His Rotary Journey started in 2002 with Interact at the Northview High School in Highlands North, although Mbali Zulu confesses that it was mainly for the opportunity to join his fellow club members at the annual camp.
"Little did I know that this 'strategic' decision would profoundly impact my life."
The camp turned out to be one of the best eye-opening experiences he's ever had, Mbali told the club when accepting the presidency at his induction as the Rotary Club of Johannesburg New Dawn's president for 2023 - 2024.
After that Interact camp he was nominated as president for the following two years, but after high school lost touch with Rotary until his friend and fellow New Dawner, Tshepo Ramatungu, told him that he'd been invited to attend Rotary Leadership Institute training by Joan Sainsbury and also asked to bring a friend along.
At Interact, he says, Rotary "became the place where my sense of responsibility towards the community flourished.
"The values of service, integrity and fellowship shaped my worldview and fuelled my desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others," he said in his induction speech at Vuyo's Restaurant in Vilakazi Street in Soweto on Saturday.
When he heard the name Rotary during the conversation about the RLI training, "I got excited. It felt like the universe was orchestrating a grand symphony, connecting the dots that I had been waiting to align. In that moment I realised it was an opportunity to reengage with an organisation that had left an indelible mark on my life.
"And so, with that simple invitation, I found myself once again immersed in the world of Rotary. I was embraced by a vibrant and diverse community of -minded individuals who shared a passion for service, community and social impact."
"Today as I assume the role of President, I am grateful for the journey that led me back here. I am filled with renewed dedication."
In true New Dawn style it was a unique induction at a unique location with unique arrangements that somehow all worked out extremely well. We boarded a luxury bus bound for Vilakazi Street, that iconic Soweto location made famous by having two Nobel Prize winners in Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela as residents.
The first stop was at Lebo's Soweto Backpackers for a quick introduction and tour around everything this unique project offers, from Soweto stays for everyone from backpackers to private rooms, walking tours, cycling tours, tuk-tuk tours to a vibey outdoor restaurant.
The New Dawners reached Vilakazi Street in time for a very decent lunch and the induction ceremony, far removed from the traditional formal Rotary dinners in bowties and formal dresses of yesteryear. Many kudos must go to the Fellowship Committee under the guidance of Ivone Vosloo for a fantastic event.
And in other good news ... the induction was followed by the announcement that, thanks to Jankees Sligcher and Carol Stier for donating their points, the club had inducted seven members into the Paul Harris Society.
The new crop of Paul Harris Fellows are, in alphabetic order, Gavin Atkins, Paul Channon, Paul Chinn, Adele Dabbs, Babette Gallard, Karlien Kruger and our new president, Mbali Zulu.
All except Adele, who is overseas with her son and grandchildren and Karlien, in the Kruger Park with her grandchildren, were present, The above two will receive their certificates and pins when they're back, joining an elite group of Rotarians worldwide. Congratulations to all of them.
Next week: Lucille Blumberg will be speaking about her recent travels and experiences at the meeting next week, the last meeting of the current Rotary year.
A Thought for the Week: If you command wisely, you'll be obeyed cheerfully. - Thomas Fuller (ca. 1710 - 1790)
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