A New Leader, A New Era

Mbali Zulu didn't hesitate for a second when asked whether he would be willing to put his name forward as the incoming president of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg New Dawn.

"I'd be honoured," was his response and again over Zoom at the meeting this week.

As is usually the case, there was much discussion with possible candidates, much cajoling and arm-twisting but for various reasons those targeted were unwilling or unable to take on the job.

                       President-elect Mbali Zulu with PDG Annemarie Mostert at the end-of-year function

It's not an easy task, the main reason that the presidency in an ideal world should be composed of a triumvirate of three; the president-elect, the president and the immediate past president, all of whom should serve actively on the board.

Current president Julian Nagy promised Mbali his support and that of the club members. He also announced that Babette Gallard has provisionally agreed to be president after Mbali and that she and husband Paul Chinn would both serve on the new board after the beginning of July.

Babette said if she gets the chance to serve, she would make the environment her focus of attention.

                           Paul Chinn and Babette Gallard at a meeting last year

"I understand the responsibility and look forward to working with the old hands to try and steer the club in the right direction.

"I'm excited and looking forward to the task ahead. I will do my best," Mbali said on Zoom at the meeting where his candidature was announced.

Because there were no other nominations for the role of president, Mbali will now be able to attend the Presidents and Officers-Elect training later this month (there is an alternative session in March) and start preparing to lead the club.

          Jenine Coetzer (back) and Steve du Plessis (right) with Joan Donet and Julian Nagy in 2018

Continuing with his discussion off the board meeting the previous week, President Julian also announced that the board had decided to recommend that honorary membership be given to Jenine Coetzer and Steve du Plessis, both former members of the club. Steve is a past president and both are Paul Harris Fellows.

Carl Chemaly, who has resigned from the club due to time pressure, will also become an honorary member. All three will be honoured at the meeting this coming Wednesday, when Bruce Fordyce will be the speaker at an evening meeting at the Parkview Golf Club.

                             A reminder of the meeting next week

There will be many guests and President Julian asked that as many members as possible should attend the meeting, especially those who have a problem with attending early in the morning.

Bruce Fordyce is an entertaining speaker, as we learnt when he spoke to the club last year. He will no doubt relish the opportunity to speak to a wider audience.

The social committee has asked members to pay for the curry buffet by Monday (February 13th).

      The entry form for the raffle, over the Norman Catherine print

The draw for the framed Norman Catherine artwork, a numbered (No. 3 of just 30) and signed print on silk, will also take place on Wednesday night. Fifteen tickets have already been sold and at R1000 a ticket, that is a significant amount of money. We're aiming at a minimum of thirty tickets, so please enter if you can afford to, and tell your friends and family about this great opportunity to own a work by one of South Africa's best known artists.

A Thought for the Week: There's no money in poetry, but then there's no poetry in money, either. - Robert Graves (1895 - 1985)