CAREER FEST

The University of Johannesburg & Northcliff Rotary Club presents an ONLINE Career Fest in Collaboration with the Canon Collins Trust and BTS Army South Africa.

This event will take place on 21 August 2021 at 9am – 3pm and will be hosted on ZOOM.

All registered secondary school students will receive the ZOOM meeting link a few days before the event.

NORTHCLIFF ROTARY INDUCTION AND AWARDS EVENING

Northcliff Rotary Club recently held it’s Presidential induction and awards evening at the Randpark Golf club.

Each year Rotary appoints a new President, from an international to a club level which has ensured Rotary’s sustainably over the last 110 years of it’s existence. This year is no exception and Dr Jan Christoph Hadenfedt was inducted as the Club’s new president while Ms Coral Stewart was inducted as Ann President.

Present at the induction and awards evening was D9400 District Governor and District Governor Ann, Charles and Coleen Deiner.

The club also inducted three new members being Robert & Agatha Jacobz and Christine Malata. President Jan Christoph welcomed them to the club, was encouraged to see younger members joining and challenged them to get involved in the numerous projects that are currently undertaken by the club.

A Paul Harris award, which is the highest accolade by Rotary International to an individual for their community support was awarded to  Mr Zorba Miltiadou from Pick ‘n Pay, Northcliff Square for his support of the Camp Quality project over a number of years.

Camp Quality is a week away for kids who have been diagnosed with cancer to White River in Mpumalanga. The club together with Zorba, at Pick ‘n Pay sends the kids off with ample “padkos” for the journey to White River.

The evening culminated with acknowledging club members for their dedicated service in the 2017/2018 Rotary year. The Brian Thurtell Trophy was awarded to Paul Westcott and the Norman MacLeod Trophy was awarded to Dean Gounden.


 

News of The Northcliff Rotary Club

Franklin D Roosevelt triumph at Rotary Speech Competition 2014 Finals

2014-12-01

The Northcliff Rotary Club together with Crawford Preparatory Lonehill recently hosted their Annual Primary School Speech Competition. Participating schools included Bryandale Primary School, Bramley Primary School, Bryanston Primary School, Constantia Primary School, Crawford Lonehill, Franklin D Roosevelt Primary School, I R Griffith Primary School, Jeppe Preparatory, Midrand Primary School, Wendywood Primary School and Northcliff Primary School.

“The club has been hosting this annual event for the last 33 years which has become a highlight in the primary school calendar over the years” said Club Services Director, Dean Gounden. We are proud that we are able to play a small role within our community to maintain a high standard of the English spoken language said Gounden.

The theme for this year’s prepared speech category was “Actions don’t have to change the world to be important”. The winner of the prepared speech category was Raeesah Gangat of Franklin D Primary and the runner up was Samantha Lliffe from Northcliff Primary School.

The winner in the Impromptu speech category was Kyla Swart from Bryandale Primary School and the runner up was Jasmika Kisten of IR Griffith Primary School. The overall winner of the 2014 Speech Competition was Franklin D Roosevelt School in Roosevelt Park.

Chief Judge and author, Mr Brian Appleton from the National Eisteddfod Academy and Ms Alison Chambers were impressed with the standard and quality of the speeches presented by the participants.

Past President Hans Mostert thanked the Principal and staff of Crawford Preparatory School, Lonehill for hosting the competition and Exclusive Books for their kind sponsorship of books for all the participants.

20141201-1Club Service Director Dean Gounden and Immediate Past President Hans Mostert surrounded by the 2014 participants of the speech competition.
20141201-2 Club Service Director Dean Gounden with Lihle Benge and Raessah Gangat of Franklin D Roosevelt Primary and Immediate Past President Hans Mostert.

Grand Opening of Covenant Garden Estate

2014-04-18

Valuable Children will be nurtured for a greater destiny and community.At a hand over function at Mathibestad, in the North West Province, in South Africa, Pat Francis Trust SA , a registered NGO in South Africa, announced completion of the first phase of an estate for vulnerable, abused and abandoned children – Covenant Garden Estate. The first phase has the capacity to accommodate twenty four children and was officially opened by Chief Mathibe and Dr Pat Francis, the Chairman and founder of Pat Francis Trust on Saturday 5th April 2014.

The mission of the Covenant Garden Estate is to rescue, restore and empower children for a life of prosperity and purpose. Covenant Garden Estate is a collaborative effort of Pat Francis Trust, Chief Mathibe and many corporate sponsors and donors.

The Covenant Garden Estate project when completed will accommodate up to 100 children once completed.

The leading partners of the project include the Mathibe Tribe that donated the ten hectares of land for the development, Sesego Cares as the main strategic South African partner that facilitated the mobilization of experts, the technical support, donors and corporate sponsors as well as the involvement of The Rotary Club of Northcliff and The E-Club of Southern Africa who will assist to ensure the sustainability of the project. Sesego Cares was also instrumental in arranging various donations such as the kitchen – Parmalat and appliances -Teljoy, soccer field – Orlando Pirates Football Club, as well as all the skills of the professionals required over the past 18 months.

20140418-1Dignitaries attended the opening
20140418-2Beautiful kitchen donated by Parmalat
20140418-3Playground facilities
20140418-4Residents and other attendees. Rtn Win Bauer took photographs
20140418-5Rtn Ansie Hibberd and VIP
20140418-6PP Annemarie Mostert, Rtn Ansie Hibberd with VIP
20140418-7PP Annemarie Mostert, Dr Pat Francis
20140418-8Dr Pat Francis, PDG Mark Doyle and Mrs Doyle
20140418-9Dr Pat Francis, Chief Mathibe

Rotary Family Health Days bring free Health Care Services to Communities.

2014-04-07

South Africans received free access to health screenings, counselling services, and measles inoculations and polio screening during the Rotary Family Health Days that launched on 2nd April 2014 at the LoveLife Centre, KwaNobhule, Uitenhage, Eastern Cape.

The RFHD initiative aims to increase access to family health care services and ran over a three day period from 2 to 4 April 2014 at 145 sites across the country. RFHD also provided families with HIV-AIDS testing and counselling, Tuberculosis , diabetes, hypertension screening and other Non-Communicable Diseases services. The initiative has enabled access to over 65 000 people in South Africa since its inception in 2013.

At the launch event, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi was joined by RFHD partners including Rotarians For Family Health & Aids Prevention, Inc. , The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation, SABC, Caxton and PEPFAR partners, the Centers for Disease Control and USAID, to promote family health care and create awareness around the importance of health screening.

Speaking about the 225 Rotary Clubs and their representatives at the launch, Marion Bunch, CEO of RFHA, says – This is a great example of how people and organizations from different sectors of the community can come together to make a difference in the health of South Africans. The 4,000 Rotarians in South Africa mobilize the communities into action, and they select, build and volunteer at all the sites during the three day campaign.

The RFHD initiative is a unique collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society to facilitate healthier and happier families. The RFHA, acting as civil society, facilitates the partnerships and coordinate the program roll out.

20140407-1Project Hope provided invaluable support over the period.
20140407-2Diabetes and blood pressure testing and screening
20140407-3PP Paul Westcott and Rtn Peter Jacob at the registration table.
20140407-4Testing station

Rotary E-Club of Southern Africa 9400 chartered

2014-01-29

On 29 January the Rotary E-Club of Southern Africa 9400 chartered with 31 members.

Members are from Nairobi, Dar-Es-Salaam, Gaborone, Mafikeng, Letaba, Nelspruit, Swellendam, Vaal area, Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Office members: Kanthan Pillay: President, Annemarie Mostert: President Elect,

Liana v d Walt: Treasurer, Trevor Watson-Thomas: Secretary, Rudi Viljoen: Sergeant.

Sponsor Club: The Rotary Club of Northcliff

20140129-1Dignitaries and Charter members
20140129-2Northcliff R C President Hans Mostert and District Governor Anneas Balt
20140129-3PP Annemarie Mostert with DG Anneas Balt receives the E-Club scroll
20140129-4PP Liana van der Walt , PP Annemarie Mostert
20140129-5PDGA Shirlie Thurtell, PP Dean Gounden
20140129-6MC PDG Francis Callard
20140129-7E-Club members

Induction of new Rotarians

2014-01-02

On Wednesday 4 December, we were all very pleased to induct two new members, Andrew Buttress and Jeanrique Snyman. Andrew ( a BComm(Legal)) is the Office Manager for JAM ( Joint Aid Management) Community Centre based near Zandspruit. Jeanrique is currently editor of Caxton’s oldest local paper, Northcliff Melville Times. To date, his work as a journalist and public relations officer has appeared in two national newspaper titles, a daily newspaper, international websites and four local newspapers.

20140102-1Members and guests at the induction ceremony and Christmas dinner. PP annemarie Mostert, PDG David Grant, AG Belinda Alport, PDGA Margie Grant, new Rotarian Andrew Buttress, Nicole Buttress, President Hans Mostert, Ann President Shirlie Thurtell, new Rotarian Jeanrique Snyman, Ann President 2014 – Janet Callard, PDG Francis Callard

Huis Hoeveld Retirement Village – Christmas gift hand over

2013-12-08

On Sunday 12 members of the Club and some family members attended to hand over Christmas goodie bags to the residents. A wonderful morning, greatly appreciated by them.

20131208-1President Hans Mostert, Rotarian Janet Glover, Rotarian Andrew Buttress
20131208-2New Rotarian Jeanrique Snyman hands over to a couple
20131208-3Rotarian Ansie Hibberd with a resident.
20131208-4The Team!!

Caro House Nurses Memorial Home in Northcliff

2013-12-07

On Saturday evening 26 Oct, the Rotary Club of Northcliff held a glamorous “Night at the Races” event at the Rand Park Golf Club. R30 000 of the funds raised was donated to the Caro Nurses Home in Northcliff. The funds will be used for various items needed to improve the lives of the seniors.

Picture: Members of the Rotary Club of Northcliff and the Trustee members of Caro House Nurses Memorial Home in Northcliff joined the seniors of the home at their year end Christmas tea on 7 Dec 2013.

20131207-1From left: Past President Annemarie Mostert, Rotarian David Woodhouse, Trudie Nicol (Trustee), Mr MC Harrison (Chairman), Angie Gyngell (Matron), Rotarian Janet Glover, Valerie Palm (Trustee), Janet Callard (President of the Rotary Anns), Rotarian Ansie Hibberd and Past President Paul Westcott. Back: Past District Governor Francis Callard

Hadassah Centre visit

2013-11-17

Come Back Mission -is a community based project by the community for the community. Providing an opportunity for healing and transformation of people affected and addicted by substance abuse, poverty,

We are not funded by the State, operating on Donations from family friends and partners.

Come Back Mission is governed by a board of 15 members and have over 75 volunteers working in the various projects.

Hadassah Centre is managed by a separate management team. Under the leadership of Mariam Jacobs.

All the staff in Come Back Mission works on a voluntary basis.

Projects under Come Back Mission. Hadassah Centre for Women, Heavenly Valley Pre-school, HV Women’s Empowerment Project. Community Based out-patient project, In-school project(Awareness and Education) Mi-Life Mentor Program

Extra Maths and accountancy classes on Saturday.

We work in partnerships and network with all stakeholders.

Cheryl Pillay – Project Coordinator

Any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

20131117-1Northcliff Rotary Club visit to Hadassah Centre
20131117-2Hadassah Centre
20131117-3Hadassah Centre staff and visitors
20131117-4Rtn Ansie Hibberd,Cheryl Pillay PP Paul Westcott, Mariam Jacobs, Sandy Faulkner, and PP Annemarie Mostert
20131117-5Sandy Faulkner, PP Paul Westcott, Rtn Ansie Hibberd, Mariam Jacobs and PP Annemarie Mostert

Northcliff Rotary Club holds 32nd Annual Speech Competition

2013-10-31

On 31 October 17 Johannesburg primary school pupils took part in a public speaking contest at IR Griffith Primary School in Blairgowrie. The event was hosted by the school , being the winners of the 2012 competition, on behalf of Northcliff Rotary Club, who provided the judges and prizes. Pupils had the opportunity to address the audience and received constructive advice from judge Brian Appleton. The topic given for the prepared speeches was based on Rotary’s motto – Service above Self – Changing lives through community service, and most pupils spoke about Rotary achievements. There was also an impromptu section and topics included peer pressure, reading, and an individual’s right to be heard.

Appleton said public speaking courses are his passion. He does it all over Gauteng. He said – the pupils really entertained us tonight. The judging is 50 percent content and 50 percent speaking. These two should complement each other.You cannot always be the best, but you can always give your best. To all pupils, please keep speaking; it is an important life skill. It will help you throughout school, varsity and the business world. Appleton offered several pieces of advice; use vocal variety, emphasize important words and use hand gestures – obviously not too dramatic, but you cannot talk with both your hands holding your speech cards.

The winner for the prepared speeches was Mercy Namfukwe from Midrand Primary School and Jordan Dowds from Crawford Preparatory School in Lonehill took second place. Crawford Preparatory School Lonehill’s Danishka Moodley won for the impromptu section, with Minenhle Makhubu from Jeppe Preparatory School coming in second. Crawford Preparatory School Lonehill won the event overall, with Midrand Primary School coming in second. As a result, Crawford Preparatory will host the 2014 competition.

20131031-1All speakers gathered with President Hans Mostert ( top left) and PP Dean Gounden ( top right).
20131031-2PP Dean Gounden, IR Griffith Principal Mrs M Lopes and President Hans Mostert.
20131031-3Minenhle Makhubu – Jeppe Preparatory School, Mercy Namfukwe – Midrand Primary School, Crawford Preparatory School Lonehills Danishka Moodley and Jordan Dowds.

Mad Hatter Night at the Races

2013-10-26

Mad Hatters came to town at the Night at the Races!

On Saturday evening 26 Oct, the Rotary Club of Northcliff raised R95 000 at a glamorous “Night at the Races” event held at the Rand Park Golf Club.

President Hans Mostert thanked Constantia Insurance Company and Olova Quality Paper, the 2 Platinum sponsors for the evening together with Tiger Wheel & Tyre Cresta, Commodore Defensive Strategies, Savanna Yoghurt, Ian Fuller Agencies, Banareng Stationery, members of Sesego Cares and Showgroup together with various other supporters and sponsors, who ensured the 200 guests placed their bets at the various betting stations to support of their favourite horses and jockeys.Guests were all dressed up in their fun hats and could “own” a horse and buy a jockey, all in the name of charity. Original paintings donated by well-known artist in the area, were auctioned by Nico Kritsiotis, the commentator and MC of the evening. The profit for this event will be donated to the Rotary Foundation and various community projects including the Nurses Home in Northcliff. We will ensure the Night at the Races will be an annual high light on the calendar of the Melville and Northcliff Community. Rotary is built on fellowship and through having great fun and meeting new and interesting people, funds are raised for various projects.

20131102-1Paul Modla from Ian Fuller Agencies, winner of a ACER laptop, Nico Kritsiotis, Pieter van der Berg, President Hans Mostert.
20131102-2Rotarian Janet Glover and Barnaby Bardsley of Constantia Insurance
20131102-3The Olova team – Platinum sponsor of the event.
20131102-4Lia Dos Santos, Nicole Dos Santos, Maria Erasmus, Rotarian Rani Pillay, Varisha Pillay (Interact member), Ruben Pillay
20131102-5Charlotte Khoza, Karabo and Nandi.
20131102-6PP Paul Westcott and President Hans Mostert – the tote controllers 🙂
20131102-7PP Vaughan Russell and Rtn Tommy Stratten – Reception and money changers!
20131102-9Tiger Wheel and Tyre ( Northcliff) – Mr and Mrs Dirk Schlebusch – best dressed couple.

 

Khomani San Living in Peace project

2013-09-21

The project is designed to give the Khomani San a chance to live in peace, freedom, dignity and economic independence while retaining their traditional identity.

To this effect, it is planned to make the land usage as fair as possible, break down the historical imbalances and to give to the Khomani San the desired guidelines and assistance for the sustainable operation of the Kalahari Heritage Park and the development and operation of the joint farms. These actions are the basic preconditions for the achievement of an income which will reduce poverty on an ongoing basis.

In addition, it is intended to assist the Khomani San in their needs, like primary and professional education, health and nature conservation -environmental protection, and the development and operation of environmentally friendly and socially compatible/responsible tourism.

This is the only way the survival capability of this group of the indigenous population of South Africa will be achieved.

The former South African president, peace Nobel prize winner, Frederik Willem de Klerk, who introduced the end of apartheid in 1990, agreed to become a patron of the project.

20130921-1The signing of the German agreement on the 3rd Sept in Germany – Peace project.
20130921-2Patrica Glyn whose brainchild the project was. Untiring champion of the San rights.
20130921-3Northcliff Rotary Club (NRC) President Hans Mostert, Patricia Glyn, NRC Past President Annemarie Mostert.

Induction of members of the first Satellite Club in District 9400.

2013-08-20

Six New Rotary members, out of a total of 11 potential members, were inducted into the first Satellite Club of the Rotary Club of Northcliff on Tuesday 20 August, during the visit of Anneas Balt, the District Governor of Rotary District 9400, to region 9 of District 9400.

We are so excited to launch our first satellite club in the District, and perhaps in the country. We warmly welcome these extraordinary women into the family of Rotary, said Anneas Balt.

The new members are leaders in their own professions and the community in an around Gauteng. The Rotary Club of Northcliff has close relationships with each of these members. They serve, as volunteers, on various community structures and have made significant differences to the lives of the vulnerable.

Rotarys main objective is service , in the community, in the workplace, and around the globe. The 1.2 million Rotarians who make up more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in nearly every country in the world share a dedication to the ideal of Service Above Self.

Rotary clubs are open to people of all cultures and ethnicities and are not affiliated with any political or religious organizations. For more information please contact Annemarie at www.northcliffrotary.co.za.

20130820-1Assistant Governor Past President Belinda Alport, Past President Annemarie Mostert, chairperson of the membership committee for Rotary D9400, District Governor Anneas Balt, District Governor Personal Representative President David Grant (Back), Rotarian Cheryl Pillay, Rotarian Robyn le Roux, Rotarian Janice Moodley, Rotarian Mariam Jacobs, President Hans Mostert (back),Rotarian Mahlaku Nkuna, Rotarian Charlotte Khoza.

Jeanetta Basson a woman of true inspiration

2013-08-20

She is a woman with a purpose, a visitor from Colorado in USA, who fell in love with the Community in Zandspruit. It’s fitting to acknowledge women of true inspiration and stature during our Women’s month celebrations. Jeanetta Basson was a member of the first group of visitors from Woodmen Valley Chapel and on her return to Colorado Springs in 2001; she resigned from her job in corporate world to head back to South Africa. She believed that there was enough talent within our communities to run and sustain projects. People living in informal settlements want to be involved in improving their own circumstances. She had a dream for this country where different services can be offered for the community and where the community can also realize their potential. Through Woodmen Valley Chapel the Zandspruit Emthonjeni Community Centre was bought and opened its doors in 2002. Jeanetta managed Emthonjeni Community Centre from 2002 to 2007.

20130820-2District Governor Anneas Balt pins the Paul Harris Fellow badge on Jeanetta.
20130824-1Through her leadership, passion and drive Emthonjeni has grown into a beacon of hope for Zandspruit and its 70 000 residence. She is now the Director of the board of Emthonjeni and with her guidance and support Emthonjeni is flourishing. She is married to Gert Basson (a South African) and blessed with a beautiful family. Jeanetta has great character, believes in modesty and that one should not ascribe success to personal wealth and power. She is an inspiration. She finds joy in our diversity and her immeasurable contribution to our nation and her solidarity with the poor. She contributes significantly to our communities.

Induction of 41st President Hans Mostert

2013-07-21

At a glamorous occasion held at the Rand Park Golf Club on Saturday, 13 July 2013, Hans Mostert was inducted as the 41th President of the Rotary Club of Northcliff. Rotarians and Anns from various Clubs in South Africa attended this special annual event. Executives from Companies and NGO’s together with Ms Patricia Glyn, who received Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow recognition from the Club, were some of the guests.

Hans, an accountant, describes himself as a ‘volunteer and enabler’ and will assist the members of the Club to increase their membership, continue to manage and support local and international community projects, while having great fun and fellowship. His first duty as President was to acknowledge Dean Gounden, immediate past president of Northcliff with a PHF, for the Club’s contribution and success over the past year.

In his final report Dean Gounden also paid tribute to Ms Patricia Glyn for her enormous contribution to Peace in this World. She contributed significantly to the community of the Bushmen and more recently published a book, What Dawid Knew, to raise funds for their cause. Ms Patricia Glyn shares this honour with several distinguished South Africans, including President Nelson Mandela, Mama Miriam Makeba, Mark Shuttleworth, Mama Albertina Sisulu, Beyers Naude, Helen Suzman, Governor Marcus and Mr Issie Kirsh from Primedia.

The award was presented to Ms Patricia Glyn by District Governor Anneas Balt.

20130721-1President Hans Mostert, PP Dean Gounden
20130721-10The Mostert Family
20130721-11PP Annemarie Mostert receiving her Service Above Self award
20130721-12The Club Board members for 2012,2013
20130721-13Rtn Ansie Hibberd receives her Community Builder award
20130721-14Past Anns President Margaret MacLeod receives her Service Above Self Award
20130721-15Founder member and Past President Norman MacLeod receives his Certificate of Appreciation award.
20130721-16Past President Paul Westcott receives his Outstanding Service Achievement award
20130721-2PRID Tony Serrano,DG Anneas Balt, Rotary District Leadership, President Hans and PP Dean Gounden
20130721-3Ms Patricia Glyn receiving her Paul Harris Fellow award
20130721-4A glamorous occasion
20130721-5Past Rotary International Director Tony Serrano
20130721-6District Governor Anneas Balt
20130721-7Past District Governor Francis Callard, MC for the evening
20130721-8Nadia Van Der Nest, Hans Mostert, Annemarie Mostert
20130721-9Past President Dean receiving his Paul Harris award

Rotary Family Health Days

2013-05-11

The Rotary Family Health Days (RFHD) are a signature programme of the Rotarians For Family Health & Aids Prevention, Inc. (RFHA), who initiate, coordinate and manage this program with the other partner organizations (www.rffa.org).

Rotary Family Health Days (RFHD) are a comprehensive, holistic offering of free health care services over three days across South Africa for parents, children, grandparents, friends and all the family.The RFHD was carried out at 169 sites across the country, and included the following services:

HIV counseling and testing

TB testing

Diabetes and blood pressure screening

Polio and measles vaccination

De worming

Vitamin A tablets

The official launch site on 10 May 2013 was a resounding success organised by PP Annemarie Mostert which went off perfectly without any incidents only benefits to the community. The event was attended by PRIP Wilf Wilkenson and CEO and Founder of RFHA Marion Bunch as well as District Governor Martin Forsyth-Thompson and District Governor Elect Anneas Balt. National Co-ordinator PP Sue Paget and Rotary International Public Image Coordinator Shirley Downie were also present.

20130511-1Zandspruit Community waiting to hear the opening speeches from dignitaries, Minister of Health Motswaledi, Marion Bunch, RI Past President Wilf Wilkinson, first lady Mrs Bongi Ngema Zuma and others.
20130511-2District Governor Elect Anneas Balt, District Governor Martin-Forsyth-Thompson and PRIP Wilf Wilkenson.
20130511-3Marion Bunch, PP Annemarie Mostert and PP Sue Paget
20130511-4Northcliff Rotary Club Team
20130511-5PP Annemarie Mostert, NRC President Dean Gounden, PRIP Wilf Wilkenson, PDG Shirley Downie, NRC PE Hans Mostert, Marion Bunch and PP Sue Paget
20130511-6President Dean administering Polio drops
20130511-7Measles vaccination and Polio drops queue Saturday 11 May

Northcliff Rotary Club to address water-needs

2013-03-25

Water is a scarce resource that needs to be managed vigilantly. With this in mind, Xylem Water Solutions South Africa have entered into a partnership with Emthonjeni Community Centres and the Rotary Club of Northcliff to help address the growing water-needs of the community residing in the informal settlement of Zandspruit in Gauteng.

This partnership was officially celebrated on World Water Day on the 22nd of March 2013 at Emthonjeni’s premises in Zandspruit.

World Water Day is held annually on Friday, 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. World Water day also happens to fall within South Africa’s Water Week in 2013, which makes it the ideal opportunity to celebrate a Xylem’s partnership with Emthonjeni and the Rotary Club of Northcliff, that has come about as an effort to help improve the lives of the 70 000 people residing in the informal settlement of Zandspruit.

Emthonjeni Community Centres was established to work alongside the local communities in areas of poverty, to meet the devastating physical, medical, job creation, educational and social needs of these communities. When Xylem Water Solutions South Africa heard about Emthonjeni’s valuable work within the Zandspruit-community, the company decided to come on board, along with the Rotary Club of Northcliff by upgrading the existing water infrastructure at Emthonjeni’s premises in Zandspruit.

20130325-1“Xylem Water Solutions South Africa is constantly seeking out opportunities to work with best-in-class non-profit organisations to address the full spectrum of water challenges by providing support in the form of water technology, sanitation equipment and hygiene education. We saw an ideal opportunity with Emthonjeni Community Centres, where we could get involved in supplying water solutions that will contribute to this pivotal community service becoming self-sustainable,” says Heinrich Louw, marketing manager of Xylem Water Solutions South Africa. Jeanetta Basson (MD Emthonjeni Community Centres), President Dean Gounden and Miss Earth South Africa with staff of Xylem Water Solutions South Africa ( www.xylemwatersolutions.com)
20130325-2Jeanetta Basson ( MD and Founder of Emthonjeni), President Dean Gounden, Miss Earth South Africa Tamerin Jardine with Soweto Gospel Choir
20130325-3Rotarian Ansie Hibberd, Past President Annemarie Mostert, Jeanetta Basson, Estelle Mengel ( Partnership Developer Emthonjeni Community Centres)
20130325-4President Dean with the Zandspruit children.

Rotarians visit the Turkish Mosque in Midrand

2013-03-03

On 3 March 18 Northcliff Rotarians visited the amazing Turkish Mosque in Midrand. We saw the beautiful hand painted internal domes, imported tiles . All in all an uplifting experience.

20130303-1The Turkish Mosque
20130303-3Beautiful hand painted internal dome.

Wheelchair Project Hand overs

2013-01-08

Our very hard working Convenor and Project Manager, Dave Woodhouse continues to work tirelessly handing over wheelchairs to needy people. Here are some of the latest.

20130108-1Cerebral Palsy sufferer.
20130108-2A happy couple with their new chairs .
20130108-3Paralysed in a taxi accident
20130108-4Back damaged at birth, paralysed from the waist down.
20130108-5Sesego Cares recipient.
20130108-6Air mattresses from Physionet UK delivered to Hospice in Houghton.
20130108-7Bram Fischer Old Age Home

Shoes for Africas Less Fortunate

2012-11-30

NORTHCLIFF AND MELVILLE TlMES

ARTICLE BY Jeanrique Snyman

jeanriques@caxton .co.za

REALITY TV has been given new meaning by American Blake Mycoskie, who is changing the world one step at a time after narrowly losing out on a million dollars in the reality show,The Amazing Race.

He started a business that would donate a pair of brand new shoes for every pair sold, to children of families in need, and has become famous worldwide for his enterprising ‘One for one’model under the TOMS brand. South Africans also benefit from the fruits of his labour, now that the second shipment of 220 000 pairs of shoes has cleared through customs and reached Johannesburg.

“We are very excited about the new delivery” said Annemarie Mostert, a member of Northcliff Rotary club. “So many of us take shoes for granted, but there is a legitimate need out there for this initiative. We are thrilled that the partnership is working and look forward to start giving shoes to those in our area who need it most”.

Over the next few months, freight logistics company UTi, the Department of Basic Education and Orlando Pirates football club teamed up with Sesego Cares and a number of Rotary clubs to identify the country’s most poverty-stricken pupils, schools, non-government organisations and orphanages. The shoe size of every child to receive a pair of TOMS shoes was then documented to ensure that each would be a perfect fit.

“There is an inspiring story behind this initiative ” Mostert added. She explained that the ‘One for one’ business model was born when founder Mycoskie took a trip to Argentina to work with underprivileged communities as a volunteer. Playing a soccer game with some local boys, he taunted them and told them to put on their shoes, discovering that none of them had any. It was then he decided to reinvent the Alpargata, a traditional Argentine farmer’s shoe and use it to make the world a better place.

Details: www.TOMS.com, www. northcliffrotary.co.za

20121130-1Happy deserving children receive their TOMS shoes at Salvazione school in Johannesburg.
20121130-2Sesego Cares chairperson and Past President of Northcliff Rotary Club, Annemarie Mostert with the Principal and teachers of Salvazione school, Past President Paul Westcott and Rotarian Ansie Hibberd, at the recent handover of TOMS shoes at Salvazione.
20121130-3TOMS Shoes hand over in Prieska by Rotarian Ansie Hibberd
20121130-4Definitely not giving up his TOMS shoes !
20121130-5Prieska Old Age home
20121130-6Prieska School
20121130-7Prieska School

Glitz and Glamour came to town at the Night at the Races!

2012-11-03

On Saturday evening the Rotary Club of Northcliff raised R65 000 at a glamorous “Night at the Races” event held at the Rand Park Golf Club.

The profit for this event will be donated to various community projects including a project in the Kgalagadi Peace Park in the Northern Cape.

We will ensure the Night at the Races will be an annual high light on the calendar of the Melville and Northcliff Community. Rotary is built on fellowship and through having great fun and meeting new and interesting people, funds are raised for various projects.

President Dean Gounden thanked Adrian Eckhart (pictured left) from Nedbank Business Banking West Rand, who were the main sponsors of the evening. Together with members of Showgroup supported by various other sponsors, they ensured the 180 guests had a fantastic evening as they placed their bets on their favoured horses and jockeys at the various betting stations. Past President David Crossley (pictured on the right) excellently acted as the Race Commentator on the night.

20121103-1
20121103-10Past President Annemarie Mostert awards her daughter-in-law Sunette with the Best Dressed lady of the evening prize.
20121103-2Past President Annemarie Mostert, who organised the evening is seen here with Charlotte Khoza and her cousin. Charlotte designed the race card for the evening as well as the power points advertising each of the nine races
20121103-3Guests were all dressed up in glitz and glam and could “own” a horse and buy a jockey, all in the name of charity. Rotarian Ansie Hibberd is pictured dressed for the occasion !
20121103-4Rushmoor Rotary Club in Farnborough, United Kingdom and our partner in our long running wheelchair project, generously sponsored horses and jockeys. Past President Nigel Enticknap is seen here accepting prizes on their behalf
20121103-5Rotarian Rani Pillay seen here awarding the prize for the Best Hat on the evening.
20121103-6Owners of horses won excellent prizes. Past President Paul Westcott seen here accepting a prize for his winning horse.
20121103-7Rotarian Hans Mostert enjoying a break ! Perfectly dressed for the evening, he was the Totemaster carefully calculating the winning bets by punters on each race.
20121103-8Rotarian Ken Sloane accepts his 1st prize in the raffle from President Dean – generously sponsored by Fairway Hotel and Spa, a nights stay at the hotel for two, with breakfast !
20121103-9Table Decor, the sound system as well as big screens were sponsored by Showgroup without which there would have been no function !!

30th Annual Primary School Speech Competition

2012-10-31

On 17th October, Greenside Primary School, winners in 2011, hosted the 30th Annual Primary School speech competition sponsored by Northcliff Rotary Club. Prizes were sponsored by the club and books were donated by Exclusive Books. The winners this year were I R Griffith Primary School represented by Samantha Mangold and Sabrina Winetski. Two speeches were delivered , one a prepared speech with the 2012/13 Rotary Theme, Peace Through Service, and the other an impromptu speech. The Club hosted the girls and their parents at our weekly meeting.

20121031-1Speech competition winners and their mothers with President Dean after giving us a rendition of their winning speeches : Sharon and Sam Mangold, Pres Dean, Sabrina and Tanya Winetski.
20121031-2Sam Mangold, Past President Lyn Clarke- Somody and President Dean Gounden.
20121031-3Sabrina Winetski, Past President Lyn Clarke-Somody and President Dean Gounden.
20121031-4Adjudicators Brian Appleton and Nobubele Mkwanazi.
20121031-5Winners and participants with President Dean.

Early Christmas comes to Guild Cottage

2012-10-20

On October 20, 2012 a few club members threw a party for the children at Guild Cottage in Johannesburg.

Short History

Guild Cottage was started in 1907 as a home for orphans and children in distress. Since that time it has a long record of looking after children in need mainly by supplying long-term residential care. Since the early 1980’s Guild Cottage has developed into a treatment centre for sexually abused and traumatised children. Over the past decade Guild Cottage has also developed a Community Outreach Program with the objective of enlightening the community of the horrors and consequences of sexual abuse and thereby keep children safe and out of the welfare system.

Objectives of the Home

To treat abused and traumatized children and their families with the view of reunification.

To support these families through a transition period.

To provide education to community members to help them recognize and prevent abuse.

To teach cascade of learning principles to get maximum coverage from the teaching.

Management Structures

Patrons:

Mr. Justice Edwin Cameron

Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa

Director of Home

Mrs. Patricia Heslop

BSc. (Wits), B.A.Hons. (Barat USA), M.S.W. (U.I.C. USA)

https://www.guildcottage.com

20121020-1Members of the Club with the residents and helpers from the Cottage.
20121020-2Some of the children resident at the Cottage.
20121020-3Party animal!
20121020-4The cupcakes!

Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus awarded Paul Harris Fellowship

2012-06-27

The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International has named Governor Gill Marcus a Paul Harris Fellow, in appreciation of her tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among people of the world. The Governor shares this honour with amongst all, several distinguished South Africans, including President Nelson Mandela, Mama Albertina Sisulu, Mama Miriam Makeba, Beyers Naude, Helen Suzman and Mark Shuttleworth.

20120627-1Past District Governor,President Annemarie Mostert, Governor Gill Marcus and District Governor Anton Meerkotter.

40th President of the Rotary Club of Northcliff Inducted

2012-06-24

Dean Gounden was inducted as the 40th President of the Rotary Club of Northcliff at a luncheon held at the Randpark Golf Club on Sunday 24 June 2012.

The event was attended by District Governor and District Governor Ann, Anton and Annetjie Meerkotter, various dignitaries from District 9400, Rotarians, family and friends.

Dean was introduced to the Club by outgoing President Annemarie Mostert and in his opening address to the Club said that ” I am deeply honored to be provided with a vote of confidence by the members of the Club to lead the organization for the 2012/2013 Rotary Year. This is indeed humbling especially as I join a string of illustrious leaders namely Bill Kempner (founder President), Late Past District Governor Bryan Thurtell, John Pearlman, Norman MacLeod, Vaughan Russel, Nigel Enticknap, John Turner, Paul Westcott and Annemarie Mostert to name a few. I truly hope I can leave a mark that you individuals have achieved.

Sheeny Gounden was also inducted as the Ann President for the 2012/2013 Rotary year and takes over from Mrs Alison Turner. The Ann’s Club consist of the wives of Rotarians and are involved in many projects of their own, a more notable project is the comfort bag project which provides comfort bags to rape survivors via the SAPS Victims Support Unit.

Outgoing President Annemarie Mostert handed two floating trophies, the Bryan Thurtell trophy for an outstanding and exceptional contribution during the past Rotary year and the Norman MacLeod trophy to the King of Fellowship to outstanding members of the Rotary Club of Northcliff being Past District Governor Francis Callard and Past President John Turner respectively.

20120624-1Newly Inducted President Dean Gounden with Outgoing President Annemarie Mostert

Ramesh Ferris – Polio Survivor meets Archbishop Desmond Tutu

2012-06-11

Ramesh Ferris was born in December 1979 in Coimbatore, located in the Southern part of India. He contracted polio at age six months and his legs were left paralyzed for life. With no means or access to rehabilitation for him, Rameshs’ mother placed him in Families for Children, a Canadian-founded orphanage, a year later. Soon after, Ron Ferris, Anglican Bishop of Yukon in Canada, and his wife Jan began the lengthy process to adopt Ramesh and bring him over to Canada. With the support of his new Canadian family and after several operations, Ramesh learned to walk with crutches and braces for the first time at age 3.5 years.Since 2001, after graduating with his diploma in Social Work from Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ontario, he has been active in his community working with at-risk youths, social welfare recipients and people of varying abilities. In recognition of his work with youth, Ramesh was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship in February 2008 by the Whitehorse Rendezvous Rotary Club. In 2002, Ramesh returned to India to meet his biological mother and to visit the orphanage where he once lived. During the visit, Ramesh learned of polio survivors who, without the necessary medical attention and supports, were forced to pad their knees with cut-up pieces of tire and crawl on the ground. After much reflection about his visit to India, Ramesh was determined to raise from claiming new victims. Cycle to Walk Canada was born, with a focus on Polio Eradication, Education and Rehabilitation. In 2008, Ramesh hand-cycled 4400 miles (7140 kms) across Canada. Along the route, he participated in 350 media interviews and made over 200 presentations at schools, Rotary clubs, churches and various levels of government. This campaign raised thousands of dollars and increased the awareness of polio dramatically.

His book – BETTER THAN A CURE, ONE MAN’s JOURNEY TO FREE THE WORLD OF POLIO-www.amazon.com

www.cycletowalk.com

IF OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY DOES NOT CONTINUE THE WORK OF ERADICATING POLIO IT’S PREDICTED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION THAT AN ADDITIONAL 10 MILLION CHILDREN WILL BE PARALYZED OVER THE NEXT 40 YEARS!

SUPPORT A POLIO FREE WORLD TODAY!

20120611-1Ramesh Ferris meets Archbishop Tutu.

District Conference 2012

2012-06-08

More than 300 Rotarians and friends of Rotary registered for the 2012 D9400 District Conference at Champagne Sports Resort in Drakensberg, Kwa-Zulu Natal from 7-10 June 2012. Champagne Sports Resort is a very unique Drakensberg Resort, with a convenient location, country club atmosphere, luxury accommodation and friendly staff.

DGE Martins Assembly was attended by Rotarians interested in D9400’s and Rotary International’s future plans; meeting future District leaders and establishing the budgets (past and future).

At the Meet & Greet, folks greeted many friends that they had not seen since the last Discon in Gaborone. and many new friends were made. During the three days, the food and ambience at the Champagne Sports Resort was excellent and the fellowship was outstanding.

Friday mornings opening ceremony with flag bearers was very good but very quiet! For some reason the music link to the presentation did not come through but the country presentation and flag bearers including the Youth Exchange Students did a wonderful job.

Thanks go to all the Chairpersons and presenters for their outstanding contribution to a very successful conference. Congratulations to Francistown for travelling the longest distance to attend D9400’s second conference. There were 51 clubs represented. It was wonderful to see so many first timers and “young” Rotarians attend. The Youth Exchange students were also welcomed in style and their presentations were inspiring!

20120608-2Discon 2012 Delegates : PP Nigel Enticknap, PP Paul Westcott, Pres Annemarie Mostert, PDG Bryan Thurtell, Rtn Hans Mostert and PDG Francis Callard.

Bread Companions Solar Oven Project in Zandspruit, Launches!

2012-05-14

12 May 2012, will be marked as a historic day in the lives of Bread Companions, Emthonjeni Community Centre and the community of Zandspruit. This day will commemorate the official launch of the communitys first ever solar oven. The launch event hosted by the members of the Bread Companions will take the form of a special thanksgiving service that will be attended by members of the Sesego Cares, Emthonjeni Community Centre, Rotary Club of Northcliff and a host of sponsors including Absa Insurance Company, Absa Enterprise Development, Architecture for Change, Innovators Interiors, Pretoria Portland Cement Company (PPC).

20120514-1Past President Nigel Enticknap pins the Rotary Pin on new Rotarian Patrick Shields.

New Rotarian Inducted!

2012-05-09

Patrick Shields, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, USA and a resident of Northcliff for three years, was inducted. Patrick began his life of public service in 1986 by volunteering with the Hosea Feed the Hungry Foundation ( HFTH), an $8m foundation which has been in existence for some 30 years. There he helped serve the poor and homeless community of Atlanta. Patrick later joined the Board of Directors of HTFH and was later elected Chairman.

New Rotarian InductedPast President Nigel Enticknap pins the Rotary Pin on new Rotarian Patrick Shields.

Bread Companions Solar Oven Project in Zandspruit, is rising to new levels

2012-03-13

2012 is turning out to be a very momentous milestone for the community of Zandspruit, as the year commenced with the construction of the building that will serve as a kitchen to bake bread as well house the community�s first ever solar oven. The installation of a solar oven has the capacity of baking up to 1 000 loaves of bread a day for the community.

20120313-1With foundation for the building that will house the oven and serve as workstations for the bread baking being laid in January, the steel structure has now been erected for the building. The construction team are aiming to put up the roof and construct the walls by end March.
20120313-2The building designed by 2 young and talented Architects, Dirk Coetser and John Saaiman, is being built from recycled material making it economically and environmentally friendly. Bricks for the construction have been hand made with cement and bottles, saving monetary resourcing and reusing glass bottles. Most of the building material has been largely sponsored in the form of donations from Northcliff Rotary Club and sponsorship from various business entities, including PPC Cement sponsored 120 bags of cement.
20120313-3Members of the Bread Companions (a section 21 Company) in partnership with Sesego Cares and Northcliff Rotary Club have been instrumental working together to ensure the success of this community project. 6 members of the Zandspruit that have already been selected and trained in business management, will use the building as their business centre for baking bread for community, thus they eagerly await the completion of this construction.

Northcliff visit to Zandspruit Bread Project

2011-11-06

On Saturday 5th November, members of the Rotary Northcliff visited the Emthonjeni Community Centre to perform a site inspection and obtain greater insights about the Emthonjeni Community Centre which will serve as the site for a solar bread project in the very near future.

20111106-1Emthonjeni Community Centre Zandspuit , which is a registered public benefit organisation, that works primarily in disadvantage communities, has been selected by a Bread Companions, a section 21 Company, to host a solar oven that will be used to bake bread. The bread baked is planned to be sold within the community as well as used for feeding schemes within the community. The Solar Bread Project is in its initial stages and is managed and steer headed by the dedicated members of the Bread Companions. Rotary Club Northcliff has recently partnered with Bread Companions, as the members of the Club seen this as an amazing opportunity to get involved in an exciting, innovative and community worthy initiative. The initial stage of the project involves the importing of a unique solar oven from USA and constructing a building that will host the oven and serve as the work station for baking the bread. The Bread Project is making sound progress with, Sesego Cares, a CSI institution at Absa, having already sponsored the purchase of the solar oven.
20111106-2The site visit to Emthonjeni Community Centre was designed not only assess the Clubs involvement with the Bread Companions project but also meet the team of ladies and gentleman from the Zandspuit community itself, that will actually baking the bread and running the business once it is established in the New Year. The Bread Companions has already arranged business training for this enthusiastic team, who cant wait for the project to be kicked off. The Northcliff Rotary Club recently hosted Night of the Races, a fund raising event for this project. A sum of R43 000 was raised at the event and this money will be used to fund the building to house the baking workstation within the next few months.

Northcliff High Interactors attend RYLA Programme

2011-10-27

Byron ter Morshuizen and Ayesha Karrim from the Northcliff High Interact Club recently attended the RYLA Camp at the Warriors Base Camp in Magoebaskloof, Limpopo Province.The pupils were sponsored by the Rotary Club of Northcliff.

20111027-1Participating schools in the 2011 competition included Franklin D Roosevelt Primary, Greenside Primary, Melpark Primary, Northcliff Primary, Sharonlea Primary and Trinity House Preparatory School. Dr HE Staples, Principal of Trinity House welcomed the participants and guests and said that “it was indeed pleasing to see that after his many years as a teacher and Principal, Rotary is still active in promoting speech competition within our communities”.
20111027-2The speeches were divided into two categories, prepared speeches and impromptu speeches. The winner for the prepared speech category was Rececca Barrows who spoke on “Music for the soul” and runner-up was Rumaanah Osman from Greenside Primary who spoke on “The word at your fingertips”. The impromptu category which proved a little challenging and was won by Emilio Radebe of Melpark who spoke on “Get real”. The judges were impressed with his communication skill and his ability to sustain the attention of the audience for the duration of his speech. The runner-up in this category was Amaarah Garda from Greenside Primary whose topic was “I’m a survivor”. The overall winner was Greenside Primary School who after a long absence was presented with the floating trophy and will have the opportunity to host the competition in 2012. Northcliff Rotary Club President, Annemarie Mostert congratulated the participants and winners and also thanked our hosts, Trinity House Preparatory School, and sponsors including Absa Bank for their goodie bags and Exclusive Books for the discount on the prizes.
20111027-3Byron and Ayesha together with their parents recently visited club to convey their experiences during the camp. Ayesha commented that the trip was a long and tiring journey as we did not know anybody but the homeward journey was in stark contrast as we had forged friendships with the other participants. Both pupils enjoyed the mental and physical activities and it was overall an awesome experience said Byron. The club will endeavour to send at least two young leaders annually to RYLA and in our little way contribute to the upliftment of the youth so that they become worthy citizens of the country said Club President Annemarie Mostert.

Greenside Primary School Triumphs at Rotary Speech Competition

2011-10-25

Northcliff Rotary Club together with 2010 winning school, Trinity House Preparatory School hosted the 2011 speech competition at Weltervredenpark on Monday, 24 October.

20111025-1Participating schools in the 2011 competition included Franklin D Roosevelt Primary, Greenside Primary, Melpark Primary, Northcliff Primary, Sharonlea Primary and Trinity House Preparatory School. Dr HE Staples, Principal of Trinity House welcomed the participants and guests and said that it was indeed pleasing to see that after his many years as a teacher and Principal, Rotary is still active in promoting speech competition within our communities.
20111025-2The speeches were divided into two categories, prepared speeches and impromptu speeches. The winner for the prepared speech category was Rececca Barrows who spoke on “Music for the soul” and runner-up was Rumaanah Osman from Greenside Primary who spoke on “The word at your fingertips”. The impromptu category which proved a little challenging and was won by Emilio Radebe of Melpark who spoke on “Get real”. The judges were impressed with his communication skill and his ability to sustain the attention of the audience for the duration of his speech. The runner-up in this category was Amaarah Garda from Greenside Primary whose topic was “I’m a survivor”. The overall winner was Greenside Primary School who after a long absence was presented with the floating trophy and will have the opportunity to host the competition in 2012. Northcliff Rotary Club President, Annemarie Mostert congratulated the participants and winners and also thanked our hosts, Trinity House Preparatory School, and sponsors including Absa Bank for their goodie bags and Exclusive Books for the discount on the prizes.

Glamour came to Town at the Night at the Races!

2011-10-24

On Saturday evening the 22nd of October the Rotary Club of Northcliff raised R43 000 at a glamorous “Night at the Races” event held at the Rand Park Golf Club.

20111024-1Annemarie Mostert thanked Jason Grove from Roxsure, the Main Sponsor for the evening together with members of FNB (Platinum Sponsor), Lebone Cleaning Services, Tiger Wheel and Tyre, Constantia Insurance Company ltd and SecurExcel (the Gold Sponsors), who ensured the 180 guests placed their bets at the various betting stations to support of their favourite horses and jockeys. Showgroup put together a spectacular event and the National Eisteddfod Academy was the printing sponsor.
20111024-2Guests were all dressed up in black and white with a touch of “bling”. They could “own” a horse and buy a jockey – all in the name of charity. Prizes were awarded for a number of different reasons , so that lots of people were winners, even though their horse did not make it!
20111024-3The profits from this event has been donated to the Bread Companions Project in Zandspruit. It is a self-sustaining Sun Oven Bakery project which will be run by 12 motivated women from the local community. The Northcliff Rotary Bread Companions Sub-committee chaired by Rani Pillay and Nico Goosen have partnered Roelita Cloete from PWC and her dynamic team members, to ensure the detail and management of this project are in good hands.
20111024-4“We will ensure the Night at the Races will be the high light on the calendar of the Melville and Northcliff Community.
20111024-5Rotary is built on fellowship through “Service above Self” and we hope to raise funds by having great fun and meeting new and interesting people.

Visit to the Lesotho Water Project

2011-10-21

On Thursday 20 October, a combi departed from OR Tambo to Ficksburg with 7 excited Rotarians on board from three different Rotary Clubs to visit Lesotho. President Annemarie and Rotary husband Hans Mostert represented Northcliff Rotary Club; Prof Dr Wernt and Gudrun Brewitz, DGE District 1800 whose home Club is The Rotary Club of Salzgitter-Wolfenbuttel-Vorharz and Board Members Andre van Eeden, Dr Carl-Heinz Duisberg and Past President Lynette Stassen from the Rotary Club of Helderberg Sunrise in Somerset West.

20111021-1These Rotary Clubs, together with The Rotary Club of Ficksburg, have a stake in the seventh solar pump borehole to be drilled at one of the 2 500 primary schools in Lesotho. The Rotary Clubs of Helderberg contributed R25 000, Ficksburg R20 000, Northcliff R7 000 and the Charity Organisation Sesego Cares, an organisation linked to Absa donated R28 000. Prof Dr Wernt from Germany was so impressed by the six boreholes installed and sponsored by Rand Water and the Rotary Club of Ficksburg that he pledged his involvement going forward. The rural school to benefit from the solar pump borehole is situated in an area with no electricity. The borehole will be equipped with solar panels and will cost a total of R220 000. This includes the irrigation system to the school and community. Rand Water Foundation has agreed to sponsor 50% of the total cost of the borehole. The Rotary partners together with Sesego Cares have pledged R80 000 but an additional R30 000 is needed to complete this project. On the way back, the Rotarians in the combi agreed that the relatively small amount of R30 000 should not stand between getting water to 600+ kids and members of the community, as the alternative is water borne diseases….who knows? Maybe the various clubs can come to the rescue! When Rotarians work together, results flow! In this case, it is crystal clear water flowing out of the boreholes that were drilled at 6 Lesotho schools. All thanks to the efforts of three Rotary Clubs supported by the generous contribution of Absa’s Sesego Cares. School kids in the rural areas of Lesotho had to bring their own water to school “walking 1,5km to the river hole to fetch dirty water. Then Rotary with the help of Absa’s Sesego Cares stepped in. Now there are about 3000 kids in six schools with beaming faces drinking the cool, clear, cold mountain water. No purification needed! During the few days all the kids also received a stationery pack sponsored by Sesego Cares. To the Ficksburg Rotary Club, this is their signature project and it is hugely exciting. The small club with only 12 members are very involved in the schools. Apart from drilling holes for the “water of life”, they also actively engage in vocational projects and support orphanages. Lesotho has a very high AIDS problem. To cap it all, the Ficksburg Rotary Club also already distributed over 600 wheelchairs. What a feat!
20111021-2BOREHOLES FACTS While waiting for the DG dinner to start, I had a very interesting discussion with Verney Halse, a lovely 80 year old Ficksburg Rotarian with an infectious smile and lots of energy. Some of the facts that I got from him regarding the borehole drilling projects are: 1st borehole drilled in 2009; Borehole projects started with an Irish Government donation of Euro2000; Rotary Clubs in England and Northcliff, together with Sesego Cares donated money for the 1st borehole; A total of 6 boreholes have been drilled so far; It costs R200 – R300 per meter to drill; The deepest borehole is 100 meters; Volumes of water yielded varies from 400 liters per hour to 7000 liters per hour; In over 43 years they have no problem in getting water from boreholes drilled in Lesotho.

Northcliff Rotary Club thanks Night of the Races Sponsors

2011-10-19

Northcliff Rotary Club would like to thank all their sponsors who have contributed so generously to the Roxsure Night of the Races to be held on the 22nd October. In addition to the main sponsors listed below there are also host of individual supporters who bought Races, Horses, Jockeys and Tables to make this event a night to remember. The support the local community has shown will be put to good use for the Bread Companions Project.

20111019-1Main Sponsor: Roxsure Insurance Brokers – Jason Grove from Roxsure Insurance Brokers has said that the company is very happy to be the Main Sponsor for the Northcliff Rotary Club’s “Roxsure Night of the Races” and is looking forward to working with the Rotarians in the future. Roxsure Insurance Brokers has for nearly 30 years focussed on the short term insurance needs of our clients. “As a family business we have made a strong commitment to protect your commercial and personal assets. Our service is backed by a team of professionally trained, well-motivated and technologically driven personnel. We continue to build on our reputation as a community oriented business with strong traditional values through client satisfaction.”
20111019-2Platinum Sponsor: FNB Business Banking is proud to be involved with the Northcliff Rotary Club. Our commitment and passion to help makes this a natural fit. FNB is very happy to be the Platinum Sponsor and they wish the Northcliff Rotary Club a wonderful 2012, and encourage them to keep up the great work they do for the community.
20111019-3Gold Sponsor: Tiger Wheel is very pleased to be a Gold Sponsor for the Northcliff Rotary Club Night of the Races.
20111019-4Gold Sponsor: Constantia Insurance Company is very involved in Community based projects through Rotary and will continue to support the Northcliff Rotary Club’s projects
20111019-5Gold Sponsor: Securexcel are security originators of choice and are really pleased to be associated with this Northcliff Rotary Project,
20111019-6Gold Sponsor: Lebone Cleaning Services are thankful for the opportunity to partake in the “Night of the Races” event
20111019-7Event Sponsor: ShowGroup is looking forward to providing a fantastic evening at the Night of the Races and is happy to provide all the decor, sound and visual systems as part of their commitment to the Project. Northcliff President Annemarie said that “Without the support of Showgroup this project could not be as professional as it will be and she is confident that it will truly be a night to remember, and looks forward to making this an annual event of the Northcliff Rotary Club.”
20111019-8Printing Sponsor: The National Eisteddfod Academy is happy to be able to sponsor the printing works for the evening and wishes the Northcliff Rotary Club all success with the Roxsure Night of the Races.

Northcliff Rotary Club Chooses to Partner the Bread Companions Project

2011-10-06

The Bread Companions Project will be the main beneficiary of the “Night at the Races” fundraiser which will become a flagship community based project for the Northcliff Rotary Club. The funding provided by Rotary Club of Northcliff will initially go toward purchasing the much needed solar oven. The Club will also provide the necessary guidance and assistance to the management company to make this pilot project as great success. It is anticipated that it will then be possible to develop a winning template to roll out to other needy communities within South Africa.

Bread Companions was a dream born in 2007, and with the help of a few friends’ combined skills, knowledge, experience and passion the dream started to become reality towards the end of 2010. Roelita Cloete has been one of the key drivers for the project. She has had a passion to uplift under developed communities in urban and rural areas and to alleviate poverty. She has been involved in a number of community projects since 2004. One of the objectives is to strive to empower the people in these communities to regain self-worthiness and self-respect and be able to help themselves.

20111006-1The Mission of the Bread Companions Project is to use supervisory personnel from reputable organizations in developing-world communities, and identify “entrepreneurs” from the specific target community to establish a bakery. The Zandspruit Community, to the north of Johannesburg, has been identified to start the first bakery under Bread Companions. Twelve entrepreneurs have already been identified from the local community by the leaders of Emthonjeni, an organisation already resident in Zandspruit. Training and team building activities for these entrepreneurs started during January 2011 and the bakery “Vukusenzelo” will start as soon as the funds are obtained to purchase the machinery and equipment.
20111006-2It is anticipated that the bakery will utilize a solar VILLAGER SUN OVEN to bake bread and cook meals for sale in a specified geographic region as well as supply to feeding schemes and other not-for-profit organisations providing meals to their people. The management company will purchase the VILLAGER SUN OVENS and lease it to the entrepreneurs at minimal cost. These entrepreneurs will also be trained in basic business management skills and specific solar bakery management techniques. The company will provide the training for the entrepreneurs and monitor the project to ensure the sustainability thereof. The required stock will be purchased by the company and issued to the entrepreneurs at cost as and when needed. The rental income will be re-invested in order to be able to initiate the next bakery in another identified community.
20111006-3Roelita Cloete(second from the left), Executive Director of the Section 21 Company, was invited to come and speak to the Northcliff Rotary Club about the Bread Companions Project in Zandspruit. This initiated the Club’s current interest and started the journey to where we are now, namely the Northcliff Rotary Club’s collective approval and buy in. The Northcliff Rotary Club is very excited about this new opportunity that will provide an additional long term community focused project for the Club. (Photo: Divan Botha, Roelita Cloete and Sophia Venter of Bread Companions with President Annemarie Mostert).

Successful Wheelchair Work Party & Wheelchair Donations

2011-10-04

Following receipt of the latest consignment of wheelchair units from Rushmoor Rotary Club, a successful work session was held by Rotarians of the Northcliff at the Stott Street depot on Saturday the 1st October.

A significant number of wheelchairs were readied for dispatch to such diverse destinations as “Sesego Cares” and the Rotary Clubs of the Cape of Good Hope, Kyalami, Pretoria East, Roodepoort Central, Three Rivers, Umtata and White River. The Highlight of the morning was the usual great fellowship aided by the provision of Boerewors rolls, etc. by Woody!

20111004-1A wheelchair was handed over by the Northcliff Rotary Club at the Stott Street Depot on Monday the 3rd of October to a delighted Nosakhile Msitshana.
20111004-2The Northcliff Rotarians received a note of thanks recently from the Physiotherapist at the Johannesburg Hospital Ward 297, Linda Lurie saying: “Thank you so much for assisting and enabling Dimpo, a little girl of 4 years, to receive a wheelchair. In doing so you have eliminated the last stumbling block to her being accepted at school. She was so excited to finally have her own wheelchair and with a big smile on her face all she wanted was for someone to push her.”

Another Partnership between the Rushmoor and Northcliff Rotary Clubs

2011-09-28

Much needed syringe drivers were donated by the Rotary Club of Rushmoor in the UK to The Rotary Club of Northcliff for their distribution. Sesego Cares, one of the Northcliff Rotary Club’s partners, assisted with importing permits of these much needed items.

President Annemarie Mostert accepted the valuable 5 items from Rotarian Phil Nutt from the Rotary Club of Rushmoor and then later handed it over to Sister Sheila Lace at the Hospice Witwatersrand. The syringe drivers cost approximately R10 000 per unit. The Rotarians at Rushmoor is currently busy sourcing an additional 150 units and these will also be donated and distributed to the Hospice Witwatersrand for further distribution to various Hospices in and around the Gauteng area. An additional 10 were brought in October making the total to date now 15.

20110928-1PP Dennis Stewart, President Annemarie Mostert and PP Phil Nutt from the Rotary Club of Rushmoor in UK handing over the syringe drivers. Phil brought the syringe drivers on his business trip to RSA and presented them on the 7th September.
20110928-2President Annemarie Mostert, Sister Sheila Lace of the Hospice Witwatersrand with Rotary Ann Margaret and PP Norman Macleod. Sheila accepted this donation of the syringe drivers with gratitude on the 21st of September.

Murder Mystery Evening is a great success

2011-09-17

Members and friends of the Rotary Club of Northcliff had the most wonderful Murder Mystery evening on Saturday 17th September at the Rand Club of Johannesburg. Guests were from all around the Northcliff Melville area. The “murder” took place on 16 January 1937 at the Watersdown Mansion in Yorkshire.

20110917-1Audrey Sloane who played Flo, the wife of the Banker, Annemarie Mostert, called Audrey Sloane who played Flo, the wife of the Banker, Annemarie Mostert, called “E”, The confidential and Private Secretary of Sir Roger, with Andy Lottering, the Actress and Hanco Mostert, a tennis coach, played Roger Junior who “murdered” Sir Roger Watersdown.
20110917-2Hans Mostert and Tommy Stratten who played the role of a professional Golfer and successful Banker.
20110917-3The guests invited to “The Mansion”

Induction of Rani Pillay into the Rotary Club of Northcliff

2011-09-08

Rani Pillay, a resident of Northcliff has joined The Rotary Club of Northcliff. Apart from her activities at home, supporting Ruben and her 2 children Varisha (14) and Myuoor (5), she is Head of Partner Management and Partner Acquisition at Absa Rewards. Passionate about serving her community, Rani is actively involved in Absa Reward’s CSI project which involves initiatives with Guild Cottage in the current year and Njbulo Home last year.

She strives to adhere to the principles of Do Good, Be Good, Love All and Serve All. Further, inspired by the wise words of Mahatma Ghandi “Be the change you want to see the World” Rani hopes to work actively with her fellow Northcliff Rotarians to implement meaningful changes in the community.

During her induction to the Club on Wednesday evening, President Annemarie welcomed her by saying that “Rani has displayed outstanding and unique qualities and values which have been the back bone of Rotary apart from her own support to various charities and vulnerable people in our country.”

20110908-1Rani Pillay with Past District Governor Francis Callard and President Annemarie Mostert

District Governor Anton Meerkotter Visit

2011-08-17

District Governor Anton Meerkotter the Rotary Head of district 9400 (Clubs in Gauteng including Pretoria, Northwest, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Swaziland, Botswana and Mozambique) visited projects and the members of The Rotary Club of Northcliff and Blackheath on Wednesday. The members enjoyed dinner together with his wife Annetjie at Randpark Golf club.

20110817-1President Annemarie Mostert, President of the Rotary Club of Northcliff with District Governor Anton Meerkotter, President Hans Endress of the Rotary Club of Blackheath
20110817-2President Annemarie Mostert handed District Governor Anton Meerkotter a decorative walking stick to celebrate his leadership in district 9400 and “As Chief of the Rotary Tribe”, wished him well over the year.

Jaqui Dingemans and Lynn Clarke Somody, two phenomenal women

2011-07-27

Professionally Jaqui Dingemans was a High School Teacher for the past 31 years. She has taught in Gazankulu, Venda, Secunda, Middelburg and for the past 13 years at Northcliff High School where she was in charge of Girls cricket, the school gardens for the past two years and running Rotary’s Interact Club for the past four years.

Jaqui became associated with Rotary some 28 years ago in Louis Trichardt, when Rotarian David Dingemans was transferred there. In Middelburg she was a Rotary Ann President, involved in the Rotary Inter-High speech competition, as well as on the panel to interview outgoing Exchange Students.

Lynn Clarke Somody, was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Haenertsburg in Limpopo. After her active role in the Club, focusing on the development and leadership of Youth, she travelled to the UK and joined the e-club in London. Lynn is married to Dr Laszlo Somody, a members of the International Committee of the Red cross in Geneva.

20110727-1Left: Lynn Clarke Somody, Pres Annemarie Mostert and Jaqui Dingemans. Left: Lynn Clarke Somody, Pres Annemarie Mostert and Jaqui Dingemans.
20110727-2Pres Annemarie Mostert, Dr Laszlo Somody, and Rotarian Dr Zoe Lees. Dr Somody is a members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) which is based in Geneva. He is a Rotarian from 1992 in Hungary and Pietersburg 100. He has just left for Europe for 3 months.

Induction Dinner of Rotary Club of Northcliff

2011-06-29

At a glamorous occasion held at the Rand Park Golf Club On Wednesday, 29 June 2011, Annemarie Mostert was inducted as the 39th President of the Rotary Club of Northcliff. Rotarians and Anns from South Africa and Baltimore in USA attended this special annual event. Mr Louis von Zeuner, Deputy Chief Executive of Absa, Mrs Mushe Kirsh and Mr Issie Kirsh who received Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow recognition from the Club, were some of the guests.

Annemarie, a resident of Fairland, is currently Head of Protocol and Public Relations of Absa. She has been President of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg in 2004/5 and an Assistant Governor in 2008/9. She describes herself as a ‘lifelong volunteer’ and will assist the members of the Club to increase their membership, enjoy great fun and fellowship and continue to manage and support community projects.

In her introduction of Mr Issie Kirsh, Annemarie mentioned that Rotary Foundation of Rotary International named Mr Issie Kirsh a Paul Harris Fellow, in appreciation of his tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among people of the world. He is an inspiration to all of us. He contributed significantly to the community of Alexandra and more recently, the national educational drive to ensure the deprived youth receive equal opportunities.

As a founder member of radio 702 and Primedia, he truly Leads South Africa!

Mr Issie Kirsh shares this honour with several distinguished South Africans, including President Nelson Mandela, Mama Miriam Makeba, Mark Shuttleworth, Mama Albertina Sisulu, Beyers Naude and Helen Suzman. The award was presented to Mr Issie Kirsh by Past District Governor Francis Callard.

20110629-1Mushe Kirsh, Annemarie Mostert and Issie Kirsh – Mr Issi Kirsh received the PHF Award
20110629-2The Rotary Club of Northcliff has also received a R25k donation from the Rotary Club of Helderberg Sunrise in Somerset West for the Lesotho Water project.
20110629-3Past Pres Paul Westcott inducts President Annemarie Mostert.
20110629-4Past Pres Paul Westcott, District Governor Anton Meerkotter, President Annemarie Mostert, Assistant Governor Steve Margo.