarian work morethan ever.

5. Club NewsYour dedication and involvement in Rotary projects
means the world to every person we serve. You areappreciated.

8. Save the dates

Bless youAnn

6. Taking care of your body improves
productivity and success - by Mymoena Ismail
7. Did you know?

9. COP28

10. Area of focus: Rotary Foundation
11. Rotary’s Vision Statement

EDITOR:
Tanya Stone tanya@conferencewise.co.za
DISTRICT GOVERNOR:Ann Wrightannw6942@gmail.com
DISTRICT OFFICE:
dist9350@iafrica.com

Oudtshoon ladies

Rotary gave back to me
This year's Mini Conference at Goedgedacht was the first
conference where Rotary did not ask participants to give toFoundation and support the End Polio campaign, to sign up moremembers, or to be more inclusive and find more projects.

President Deon Snyman and DG Ann Wright in his
garden at Goedgedacht.

Mini conference was the best experience
I almost cancelled because I was going to put others
before myself…again… but something inside just said,NO, you need to go.
Besides spending time with ladies from my club that I
absolutely adore, I was also able to think about myself
only. No running, no planning, no coping mode needed.
Mindfulness was interesting, especially when the little
girl in me made her appearance. She wanted to lie onher back, on the grass and just look up through the oakleaves at the beautiful blue sky. But as usual the adult inme surfaced and I became aggressed. STOP DOINGNOTHING, YOU ARE WASTING TIME, FOCUS! This mademe angry, as it dawned on me, MARCELLE WHAT HAVEYOU DONE TO YOURSELF? You have lost the essence of
who and what you are. “The truth hurts” and yes it did.
Logotherapy, OMW… now THIS was an eye opener. So
much so that when I spoke to Mark, I burst into tears.
He touched a very sore point in me, the search for my
purpose and personal meaning in life. What exactly am
I doing here? WHAT IS MY PURPOSE??
I have also realized that I have reached the point of“compassion fatigue”. Not because I don’t care about
my loved ones, friends, and acquaintances but because
I am tired. Tired of always putting others first, being themediator, the person always in the middle ofarguments, even though I have nothing to do with thesituation! My “self-preservation “mode has been
activated.
I came home only to endure a week of the most awful
stomach bug I have most probably ever had. My bodyliterally got rid of everything and forced me to rest.
“If you don’t rest your body it will find a way to makeyou..”
So, this was my experience and I want to thank you DG
Ann for facilitating it. This has been a reawakening forme…
RTN Marcelle van Speyk

It was the first time Rotary did not ASK or demand MORE. It was
the first time Rotary gave back to me as a member; focus on me.
This should become an annual event. Not necessarily as a mini
conference, but as a Members' Appreciation and well-being event.

By Dalene Swart
RC Bellville

Opening oneself up to new experiences can be life changing andso desperately needed. Oudtshoorn Rotary Club needed thisweekend. Not only to assess ourselves in terms of individual
standing, but also to recognise what is lacking in our Club. The
weekend was one for the bucket list.
Mental Health ... a topic we ignore due to stigma.
We cannot avoid mental issues during our lifetime as any kind ofhardship or trauma cause the soul to struggle for survival.
Although we like to learn by listening to motivational speakers,
this weekend was different as learning took place from within
and motivation was inspired by becoming mindful. Thank you
DG Ann and team for putting this programme together and for
inviting professional and fun facilitators to teach us thingsoutside our comfort zone.

By Hannelie Rix
RC Oudtshoorn

It was the best mini conference because we didn’t sit listening
to the same old Rotary topics. Special venue, great mix ofpeople and a very relevant theme. Thank you DG andeveryone involved for doing something different.
AnonCelebrating
WORLD POLIO DAY
Tuesday 24 October

On Tuesday, October 24th, Rotary International and its partners in the Global Polio
Eradication Initiative (GPEI) commemorated World Polio Day with eventsworldwide. In Cape Town, despite the persistent mist on Signal Hill, members
gathered for a memorable photoshoot against the iconic backdrop of Table
Mountain. Setting aside the challenges, the images have garnered widespreadattention in online media.
While the word 'Polio' may hold diminished significance in South Africa, the journeywith Polio is far from over for many. Even as we near eradication, cases of PostPolio Syndrome persist, casting a further shadow on the lives of those who have
had Polio.
By Janey BallPOLIOPLUS CHAIR

RC Newlands

Children on the RC Swakopmund MYO
programme

Mike Thomson and Johan Beaukman

Jean Wilke

Mdu Dube

RC Swellendam
RC Cape of Good HopePaul Coetzee

President Jacques du Preez

Danie Theron

The campaign has made significant strides with Polio now 99.9% eradicated.
RC Stanford

Pakistan and Afghanistan for now are still endemic, and recent setbacks in regions like
Northern Nigeria, Mozambique, and Malawi due to Covid-related challenges
emphasize the need for continued vigilance and fundraising.
Rotary's commitment to this cause is unwavering, as emphasized by RotaryFoundation Trustee and International PolioPlus Committee Chair, Michael McGovern:“Together we’re going to end Polio.
We’re making great progress and we’re going to get it done.“

To learn more about Rotary's work in the fight against polio, Visit: END POLIO NOW

RC Bellville Rotarians

Message from DG Ann“Thank you to everyone who supported World Polio Day.
I challenge all 58 clubs to make a donation this year.”DG CLUB VISITSRC HELDERBERG SUNRISE

President Jo Helderberg SR with AG Eppie and DG Ann

Helderberg Sunrise at the family homeless facility which
they support and where they established a stunning veggie
garden for them. Wayne Spammer - Manager & Chairpersonof the Shelter; Jo Swart is the Social Worker.

Dr Katrin Stuve with Dr Elzane Olivier, the Obstetrics
and Gynae consultant with feotal heart monitor
donated by Helderberg SR to the Helderberg hospital.
Somerset West got the splash of colour message!

RC FRANSCHHOEKFranschhoek RC meets at Grand Provence on Thursday at lunchtime

President David and DG Ann

Franschhoek has a strong focus on ECD and the training of their teachers

DG CLUB VISITSRC STELLENBOSCH

DG visit to RC Stellenbosch.

RC Stellenbosch project. A gas stove, cylinders and heaters were
donated and installed at the Stellenbosch Work Centre for adults
with disabilities.

RC NEWLANDSAG Bev, DG Ann, Mdu and Steve Zimri at
Rainbow ECD Centre in Masiphumelele.
The centre was a CSI project done by RCN
with donor support from Coca Cola
Peninsula beverages and others.

RC SIGNAL HILL

RC WATERFRONT

President Jenny and DG Ann at Newlands
DG visit.

DG Ann with Rotaract members Anja
Volschenk, Nicole Hanson and Mandy
Shabangu.

How do you
see HOPE?
Amy-Lee Cairns
RC STELLENBOSCH“Hope is the perseverance offaith and the commitment to
not wobble when the worldis shaking”- Angelique du Toit

Alfonzo Noble
RC STRAND“Hope to me symbolises
inspiration that challenges inlife can be overcome especiallyin a world where true unity
excels” 🙏DG CLUB VISITSRC SWELLENDAM

DG Ann with DGE Stephen on the site where RC Swellendam
are planning to build an ECD school.

Lurking in the background, Anacreon Barnard a.k.a Max ,Kate Gericke, Carolyn Singer, Kate Coetzee and Bev Hancock.

RC SEA POINT ROTARY PROJECT

RC Llandudno, North Wales supports the Llitha Preschool via
RC Sea Point. These children had a fun day at the Science Centre.

You have us ALL on Board.

RC BELLVILLERC BLOUBERG

From the left: Ethan Joseph, Rotaract
President Gaby Lamour, DG Ann andChristen Witbooi.

DG Ann, AG Wendy and President Dalene
working on their problem solving skills.

Professor Pierre Goussard, head of the
Paediatric Department at Tygerberg
received a Paul Harris Fellow recognition
from RC Blouberg. With him is Helene
Visser.

CLUB NEWSRC MELKBOSHearing how court actions are carried out in favor of children was
eye-opening for the young Rotary Interact Club members of
Melkbosstrand High School.

Children's well-being is the primary objective
By David Rossouw

Children's well-being is the primary objective of children's courts,
which can be found in any South African magistrate's court.

For many school children, a court is not a place they would liketo be at, but on Wednesday, October 5, a group of grades 9, 10,
and 11 learners from the Rotary Interact Club of Melkbosstrand
High School visited the Wynberg Children's Court in Cape Town
when they handed over 120 knitted dolls to Judge Gabriella
McKellar.
After unpacking the bag of toys on the shelves, the young
Interactors got an opportunity to interview Judge Gabriella
McKellar, to find out the procedures that the clerks of the court
and the social workers follow to ensure the best outcome forchildren who come into contact with their caring hands.

They also obtained first-hand information during their interview
session with Judge McKellar about the processes and the rightsof children. As the interviews took place, eight-year-old Crowwas more interested in the toys, puzzles, and storybooks in
The Interactors, Kayla Baharee (Interactor), Maapi Moloi (Social Media),
Judge McKellar's court than in the conversations.
"Seeing the impact one's choices can have on the lives of others
demonstrates the importance of empathy and understanding in
our society," said interact President Waheedah Poole.

Wagheedah Poole (President), Yayama Belle (Treasurer) were accompanied
by Rotary Club of Melkbos President, Jaco Stander, an eight-year-old boy,Camdynn Crow, Sunna de Kock, (Rotary Interact Leader) and June Pettitt.

RC PAARL
Cataract Health Project
RESTORING EYESIGHT

RC PAARL
Young Leaders

The Rotary Club of Paarl has launched a special cataract project inVredendal, with the help of a team of Belgian ophthalmologists
who were sponsored by a Belgian NGO, See & Smile.

A team of 6 Belgian eye specialists, 3 ophthalmologists , 1 optometrist
and 2 assistants, using Vredendal theatres. One member is a Rotarianin Belgium.
Paarl Rotarians hosted the visitors and transported them to Vredendal,
where three surgeons performed a total of 100 cataract operations over
five days to restore the eyesight of needy patients from the Namaqualandarea. With the ophthalmologists came an optician and theatre assistants
as well as ten suitcases of equipment.
Our cataract project well on it’s way. We hope to get 120 done in a week!

Five local students attended the Rotary Young Leadership
Adventure (RYLA) camp in the Franschhoek mountains
recently. With Rotary president Marita van der Sluys(left) are (front from left) Sunique Adams (Noorder Paarl
Secondary), Mercia Julies (Noorder Paarl) and Laverne
Davey (New Orleans Secondary). At the rear are Renier
Compion (Laborie High) and Eljonique Albertus (Noorder
Paarl).

CLUB NEWSRC TYGERBERG

RFE SWEDEN
GUESTS TO THE WESTERN
CAPE, OCTOBER 2023

Willy and Gill Watson from The Rotary Club of Tygerberg had an absolutely
fantastic RFE exchange to southern Sweden in May 2023. Says Gill, “Wewere hosted by four different couples over 12 days. We were delighted to
be able to reciprocate this October, and it was wonderful to renew
relationships that had begun earlier in the year. We spent an extremely
busy four days showcasing our beautiful city and surrounds, with great
experiences such as showing them our community projects, and lots offellowship around lunch and dinner tables.
It was with mixed feelings that we waved them off on the bus
to continue their adventure in the southern Cape.

We would really like to encourage fellow Rotarians to embrace a RFE.
It builds long lasting friendships as well as strengthening bonds in the“Rotary family.”

RC Wynberg hosted the Swedish RFE groupand their hosts at a weekly meeting thismonth. PDG Christer Harplinger, DG Ann,PDG Tom Nilson and President Stephanie.

RC WINDHOEKParatus Namibian Cycle Classic

Inclusion in practicePresident Danny proves he is wearing his
Rotary shirt
RCW PP Rainer, RCW Treasurer Jürgen,
Auas RC President Loretta during the pricegiving.

RC BELLVILLE
Dental Equipment for Tygerberg Hospital

FIRST EVER GG

DG Ann, PDG David, AG Pam with Dr. Craig Peck, Senior Lecturer,
Division head Paediatric Dentistry, Module coordinator 4th year
paediatric dentistry.

Bellville feminine hygiene project at Won Life
Fisantekraal.

From the left: Ethan Joseph, Rotaract President Gaby Lamour andon far right, Christen Witbooi.

RC MELKBOS
Flying Like An Eagle
By David Roussouw

Vaatjie learners with Melkbos Rotarians with their certificates received
from pilots a the Morningstar airfield.

Our wonderful volunteers
From left to right: Past President of the Rotary clubof Claremont Jo Rees Hobson, Rotarian Debbie Nash,
Global Grant scholar Abby Blocker and Rotarian
Andre Raath.

On Saturday, October 14th, VST Attorneys, Morningstar Flying
Club, and the Rotary Club of Melkbos invited children from
Livingstone High School, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation and
Vaatjie Primary School, to bring children to the Morningstar
Airfield for a flying opportunity.
The Rotary Club of Melkbos not only creates hope for 10 Vaatjie
Primary learners from Melkbos and Wolweriver but also makes it
a wonderful journey for them that they will remember for the restof their lives.
CHOC brought children from various areas like Delft, Goodwood,
Kraaifontein, Stellenbosch, Khayelitsha, the Koue Bokkeveld(Ceres),Vredenburg, Springbok in the Northern Cape, and East
London in the Eastern Cape.

“Like the eagle, we can learn to trust in our instincts
and soar to new heights of success and fulfillment.”
ANON

President Ruvi’schildrenTAKING CARE OF
YOUR BODY
IMPROVESPRODUCTIVITY
AND SUCCESS

By Mymoena Ismail
Rotary Club Waterfront

Improving your physical and mental health is crucial for
productivity and success. Despite this, it is often overlooked.
We must appreciate that our bodies are incredible machinesthat allow us to perform at our best. Our bodies are capableof self-regeneration, making them highly efficient anddynamic.
Research has shown that massage therapy can significantly
reduce stress, especially in the workplace. Stress can lead tolow morale, anxiety, and other health issues, particularly
with the impact of COVID-19 on mental health.
International leaders' health has been examined, showingthat the choices made while suffering from illness or poor
health have far-reaching effects. The untimely deaths ofsome leaders have even changed entire countries' course.

Why is 24 October celebrated
asWORLD POLIO DAY?
World Polio Day was initiated by
Rotary International over a
decade ago to commemorate thebirth of Jonas Salk, whodeveloped a vaccine against
poliomyelitis.

The day is celebrated every
year on24 October.

Leadership expert, Robin Sharma, recommends Leadershipincorporating two massages a week into your routine for
improved mental clarity, productivity, immune system,
energy levels, and happiness. Maintaining positivity is vitalfor being a joyful producer.

Balance is not something you find.
It’s something you create.
Recent studies have shown that regular spa treatments,
such as full body massages, can improve blood circulation,
reduce muscle tension, stimulate the lymphatic system, andimprove joint mobility, skin tone, and mental alertness.
Different types of massages are available to cater to yourbody's needs, such as reflexology, myotherapy, andremedial massage.
For almost a decade now, I have scheduled a 90-minute fullbody massage twice a week, as recommended by my guru,
Robin Sharma. I must admit that these massages haveworked wonders for me. Despite working in high-pressure
environments and juggling numerous demands, I have beenable to strengthen my physical and mental health throughthese massage protocols. While this may seem insignificant,it is important to consider how we prioritize our self-care.
I invite you to try an exercise: schedule two 90-minutemassages per week over the next 30 days and observe theresults.
This investment is worth it for
YOU ARE WORTH IT!

JOHN EDWARD SALK, developed one of
the first successful POLIO vaccines.

SAVE THESE DATES!

RC Beaufort West - 4x4 ECO Trail
Grantham Environmental Centre
Nov 10, 2023 – Nov 11, 2023
RC Wynberg - Rotary Quiz Night
Timour Hall Villa Estate
Nov 17, 2023 6:00 PM
District 9350 Food Garden Webinar
Nov 22, 2023
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
D9350 - Environment Sustainability & Enviro
ChampsNov 29, 2023 5:30 PM
D9350 Rotary Club of Worcester Annual Charity
Golf Day
Dec 1, 2023
For more information contact Leonie 072 23299
or Mark 071 889 1413
RC Langebaan - Beach to Street Festival
Langebaan Municipal Townhall
Dec 16, 2023
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
D9350 Food Garden Webinar
Feb 28, 2024
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Draft 3 Discon24 2024
Apr 18, 2024 – Apr 20, 2024
D9350 Food Garden Webinar
Apr 24, 2024
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Register Now for
THE ROTARY CLUB OFWYNBERG'S ANNUAL QUIZNIGHT.
The Quiz Night is an annual
fund raiser of the Rotary Clubof Wynberg and is used tosupport various projects,
including NSRI Station 16, St.
Michael's Child and Youth Care
Centre, and the Sexual
Offenses Court Wynberg.

Registration closes 10 November; register and pay before 31
October 2023 and stand a chance to win a round of drinks for yourteam: (a beer, glass of wine, or a cooldrink each).
Cost per player R100pp maximum 8 players per team.
Food and drink will be available on sale.
Forto
more
information
emailThe
rotaryquizct@gmail.com
Want
know
more about
Rotary Foundation from
grants to supporting OUR Foundation?

REGISTER NOW

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P28 IN THE UAE

Partnerships promotes progress
The Conference of Parties (COP) is an annual international
meeting that is held every year with the goal of working on anddeveloping climate goals and solutions. Leaders from around theglobe get together to talk about climate topics andtheir nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to the Paris
Climate Agreement.
With COP27 wrapping up, it’s already time to think about
COP28. The effects of the climate crisis are here, and people
around the globe are trying to navigate and adapt to thesechanges and adverse conditions.
Learning how to handle these issues is complicated though,which is why it’s important for leaders from around the world tomeet up and talk through some solutions. COP28 in Dubai will
give us the perfect opportunity to keep working toward our
climate goals.
COP28 will take place in 2023, from Nov. 30 through Dec.
12, according to the International Institute for Sustainable
Development (IISD). The climate conference is slightly laterin the year than COP27, which started on Nov. 6 and ends
on Nov. 18. This isn’t unusual, as the event usually takes
place in the fall or early winter.

Did you know?
Rotary will have its own booth in both the blue(govt/ official) and
the Green (NGOs and organisations) halls.
The UAE will host the conference on Climate Change to unite theworld towards agreement on bold, practical and ambitious
solutions to the most pressing global challenge of our time. The
Green zone is open to all. So if you are in Dubai please
visit the Rotary booth.

What are you doing to improve your community’senvironmental health?
If your club is doing an environmental projectplease let our district environmental committee know.
Email Wolfgang Schenck:
rcw@nuevas-ideas-namibia.com

Read more about the Rotary Foundation

Rotary
ROTARY’S VISION STATEMENTTOGETHER WE SEE A WORLD
WHERE PEOPLE UNITE AND TAKEACTION TO CREATE LASTINGCHANGE ACROSS THE GLOBEIN OUR COMMUNITITES AND IN OURSELVESTAKE ACTION: www.rotary9350.co.za