BIG WINS IN CHATSWORTH - Stroke of luck funds more service - AFRICA south | rotaryafrica.com - Rotary Africa
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AFRICA south | rotaryafrica.com March 2020
20 BIG WINS IN CHATSWORTH
Stroke of luck funds more service
MEET OUR TEAM Editor Sarah van Heerden Administration Sharon Robertson Chairman Gerald Sieberhagen Directors Greg Cryer Andy Gray Peter Hugo Natty Moodley Annemarie Mostert Lee-Ann Shearing Publisher Rotary in Africa Reg. No. 71/04840/08 (incorp. association not for gain) PBO No: 18/13/13/3091 Registered at the GPO as a newspaper Design & Layout Rotary in Africa Printers Roc Media Advertising Sharon Robertson Sarah van Heerden Tariff card on request at www.rotaryafrica.com Subscriptions Sharon Robertson www.rotaryafrica.com (digital) Contributions rotaryafrica@mweb.co.za Distribution Rotary Districts 9210, 9211, 9212, 9220, 9350, 9370 and 9400 (Southern and Eastern Africa) Contact Rotary Africa PO Box 563 Westville 3630 South Africa Telephone 0027 (31) 267 1848 Fax 0027 (31) 267 1849 Email rotaryafrica@mweb.co.za Website www.rotaryafrica.com The Rotary Emblem, Rotary International, Rotary, Rotary Club and Rotarian are trademarks of Rotary International and are used under licence. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of Rotary Africa, Rotary International or The Rotary Foundation.
IN THIS ISSUE...
FOR YOUR INFORMATION 23 | Zero campaign
5 | President’s message 24 | Huge turnout in Paarl
6 | Trustee Chair’s message 25 | WOW Tea
7 | Convention Countdown 26 | This is how they grow
8 | Public Image
9 | Connecting through YOUTH
27 | Life changing
IN DETAIL 28 | Club and district youth news
10 | Our ability to adapt
11 | Four Questions AROUND AFRICA
12 | Business casual 32 | Club and district news
16 | Welcome Martin
17 | Africa Rocks RECOGNISED
18 | Gona’s legacy of Literacy 40 | Ruby celebration
42 | Welcomed and honoured
ROTARIANS AT WORK
19 | Every word counts!
20 | Big wins in Chatsworth
22 | Wheelchairs for Limpopo
March 2020 ∙ Rotary Africa | 3
ON MY MIND Sarah van Heerden, editor
A child was coughing. This emergence, perhaps not as severe, but equally
child had a runny nose and terrifying.
a sore throat, but the mother This brings me to another point. We have developed
sent the child to school. a weird mindset regarding germs. Today, nearly
At school this child coughed everything has an antibacterial version, from dish
and a miniscule drop of spittle or washing liquid to socks, as we live in fear of germs, but
sputum landed on or was inhaled we applaud those who are never off sick. Let’s try to
by my child. About two days later change this mindset. If each influence one other person,
my child was sick and two days then perhaps we can make our communities healthier
after that, so was I. and I won’t spend an agonising three weeks in bed!
While my child recovered in a matter of days, So hear it goes… Repeat after me: You don’t
I unfortunately developed complications and was stay home when you are ill to get better. You stay
seriously ill for three weeks… All because one mother at home when you are ill so that you don’t make
sent a sick child to school. everyone else sick!
This is how viruses spread and this is why we need to And for heaven’s sake, if you should return from
commit ourselves to eradicating those diseases we can somewhere where there have been confirmed cases of
and preventing the rest from spreading. Fortunately, in the coronavirus and you don’t feel well, please, please,
my case, we caught only a bacterial strep throat, it could please, don’t go and sit in your doctor’s rooms. Rather
have been worse. Much worse. phone, explain you have been travelling and ask for
The emergence of the Coronavirus (COVID19) is someone to come and see you!
proof positive that we need to do something, that we I think this is something we may have overlooked
need to further commit ourselves to ending polio. in our health projects. We need to remind people that
Think of it this way, the virus was detected on 21 we each have a responsibility to make sure we don’t
January. Today as I write this, exactly one month later, spread infections.
76 769 cases have been confirmed across the globe. Sharing is not always caring.
Multiply that by 12? The numbers are frightening.
If we fail at polio eradication, we could see a similar
Discover
Aloha
through Culture
4 | Rotary Africa ∙ March 2020
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Not only do we need to open our doors to our young colleagues, but we also have to open our
ears and minds to the Rotary experience they find most engaging.
Credit: Rotary International
President’s message
Dear fellow Rotarians and members of the family of creating new membership models, opening new paths
Rotary, to Rotary membership and building new Rotary and
Rotaract clubs where the existing clubs do not meet a
It is Rotaract Month again - and this has been quite current need.
a year for our young partners in service. New club models represent an opportunity to
Last spring, the Council on Legislation elevated connect with a more diverse group of individuals -
Rotaract in our constitution: Rotary International is particularly those who are unable or unwilling to join
now the association of both Rotary clubs and Rotaract our traditional clubs. While new club models have been
clubs. Then in October, the Rotary Board of Directors emerging for some time, it is up to district governors
eliminated the artificial Rotaract age limit and took to make them a reality. In January at the International
other steps to break down barriers that were preventing Assembly, our incoming district governors took part in
Rotaract from growing in some parts of the world. an exercise called Build Your Own Club Model. It was a
These steps were long overdue, because Rotaract wonderful experience that put them in the right frame of
is a vision of what Rotary must become. Not only do we mind for the work ahead.
need to open our doors to our young colleagues, but Ultimately, however, it will be up to Rotaractors and
we also must open our ears and minds to the Rotary young Rotarians to create new club models that are
experience they find most engaging. That is one of the most meaningful to the next generation. We may think
best ways we will meaningfully grow Rotary. we know what young people want from Rotary clubs in
When I say grow Rotary, I mean it in many ways. the future, but I am confident that what young people
We need to grow our service and to grow the impact say will surprise us. It will be our job to support their
of our projects. Most importantly, however, we need to innovation, for it will help us grow Rotary as Rotary
grow our membership, so that we can achieve more. Connects the World.
Rotaractors provide this opportunity, not only because
they can transition to Rotary at the time that is right for
them, but also because they understand what it will take
to attract others like them.
Business as usual will not work for us anymore.
Bringing in more members to replace the ones we lose
is not the answer. It is like pouring more water into a
bucket full of holes. We need to address the root causes
of member loss in many parts of the world: member
engagement that is not what it should be and our
member demographic that skews steadily older.
It is time to make some fundamental changes. We
already know what the barriers are to an engaged and MARK DANIEL MALONEY
diverse membership. It is time to act on what we know: President, Rotary International
March 2020 ∙ Rotary Africa | 5
A message from
The Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair
Gary CK Huang
Ni hao, Rotarians! broader scale than ever through our programmes of
I like to quote Confucius at Rotary events, because scale grants. These are competitive grants, designed
his ideas are so much like ours. Confucius would have to respond to a need that a community has identified.
been a great Rotarian. Take this Confucius quote, for Programmes of scale will benefit a large number of
example: “The failure to cultivate virtue, the failure to people in a significant geographic area. They will
examine and analyse what I have learned, the inability be sustainable, evidence-based interventions with
to move toward righteousness after being shown the measurable outcomes and impact. Each grant will
way, the inability to correct my faults — these are the support, for three to five years, activities that align with
causes of my grief.” one or more of Rotary’s areas of focus. Programmes of
If you turn the saying around to positive language, it scale build on our experience in the eradication of polio
sounds exactly like the first goal of the new Rotary Action and we must never forget that we still have important
Plan. When we talk about Rotary increasing our impact, work to do to eliminate this disease. When I visited
we mean investing in relationships, making decisions Pakistan in November, I was overjoyed to see so many
grounded in evidence, mobilising our resources to young Rotary leaders working hard for End Polio Now.
create solutions that last and always learning from our Wonderful things are happening with our Global
experiences. Grants, and the Rotary Action Plan will help us do more
The Rotary Foundation already does this so well than ever. Let us continue to cultivate virtue, examine
and will continue to be the best possible investment and analyse what we learn, move toward righteousness
in a better world as the Action Plan is put into effect. based on our new knowledge and keep improving
Our Global Grants respond to real community needs. everything we do.
That’s because we approve them only after a rigorous
community assessment. Then the projects are tailored
to the information uncovered during the assessment.
Now your Foundation is making a difference on a
ROTARY ROTARY ROTARACT INTERACT RCCs
AT A Members: Members: Members: Corps:
1 211 107 170 905 329 245 10 900
GLANCE
As at 14 February 2020
Clubs:
35 989
Clubs:
10 305
Clubs:
14 315
• Increase
• Decrease
service above self
The Object of Rotary Fourth. The advancement of international
understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the fellowship of business and professional persons
ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, united in the ideal of service.
in particular, to encourage and foster:
The Four-Way Test
First. The development of acquaintance as an
opportunity for service; Of the things we think, say or do:
Second. High ethical standards in business and 1) Is it the TRUTH?
professions; the recognition of the worthiness of 2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?
all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each
Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve 3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER
society; FRIENDSHIPS?
Third. The application of the ideal of service in each 4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life; Learn more about Rotary at: www.rotary.org
6 | Rotary Africa ∙ March 2020
IT’S A SWEET RIDE
Convention Countdown
6 TO 10 JUNE 2020, HONOLULU, HAWAII
In years past, the pineapple was practically pineapple starts out as a cluster of berries that grow
synonymous with Hawaii: At one time, the islands together? The tour also delves into the story of James
supplied more than 80 percent of the world’s Dole, who drove the development of the pineapple
canned pineapple. industry in Hawaii.
Although the last pineapple cannery in the state On the Plantation Garden Tour, you’ll see how
closed in 2007 and the islands’ vast pineapple coffee, cacao and some of the flowers commonly used
plantations have mostly given way to more varied to make leis — plumeria, pikake, and pua kenikeni,
agriculture, when you are in Honolulu for the Rotary among others — are grown. If you’ve brought the family
International Convention, 6-10 June, you can still enjoy to the convention, kids will enjoy the Pineapple Garden
a taste of this tropical treat. Maze, with miles of paths spread over three acres. After
The Dole Plantation offers tours including the you find your way out, stop at the Plantation Grille for a
Pineapple Express Train Tour, which explores the Dole Whip, a pineapple-flavored soft-serve treat.
history and botany of the fruit. Did you know that a — Hank Sartin
If you are going to the Rotary Convention, don’t
forget to share your experience with us. Email
stories and photos to rotryafrica@mweb.co.za
March 2020 ∙ Rotary Africa | 7
Public Image
MANAGE OUR BRAND By Lee-Ann Shearing, Regional Public Image Coordinator
A recent guest speaker at our Rotary club meeting statement: “Together we see a world where people
was a brand builder who spoke about the importance unite and take action to create lasting change across
of safeguarding our personal brand. the globe, in our communities and in ourselves”.
Some of her gems were “decisions made today/ So, protecting our Rotary brand is something that we
tomorrow will determine what people say about you need to do with as much passion and energy as if we
at your funeral”; “reputation belongs to you, but is were protecting our own personal brand and reputation.
determined by others which makes you vulnerable to There are several ways in which we can do this. As
others’ opinions”; “compelling brands are value driven a club or district, we must encourage every Rotarian
and well directed”; “personal brands are purpose to familiarise themselves with the Rotary brand centre
driven”; and finally “the strength of your board is the (found at www.Rotary.org). All the guidelines for using
strength of your brand. You are the manager of your the correct logos and colours are there. If you are
brand”. intending to create new club banners, newsletters
This conversation really resonated with me as Rotary or business cards, you can do this through the brand
is encouraging us as districts, clubs and members to centre. Let us be consistent throughout the world –
protect the Rotary brand. showing one correct logo with the correct colours
without variations.
Why does our brand matter? Every Rotarian needs to pledge to becoming a
Branding gives values and benefits insight into our brand ambassador and as such it is up to each and
organisation - it helps form a bond. Our stakeholders and every one of us to ensure that we are living the Rotary
partners are more likely to care about our brand when truth - no matter who is or isn’t watching. We need
they understand what the direction of our organisation to uphold The Four-Way Test and the core values of
is and “buy-in” to the feeling the brand portrays. integrity, leadership, service, diversity and fellowship.
Amy Cosper has this to say: “Branding is more The world will know Rotary by our actions. If we are
than a logo. It’s more than a website. It’s more than a to increase brand awareness in the world, we need to
business card. It’s more than the colours and typefaces tell our Rotary stories consistently and clearly with the
you choose to represent your company. Your brand is same messages and branding that can be recognised
your voice in the marketplace - and it is your proposition anywhere by anyone.
for disruption. It is your opportunity to create something Let us all be as fierce about protecting brand Rotary
with lasting impact. It is how you tell your story and it is as we are about protecting our own reputation so that
absolutely the key to your success and your survival”. together, we can inspire connections and opportunities
In perhaps the most important sense – a brand is a for growth and service.
promise. Our Rotary promise is outlined in our vision
8 | Rotary Africa ∙ March 2020
Connecting through...
WATER: IT
CONNECTS US ALL
By Patrick Coleman - Rotary Club of Luanshya (D9210)
Rotary Governors’ Council of Southern Africa Secretary: 2019-21
Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of production worldwide
the United States, said, “When the well’s dry, we • Approximately 70 percent of all water from rivers,
know the worth of water.” lakes and aquifers is used for irrigation
Connect for Water (connectforwater.org) tells us: • Floods and other water-related disasters account
“The course of world society in the twenty-first century for 70 percent of all deaths related to natural
is likely to be substantially influenced by a single disasters
resource: drinking water.” Think about it. The World Health Organisation
Clean water is key for a quality life. Without water, reports that 842 000 diarrhoeal diseases deaths per
life—animal, plant or human—cannot exist. Without year result from unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene
water, anyone of us will be subject to variables that will and 1 800 child deaths every day are linked to water,
cause challenges and we will struggle to live a healthy sanitation and hygiene.
life. There are many people who are forced to deal with Less than 1 percent of all water on earth is available
this harsh reality ‘up close and personal’, some more so as groundwater and surface water suitable for humans
than others. Most of us recognise that this is not new to use for drinking and cooking. That one percent is not
news. “Everybody knows that 80 percent of illnesses distributed across the globe in proportion to the human
are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions and 10 population. For example, India has just four percent
percent of the global disease could be reduced through of the world’s fresh water, but 16 percent of the global
improved water supply, sanitation, and hygiene.” population.
The next question is… “Do We?” Also, according to the WHO, the majority of the
The United Nations Development Programme has water-borne disease victims are children.
provided us with some sobering facts and figures: Solutions:
• 2.6 billion people have gained access to improved Increasing evidence has become available that
drinking water sources since 1990, but 663 million household water treatment and safe storage are
people are still without associated with significant health gains where available
• Globally, at least 1.8 billion people use a source of water is contaminated. A simple water filter makes a
drinking water that is faecally contaminated significant impact to our nutrient base (what we put in
• Between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of the our bodies) – including water.
global population using an improved drinking One by-product from not having access to clean
water source has increased from 76 percent to 91 drinking water is stunting. This is described as, low
percent, but water scarcity affects more than 40 height for age or a height more than two standard
per cent of the global population and is projected deviations below the WHO Child Growth Standards
to rise. median. Globally, an estimated one in four children
• Over 1.7 billion people are currently living in river under age five suffer from stunting.
basins where water use exceeds recharge There are simple solutions. For example, using
• 2.4 billion people lack access to basic sanitation clean water is one of the best ways to stop children
services, such as toilets or latrines losing essential nutrients vital to growth. From a study
• More than 80 percent of wastewater resulting from authored by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical
human activities is discharged into rivers or sea Medicine and the charity WaterAid, we learn that simply
without any pollution removal providing children with clean water and soap could
• Each day, nearly 1 000 children die due to make them grow taller. (Who knew? I doubt that this
preventable water and sanitation-related works for adults.)
diarrhoeal diseases This year RI President Mark Maloney has emphasised
• Hydropower is the most important and widely connecting. Let’s concentrate on Connecting Through
used renewable source of energy and as of Water.
2011, represented 16 percent of total electricity Cheers!
March 2020 ∙ Rotary Africa | 9
IN DETAIL
RI Director Stephanie Urchick (right) with Catherine Gump, DGE Annemarie Mostert and DGE Tom Gump,
who is a member of the Rotary Club of Edina Morningside in Minneapolis, USA. He is currently assisting
the Rotary E-Club of Southern Africa D9400 with a multi-million rand Global Grant focusing on Maternal
and Child Health, a sustainable community project in Malusi, Tshwane. RI Director Stephanie has agreed
to attend the African Centennial Celebrations in Johannesburg next year.
OUR ABILITY TO ADAPT
By RI Director Stephanie Urchick, Zone 29 (as presented at the International Assembly)
Adapting and evolving are related. As a human We can start by ensuring that our volunteer positions
species, we have adapted to physiological changes are meaningful yet doable for anyone, including those
as well as environmental changes to evolve and people who are still in the workforce. How often are
ensure a future. We did so because we had the we missing out on exceptional volunteer work because
ability to change…we were blessed with anatomies, a person feels that he or she can’t accept the role
brain functions and temperaments that allowed us because of work and family responsibilities?
to accept evolutionary changes and move forward. Let’s embrace diversity and inclusion so that we
involve leaders with perspectives that differ from what
Rotary is no different. we’ve experienced before. By doing so, we’ll create
I know it’s not easy; I am not exactly what they call opportunities for more folks to be heard.
an “early adopter” of new things. For years, I had dial- Let’s be sure our club and district structures support
up internet service at my home. How many of you even our key functions of service, fellowship, leadership,
remember what that is? Recently my provider indicated fund development and expanding our reach. Rotarians
dial-up service would no longer be available. I was may accept extra roles simply because we “ask.” Let’s
offered the option to switch to a Fibre internet service: be certain that positions are ones that augment and
at a higher price, of course! I felt inconvenienced, angry, support our mission.
annoyed and all kinds of other negative feelings. These And finally, let’s become innovative with our events
kinds of feelings are understandable when we face and activities by providing options for when, where and
change. how people can engage with our clubs and experiences.
We have demographic changes, societal changes So, in conclusion, I want you to know that even for us
and technological changes, all which require us to reluctant adapters, change can be good. After a week,
adapt so that we can evolve into a thriving future. It can I decided to make the switch to fibre optic Internet from
feel overwhelming. my old dial up service. And you know what? I LOVE
However, we must practice being open to change if the new service! “Adapting” moved me into a new era
we are going to increase our ‘ability’ to adapt as Rotary of technology and ensured I’ll “be connected” for years
clubs, Rotary districts, Rotary International and as to come.
Rotarians ourselves. It is a lesson on evolving and adapting we can all
So, how do we begin? What do we do to heighten take to heart. Let’s stay true to ourselves and stay
our abilities to change and evolve as an organisation? ahead of change in our next 115 years.
10 | Rotary Africa ∙ March 20204 Working with Rotary
to eradicate polio
with Bill Gates
Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
1
What made you decided to work on polio
eradication? Lebanon and Turkey. Within weeks, the World Health
In 1952, three years before I was born, the Organisation (WHO) announced a plan to immunise 2.4
US experienced one of the worst polio epidemics million Syrian children and the outbreak was over by the
in its history. Thousands died and even more were following year.
paralysed. I was born a few months after the first polio In 2016, the wild poliovirus re-emerged in Nigeria.
vaccine became available. Growing up, I had no idea Health workers and partners redoubled their efforts
how lucky I was. and the country has now gone more than three years
Later in life through the work of our foundation, I without a new case, which means the entire WHO
began to see firsthand the impact that polio was having African region could be certified free of wild poliovirus
on kids. The US had seen its last case of polio in 1979 in 2020. This achievement was difficult to imagine just
thanks to polio vaccines, but even 25 years later in a few years ago.
2004, more than 1 000 children in Asia and Africa were The final cases of polio are proving particularly
paralysed by polio simply because of where they were difficult. But the polio programme has overcome
born. enormous challenges to keep driving progress and
Before our foundation joined the fight to end polio we’ve spent the past decade sharpening the tools and
in 2007, I had spent months talking to experts and strategies we need to finish the job. With the continued
analysing the history of eradication. While global commitment of our partners like Rotary, I’m sure we’ll
progress against polio had stalled, I believed that consign polio to history.
eradication was possible because the world had done it
3
before, with smallpox in 1980. Why are you extending the Gates
Rotary played an important role in inspiring the
foundation to become involved in the Global Polio
Foundation’s 2-to-1 funding match
Eradication Initiative, an incredible global partnership with Rotary?
committed to fighting the disease. We knew that The Gates Foundation’s long-standing
Rotarians would be passionate, committed allies in the partnership with Rotary has been crucial in
push for eradication. the fight against polio. Through extending our funding
match, we can raise $150 million every year — money
2
that is essential to the eradication effort.
The number of polio cases increased But there’s another thing about this funding match,
in 2019. Why are you still optimistic which people don’t often know: The money helps us fight
that eradication is possible? more than polio. At the same time that we’re delivering
It’s true that we saw the number of cases go the polio vaccine to communities, we’re also bringing
up in 2019, but we need to look at what has happened them bed nets to protect against malaria, improving
over the past three decades. In the 1980s, polio access to clean drinking water and helping immunise
paralysed 1 000 children globally every day. Today, that kids against other vaccine-preventable diseases. We’re
number has fallen 99.9 percent and the wild poliovirus is making sure that every dollar we raise counts.
4
confined to just Afghanistan and Pakistan. Because of
eradication efforts, there are 18 million people walking What message would you like to
around who would have otherwise been paralysed by deliver to Rotarians as we confront
the virus. the final challenges to eradication?
The past 30 years have been marked with incredible Everyone at our foundation is inspired by Ro-
achievements. One of my favorite examples is India. tary and proud to work alongside you.
The country was once considered the toughest place to Rotary was the first organisation to push for a
eliminate the disease, but in 2011, the country recorded polio-free world. And for the past 30 years, so many
its last case of polio derived from the wild poliovirus. Rotarians have been part of fundraising, vaccination
In 2013, health workers managed to contain a and advocacy efforts that have brought us close to the
wild poliovirus outbreak during the Syrian civil war. magic number of zero cases.
Vaccinators not only had to enter the war zone, The final steps to a polio-free world are the hardest
waiting for lulls in the fighting to make sure children — and we’ll need the help of every Rotarian to get
were protected, but also had to account for the two there. But I’m confident that we will end polio together.
million refugees fleeing to neighboring Iraq, Jordan,
March 2020 ∙ Rotary Africa | 11FOR THE RECORD
BUSINESS CASUAL
A youthful outlook isn’t the only key to rejuvenating
Rotary, but it’s a start. For President-elect
Holger Knaack, the opportunities
are endless
12 | Rotary Africa ∙ March 2020Outside of One Rotary Centre, it was an overcast October day. Lake Michigan shimmered a steely grey, and
the trees’ red and orange leaves appeared drab.
But inside the office of Rotary’s president-elect, it was a bright new day, and not just because of the paisley
handkerchief sprouting from the breast pocket of Holger Knaack’s blue blazer. Those vivid colours matched the
cheerful attitude with which Knaack looks optimistically to the future — only one of the then-67-year-old’s youthful
traits.
Over two hours, on two separate occasions, Knaack sat down for a conversation with John Rezek, editor in
chief of The Rotarian, and Jenny Llakmani, the magazine’s managing editor. Speaking fluent, German-inflected
English, Knaack discussed his atypical rise in Rotary, an ascent propelled by his long-time involvement with the
Youth Exchange programme. Those experiences define his aspirations as president. “Growing Rotary and especially
growing with young members, will definitely be one of my goals,” he said. “Because if we lose contact with the younger
generation” — he lifted his hands and shrugged — “we are outdated.”
During the conversation, Knaack discussed his January 2018 speech at the International Assembly, where he
had quoted Paul Harris: “If Rotary is to realise its proper destiny, it must be evolutionary at times, revolutionary on
occasions.” He then offered his own take on that thought: “To be prepared for the future, Rotary must continue to be
revolutionary and must believe in the power of youth.”
Knaack introduced a few aphorisms of his own — including “There’s no wrong age to become a Rotarian” — and
spoke about the economic necessity of having a presidential tie. (Knaack, who rarely wears a tie, revealed that he
keeps one of Mark Daniel Maloney’s blue presidential ties tucked into a desk drawer to have on hand if needed.) He
also introduced his presidential theme: Rotary Opens Opportunities. The phrase is paired visually with the silhouette
of three open doors, one blue, another gold, and the third in bright Rotaract pink. He chose the theme for its aptness,
explains Knaack, and because “it’s easy to translate in every language.” (In Knaack’s native German, it’s Rotary
eröffnet Möglichkeiten.)
During the first interview, Knaack’s wife, Susanne, sat in and provided clarifications. When Rezek asked Knaack
about his reputation for being “unflappable,” the president-elect responded with a flapped expression. After briefly
consulting her phone, Susanne provided a translation: unerschütterlich. With that settled, Knaack, ever imperturbable,
continued the conversation.
You’re the first president-elect from Germany in the old club. It gave me the opportunity to meet totally
Rotary’s history. Tell us about the nature of Rotary different people.
in Germany. What was your pathway to the presidency of
Rotary is different all over the world. We all share the Rotary?
same core values, but with different emphases. In I’ve been asked to list all the district leadership positions
Germany, it’s really about friendship or fellowship — I held before I became a district governor. None. Zero.
and it’s about integrity and ethics. That’s how German I didn’t have any before I became district governor,
Rotarians look for members. And then the service we do and I didn’t have any appointments in the district
grows out of friendship. I think one of the major points leadership. I was just known for my engagement in
is that German Rotary clubs select their members Youth Exchange, and because of that, people knew
carefully, and we have a very good retention rate. We about me and my passion for Rotary. It was the same
don’t even think about retention. thing when I became a director: I had never, ever had
How did you get involved in Rotary? any appointments in the zone. When I came here to
For me, it started with an organisation called Round Table, Evanston for my director-elect training, that was the first
which has hundreds of clubs in Europe. Surprisingly, time I entered this building.
it was founded by Rotarians in England in 1927 who What is it about Youth Exchange that makes it such
were tired of always hanging out with old men. So, they a great programme?
created a new organisation, Round Table, but stipulated Youth Exchange was my path into Rotary. Susanne and
that you had to leave when you turned 40. I joined at 30 I hosted Rotary Youth Exchange students and became
and left when I was 39. They had this wonderful motto: involved in organising Youth Exchange camps, where
Adopt, Adapt, Improve. I was interested in service; I was Rotary clubs and districts host students from all over the
also interested in networking. Many of my friends from world. And then I learned how this enriched our lives.
this organisation joined Rotary, and again, the reason We don’t have children ourselves, so this programme is
was the opportunity for networking, especially because great for us. I think it keeps us young.
of Rotary’s classification system. You need different
people to make an organisation more interesting, to We’ve heard that you are unflappable. Nothing
have discussions go in unexpected directions. upsets you. How can that possibly be true?
I was asked to join the Rotary Club of Herzogtum I can sometimes be embarrassed because of small
Lauenburg-Mölln. It’s a crazy name. When Ron Burton things, as my wife knows. But when confronted by
was a director, he once introduced me as “Holger serious things, when we must make serious decisions,
Knaack from the Rotary Club of [pauses] somewhere then I become calmer. Plus, I’m always counting on
in Germany.” A new Rotary club in my hometown, other people. I know I can’t do anything alone. I have
Ratzeburg, was looking for members, but I knew many the greatest respect for people who are doing the work
of the people in that club already, so I decided to join — not just doing the work but doing it with passion. We
March 2020 ∙ Rotary Africa | 13must show our respect for all people like that. That’s eradicate polio, and I mean to do everything we can to
what I learned very early. keep that promise. If we succeed, it will help enhance
What areas are you going to concentrate on during how Rotary is seen in the world. No. 2, of course, is
your year? And what do you hope to accomplish? growing Rotary, and that’s not just about growing our
membership. It’s about growing Rotary at all levels.
I have no crazy new ideas [laughing]. We promised to
14 | Rotary Africa ∙ March 2020It’s about making our organisation stronger. It’s about directions.
retention and growing through new Rotary club People describe you as having a very young
models. Rotary is indeed one of the slowest-changing attitude. How do you think that will influence your
organisations in the world. What we do takes so much leadership style when you’re president?
time. We must be much faster.
I hope my leadership style will not change. Some
What about Rotary doesn’t have to change? people have said I don’t look presidential enough.
Our core values have always been the basis for what But that’s OK. It’s about leadership, not about looking
we do. Friendship, diversity, integrity, leadership, too serious. Besides, we really must focus on young
service — they will never be outdated. The way we leaders to stay relevant in this world. We welcome our
express and live those values, that will change. Our retirees because they have the skills, the time, and the
tradition of meeting for a meal might have worked for passion to contribute. My focus is on innovative clubs,
100 years. But it doesn’t work anymore, because lunch new club models, new club ideas, and young members.
is no longer a central thing in your life. We must look for I happen to be the right person at the right time to attract
models that young people are interested in. Let them more young members.
decide what kind of Rotary club they would like to join to How do you create the opportunities to bring
share our core values. Rotary is a place for everybody: younger people into leadership positions at Rotary?
for young and old; for old club models and for new club
models. There’s no need for very strict rules. Let’s enjoy First, we must rely on them and trust them. They can do
what fits best. many things — nearly everything. We should give them
the opportunity to lead. Before I started the planning of
Are you worried that the average age for Rotarians the Rotary institute in Berlin in 2014, I had a meeting
keeps going up? with Rotaractors. I wanted to hear their ideas about
I’m so happy that our older Rotarians remain Rotarians doing something different, and they came up with great
and that older people still join Rotary clubs. They’re ideas. They organised all the breakout sessions, and
a great value for the clubs and our organisation. But they did a great job. So just trust them, rely on them.
I want to encourage Rotary clubs to think about their Is there a way to speed up the advancement of
future. women into leadership positions?
Clubs should have a strategic meeting twice a year.
If they really think about their future, it’s important that In a voluntary organisation, we can’t really push. It
there is no big gap between age groups. If they’re doesn’t work. We are a grassroots organisation; it all
able to attract members in every age group, in every starts in our Rotary clubs. They should look to have
decade, then there is not a big gap. It’s important for the right people on the committees who nominate
Rotary clubs to stay on track and yet still be interesting district governors. Have the right people there, and
for young professionals. It’s always dangerous if a we will have more women as governors. Everything is
Rotary club says, “OK, we have the perfect number of possible: There will be six women on the 2020-21 Board
members. We have 50 or 60 or 70 or whatever; we don’t of Directors that I will have the honour to chair.
want any more members right now.” Then the gap can Do you imagine that it will have a different feel?
grow very, very fast. One of my sayings is, “There’s no There shouldn’t be any difference. We are all Rotarians
wrong age to become a Rotarian.” If someone is 18 and regardless of gender. It’s about passion and leadership.
becoming a member, that’s great. And if someone is 80, We want the best people; it’s not about counting how
that’s great too. So, there is no wrong age to become many women. But I love that this is happening right
a Rotarian — and there’s no perfect size for a Rotary now. The beauty of Rotary is indeed its diversity.
club.
How can we tell others about Rotary and improve
We notice that you don’t often wear a tie. Are you our image in the world?
going to have an official tie?
It takes a long time, or a lot of money, to change your
I learned that we bring in $1.3 million or $1.4 million image in this world. Two things are important: You must
a year from presidential ties and scarves [laughing]. know it takes time, and then you must be honest. It’s not
That’s a good reason to have one. I like ties. I have a because of marketing reasons that we must change.
large collection of ties. We must tell a true story of why we are doing things.
In very good condition, we bet [laughing]. All right, To really be a part of Rotary, you must be proud of the
there will be a presidential tie. What’s your theme? organisation, and we must be proud of our work. Not
Rotary Opens Opportunities. It supports our efforts about what you are doing. That’s selfish.
to grow Rotary, because becoming a Rotarian offers Does Rotary need to be cooler?
prospective members totally new opportunities. To be attractive for younger members, definitely. I’m
One of the opportunities is, of course, the opportunity proud of our existing Rotary clubs. But if they’re not
to serve. And then the other part comes into play: attractive to Rotaractors or young professionals, we
We offer opportunities to people who are waiting for should encourage them to create their club model that
our service — providing clean water, opportunities to works. And that’s what we’re going to do in the next few
go to school, and so forth. What we do works in both years.
March 2020 ∙ Rotary Africa | 15Rotary Family Health and Aids Prevention update
WELCOME MARTIN
By PDG Grant Daly, Chairman, Rotarians for Family Health and AIDS Prevention (RFHA) SA NPC
It is with great pleasure that we can share the latest which focuses on health and education projects in South
developments with RFHA INC NPC. Africa, with the project management of three USAID
Sue Paget has been promoted to CEO of the and/or ELMA Foundation funded projects. These
international board of RFHA NPC INC. We are delighted included the setting up an ECD Centre of Excellence
to announce the appointment of Martin at Fort Hare University (teaching and research),
Scholtz in her place as Southern the Strengthening Teacher Education Project
African RFHA Programme Director, (including University of Johannesburg
which covers all the countries in and University of Mpumalanga) and
districts 9210, 9350, 9370 and the Albertina Sisulu Executive
9400. Scholtz, a member of Leadership in Health Programme
the Rotary E-Club of Greater (ASELPH) that involved Harvard
Cape Town (D9350), started University, University of Pretoria
on 1 February and has years and University of Fort Hare.
of relevant experience and a Scholtz was also involved with
wealth of knowledge. the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
Scholtz’s working life developing key relationships
has spanned some 30 with the Department of
years, much of which Education at national and
has been dedicated to provincial level, as well as
the development of the the Independent Schools
potential of young people Association of South Africa
in Southern Africa. Scholtz and the Independent
has served as an educator Examination Board, for the
at schools in South Africa expansion of the annual
and Eswatini, as the chief Allan Gray Entrepreneurship
executive officer of The Challenge to more secondary
President’s Award for Youth schools across the country.
Empowerment - The Duke of He was awarded the Top
Edinburgh’s International Award Student Award in the University
in South Africa – and a project of Pretoria’s prestigious Gordon
management consultant in the Institute of Business (GIBS)
education and health development. Social Entrepreneurship
He also assisted South Africa Certificate Programme in
Partners, a Boston-based NPO 2012.
16 | Rotary Africa ∙ March 2020The DGEs of Zone 21B with their partners and Rotary Vice-President, Director Yinka Babalola.
AFRICA
ROCKS!
Every year our district governors-elect head to
San Diego for the International Assembly. This
is Rotary’s annual training meeting that gives
incoming district governors the chance to share
ideas for strengthening clubs and improving
communities with Rotary leaders from around
the world.
Keynote speakers and informative presentations
inspire the delegates and help prepare them to lead
their districts successfully. Other activities include
breakout sessions, round-table discussions and
workshops which introduce them to new ways of DGE Maud Boikanyo (D9370) in her traditional dress
creating positive change. with Rotary Vice-President, Director Yinka Babalola.
This month, Annemarie Mostert, DGE of District
9400, shares photos from her assembly experience
with us!
DGE Annemarie and Hans Mostert (centre) with Meet the spouses! Hans Mostert, Susanne Knaack
Caroline and DGE Carl-Heinz Duisberg (D9350). with Preba Ibanabo Peacockba Babalola.
March 2020 ∙ Rotary Africa | 17JOINING TOGETHER Across 43 Tach letters 10 What perils test
1 With 4-Across, cook 44 Ave. crossers 11 Start of Kansas’ motto
by Victor Fleming up a movie snack 47 WWII spy grp. 13 Asian nation suffix
Rotary Club of Little Rock, Arkansas 4 See 1-Across 48 Water vapor 14 “I wish I ___ …”
8 Crimson Tide 52 Prevent, in legalese 20 Show a show again
and 36-Across’ 54 End of the theme 22 Where 36-Down
home, for short 56 36-Across or studied after
12 Cuban years 32-Down 62-Across, initially
14 Recording artist 57 Mötley ___ 24 Puffiness
Janelle 58 Jazz singer Adams 28 Tattoo artist’s supplies
15 Contacted via 60 Start to meter? 30 Outward bearing
GONA’S LEGACY OF LITERACY
WhatsApp 61 Party giver 31 Almost infinite
16 Exam 62 Where 36-Across and 32 36-Across’ spouse
17 Mexican friend 32-Down met and 33 Scare
18 ___ fire under studied, familiarly 34 Easy victory
(made hustle) 63 Pinto, for one 36 Health spa staffer
19 Start of 36-Across’ 64 Citrus coolers 37 Site of a Herculean battle
theme 65 Superlative endings 38 “Understood!”
21 Part 2 of the theme 66 Bilko or Snorkel 39 Item in an overhead
Gona Naidoo, a member of the Rotary Club of Durban Clairwood Park (D9370) has joined the ranks 23 Cat-___-tails (abbr.) valve engine
42 24 Very small Bolivian bear
of those who will leave a legacy ofservice through
Rotary. Naidoo, aDown
charter member 44 of the Rotary 25 Key below X Hair arrangements
Club of Durban Clairwood Park, joined Rotary 30 years ago and has made a substantial
1 On ___ (policing) 45
46
gift to The 26 Book end?
27 Help
Quincy identifier
2 Low-scoring tie Fast run
Rotary Foundation by creating an endowment fund to support education and literacy
3 Sticky note 49 projects. At the 29 Dark reddish-brown Treasure ___
Email address ender 50 31 Salad dressing
presentation of the Bequest Society Member Level 1 recognition are 45DGA In the bag
Lisa Stander,
51
President Kamala ingredient
Fitzgerald and Logan
Make ___ in (progress)
Naidoo, DG Jaco Stander, Gona Naidoo and AG Sarita Sirohi.
6 Taunt 53 35 Casablanca character Q-tip, for one
36 2019-20 RI president 7 Colorful-sounding 55 Moistens
38 Hoppy brews, briefly Dodges 56 Clapton’s “___
40 Finish a prayer 8 Ill temper Down Sally”
41 Great enthusiasm 9 With smiles 59 6-pt. scores
CREATE. Solution on page 23
CREATE.
SHARE. VOYAGE.
LIDERANÇA.
INSPIRAÇÃO.
TRAVEL.
LEADERSHIP.
INSPIRATION.
TRAVEL.
LEADERSHIP.
INSPIRATION.
SHARE. FORMATION. DIVERSÃO.
LEARN. FUN.
LEARN. FUN.
SERVICE. SERVICE. SERVICE.
CONNECT.
海外体験。
DÉCOUVERTE.TRAVEL.GROW. TRAVEL.GROW.
LEADERSHIP. LEADERSHIP. LEADERSHIP.
学び。 LEARN. LEARN.
TRAVEL. TRAVEL. TRAVEL.
ACTION. ACTION. ACTION.
CONNECT.
奉仕。 VIAJES. SERVE. SERVICE. SERVE. SERVICE.
DISCOVERY. DISCOVERY. DISCOVERY.
AVENTURAS. FRIENDSHIP.
FUN. FRIENDSHIP.
FUN. FUN.
DIVERSIÓN. FUN. FUN.
Descubra um mundo novo fora da sala de aula. Discover a world outside the classroom through Discover a world outside the classroom through
Participe de um programa intensivo de liderança que an intensive leadership experience that builds an intensive leadership experience that builds
se baseia em técnicas de comunicação, solução de communication skills, teaches creative problem- communication skills, teaches creative problem-
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
problemas e maneiras de transformar o mundo num solving, and challenges you to change not only solving, and challenges you to change not only
LONG-TERM LONG-TERM LONG-TERM
lugar melhor. yourself but the world. yourself but the world.
Long-term exchanges build peace one young person Long-term exchanges build peace one young person Long-term exchanges build peace one young person
at a time. Students learn a new language, discover at a time. Students learn a new language, discover at a time. Students learn a new language, discover
Join the global movement of young leaders taking Join the global movement of young leaders taking Join the global movement of young leaders taking
another culture, and live with host families for a full another culture, and live with host families for a full another culture, and live with host families for a full
新世代交換 NEWtoGENERATIONS
action build a better world. Exchange ideas with NEWtoGENERATIONS
action build a better world. Exchange ideas with action to build a better world. Exchange ideas with
academic year. Become a global citizen. Start in one academic year. Become a global citizen. Start in one academic year. Become a global citizen. Start in one
SERVICE
leaders EXCHANGE
in your community and mobilize your friends SERVICE
leaders EXCHANGE
in your community and mobilize your friends leaders in your community and mobilize your friends
of more than 100 countries. of more than 100 countries. of more than 100 countries.
目標をもって海を渡り、異国での奉仕活動に参加し、短 to develop innovative
Professional solutions
development toathe
with world’sUniversity
purpose: most to Professional
develop innovative solutions
development withtoa the world’sUniversity
purpose: most to develop innovative solutions to the world’s most
期間の滞在で新しいスキルを学びたいと思う大学生やフ pressing
studentscommon challenges.
and young professionals learn new pressing
students common challenges.
and young professionals learn new pressing common challenges.
レッシュ社会人にとって、
この上ない特別な経験ができる
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
skills, learn a language, and take action through
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
skills, learn a language, and take action through
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
でしょう。
SHORT-TERM
humanitarian service during short-term, customizable
SHORT-TERM
humanitarian service during short-term, customizable
SHORT-TERM
Toma acción, promueve la comprensión internacional
exchanges. Short-term
Take action, build exchanges
international immerse young people in Take action, build
understanding,
exchanges. Short-term exchanges
international immerse young people in
understanding, Short-term exchanges immerse young people in
y forja nuevas amistades alrededor del mundo. and make newanother
friendsculture.
around Some live with
the world. host families for and
Develop up make new another
friendsculture.
aroundSome live with
the world. host families for up
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Desarrolla tus aptitudes de liderazgo mientras your leadershiptoskills
threewhile
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discover others
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Create your own promotional y cuan divertido es el verdadero liderazgo. leadership canone of more than
be seriously fun! 100 countries. leadership canonebe of more than
seriously fun!100 countries. one of more than 100 countries.
cards to showcase your youth
activities. Available nowown
Create your in promotional
Rotary’s Brand Center.
cards to showcase your youth
activities. Available now in
Rotary’s Brand Center.
YouthProgramsCard_RotarianAD_halfpage.indd 1 2/6/17 2:32 PM
60 | The Rotarian July 2019
18 | Rotary Africa ∙ March 2020ROTARIANS AT WORK
The Wordworks workshops taught the educators to integrate the programme and its resources into their
work with parents and caregivers through home visits or parenting group sessions. This will help the
educators introduce those who care for and work with babies and young children to new knowledge
about early learning and practical ideas for supporting the development of language, early literacy and
EVERY WORD COUNTS!
maths concepts.
The Rotary Club of Breede River Winelands’ (D9350) and caregivers of children up to the age of five years of
first Every Word Counts Parenting Training was an age are taught simple techniques to better communicate
amazing experience. The training was attended by with their children. The techniques include conversation,
enthusiastic pre-school educators who couldn’t play involving readily available household materials,
stop talking about how the course had changed the singing and drawing.
way they view learning among young children. Langeberg is a rural area 3 hours drive from
The Rotary club partnered with Wordworks*, an Wordworks headquarters in Cape Town and to ensure
NGO based in Cape Town whose philosophy and sustainability and facilitate expansion to other ECDCs
programmes are based on the premise that parents are it was essential to reduce reliance on Wordworks staff
a child’s first educators. The partnership has brought for training.
training programmes to educators and practitioners in Three experienced ECDC teachers from local pre-
schools and Early Child Development Centres (ECDCs) schools have trained as local trainers and ran the EWC
in the Langeberg Municipality. two-and-a-half-day course early in December at the
Since 2013, the club has been using the Wordworks Bonniepeople Project ECDC in Bonnievale. Twenty-two
Home School Partnership, which was developed participants from ECDCs in four of the five surrounding
primarily for parents of children in Grades 1 and 2, but towns, including educators from six schools not yet
was also used in ECDCs. Last year, the club introduced been part of the Langeberg Wordworks project, took
the Every Word Counts (EWC) programme which was part. A total of 14 centres in the area are now using
specifically for pre-school children at ECDCs. Wordworks programmes.
Parents play a vital role in their child’s acquisition The Wordworks programme is funded by Rotary
of spoken language, which is the prelude to literacy, donors from the Rotary Clubs of Camberwell (D9800,
but many parents need and benefit from guidance on Australia), St Albans (D1260, England) and Claremont
interacting with their children from infancy onwards. (D9350, South Africa). Donors from Luxembourg
Wordworks trains ECD practitioners and educators to support Bonniepeople and have provided an excellent
hold six parenting sessions, in which groups of parents venue and transport.
March 2020 ∙ Rotary Africa | 19Project coordinator Steve Chokalingum, DG Jaco Stander, the ecstatic winner Neeresha Naidoo, Rajen
BIG WINS
Reddy and Past President Juggie Naidoo.
lead to bigger wins
in Chatsworth
More than R300 000 was raised in an event that
was the result of a happy coincidence.
Every year the Rotary Club of Chatsworth
(D9370) holds its Unite Against Hunger food
collection outside local supermarkets. People can
either donate food items or cash, which the Rotary
Club then uses to buy items for the food hampers
it later distributes. When buying food at a Checkers
store, the Rotarians decided to take a chance and
enter their till slip in a competition to win a car…
and they won it!
Now the club had a brand-new VW Up worth
R170 000 and the members decided they needed
to find a way to convert it into the greatest cash
return possible.
It was decided that a Win-A-Car competition
would be held. With tickets priced at just R20 each,
the club decided this was the ideal opportunity
to partner with other community organisations
in the massive fundraising effort. “About 25
organisations sold books of tickets; these included
schools, senior groups, women’s groups and old
age homes,” explained AG Vani Govender. These
partner organisations received 30 percent of the
value of the tickets they sold.
The draw was held at Chatsworth Centre in
December and was won by Neeresha Naidoo,
who had spent just R100 on five tickets to enter
the competition!
Project coordinator, Steve Chokalingum said, Rotarians Morgan Moodley and Steve Chokalingum
shaking the box of tickets before the winner was drawn.
20 | Rotary Africa ∙ March 2020Top: DG Jaco Stander and Rajen Reddy, give the tickets one last shuffle before the winning ticket is
drawn. Lisa Stander makes sure the DG can’t peek as he blindly draws the winning ticket. Above: MC
Rajen Reddy, AG Vani Govender and Steven Chokalingum try to call the winner.
“Our main objective was to extend a vital financial VW providing a demo vehicle at different sites where
lifeline to our diverse community of Chatsworth and tickets were sold and the management of Chatsworth
beyond, with this wonderful initiative to ensure that we Centre which donated the use of its car park to the club
are all able to leave behind a legacy.” for the draw.
This project was also well supported by the local The draw was done by DG Jaco Stander and the
business community with Vjay Maharaj, CEO Rising master of ceremonies was the CEO of KZN Oils, Rajen
Sun arranging the sponsor of the raffle tickets, Barons Reddy.
SPEAK2AFRICA ADVERTISE HERE & REACH THOUSANDS OF ROTARIANS EVERY MONTH
March 2020 ∙ Rotary Africa | 21You can also read
