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.
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.
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.
![]() | Project Hope provided invaluable support over the period. |
![]() | Diabetes and blood pressure testing and screening |
![]() | PP Paul Westcott and Rtn Peter Jacob at the registration table. |
![]() | Testing 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
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.
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.
![]() | President Hans Mostert, Rotarian Janet Glover, Rotarian Andrew Buttress |
![]() | New Rotarian Jeanrique Snyman hands over to a couple |
![]() | Rotarian Ansie Hibberd with a resident. |
![]() | The 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
![]() | The Turkish Mosque |
![]() | Beautiful 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.
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
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.
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.
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
![]() | Members of the Club with the residents and helpers from the Cottage. |
![]() | Some of the children resident at the Cottage. |
![]() | Party animal! |
![]() | The 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.
![]() | Past 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.
![]() | Newly 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
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!
![]() | Ramesh 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!
![]() | Discon 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).
![]() | Past 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.
![]() | Past 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.”
![]() | Rani 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.
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.
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.