Rotary Club of Newlands

24/08/2026

District 9350 - A Photo a Day: A Rotary Experience I would never have had otherwise.

During the past three years, the Rotary Club of Newlands has had the privilege of welcoming some truly extraordinary people to share their stories with us.

Our Keynote Speaker evenings have brought legends, adventurers, thought leaders and changemakers into our Rotary family — including Leon Kluge, John Maytham, Hein Wagner, David Grier, Professor JP van Niekerk and Clem Sunter.

Each speaker has taken us on a remarkable journey.

We have marvelled at Leon Kluge's extraordinary creativity as he takes the beauty of South African flora to the world stage and brings home gold from the Chelsea Flower Show. We have been inspired by David Grier's incredible adventures, running across countries, along the Great Wall of China and around the borders of Sri Lanka — often overcoming obstacles that would have stopped most of us in our tracks.

And then there is Hein Wagner, blind from birth, whose determination and courage have redefined what is possible. From the Cape Epic and the Antarctic Marathon to the Cape Town Cycle Tour and some of the world's greatest marathons, Hein has shown us that limitations are often only the barriers we place around ourselves.

The stories of Richard C**k as he invited us onto the podium to reveal the intricacies of conducting an orchestra were fascinating and intriguing.

These remarkable individuals — legends in their own time — have stood before our club and shared their journeys with humility, honesty, humour and enormous generosity of spirit.

They have reminded us to think big, be brave and step outside our comfort zones.

To dream boldly.
To overcome obstacles.
To make a difference.
And, most importantly, to 'be the change we want to see in the world'.

That is one of the great gifts of Rotary. It brings extraordinary people and extraordinary experiences into our lives, allowing us to learn, grow and be inspired by the superheroes walking among us.

20/08/2026

20/08/2026

Day 10 – A Rotary Challenge I Overcame

District 9350 – A Photo a Day Challenge

One of the incredible fundraising events in which the Rotary Club of Newlands is involved is the Cape Town Marathon. Behind the excitement of race day lies months of preparation, countless meetings, detailed planning and the training and coordination of around 800 marshals.

Then comes the magic: two days filled with gees, teamwork and Rotary spirit, all focused on ensuring that every runner experiences the excitement, encouragement and energy of this world-class event.

Being part of such a massive undertaking is both challenging and inspiring. It requires knowledge, organisation, commitment and an extraordinary team effort—but it also leaves one in awe of the incredible capacity of the human spirit.

My personal Rotary challenge came on the Saturday during the Peace Run. I was responsible for the route from Mouille Point to the Sea Point Swimming Pool: placing marshals, checking that the route was clear and ready, keeping an eye on the runners and, occasionally, gently encouraging walkers and other early-morning users to make way!

There was just one small complication: no vehicles were allowed on the route.

The solution? A bicycle!

Having not ridden a bicycle for about 20 years, climbing aboard my daughter’s bike at 4:30 in the morning came with a fair amount of trepidation. But after that first slightly nervous launch, the apprehension quickly turned into exhilaration as I cycled the route, passing early-morning strollers and soaking up the growing anticipation as the event prepared to come alive.

It reminded me that Rotary has a wonderful way of taking us beyond what we think we can do. Sometimes a challenge requires us to step out of our comfort zone—or, in my case, climb onto a bicycle! 🚲

The opportunity to be part of an event like the Cape Town Marathon is an extraordinary experience: challenging, rewarding and filled with adventure, friendship and purpose.

I am incredibly grateful to my Rotary Club of Newlands for trusting me and believing in my ability to take on this role. Here’s to many more years of teamwork, gees, early mornings and adventures with the Cape Town Marathon!

15/08/2026

Day 9 – Someone I Have Become Close to Through Rotary

District 9350 Photo a Day Challenge

One of the most wonderful things about Rotary is the friendships that grow from working together towards a common goal.

Whether we’re wrapping shoeboxes for Santa, training marshals for the Cape Town Cycle Tour, or peeling potatoes and carrots at PAB for Mandela Day, there is something incredibly powerful about standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow Rotarians, united by a shared purpose. The energy is contagious – and the bonds we form along the way are lasting.

In my relatively short time as a Rotarian, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in many projects and meeting some truly remarkable people. But one team I have become particularly close to is the incredible group behind our Keynote Speaker Events.

Creative, innovative, vibrant and wonderfully determined, this team has a remarkable ability to turn ambitious ideas into memorable evenings – often on the smallest of budgets! Watching them bring each event to life is a joy. They somehow make the impossible look easy.

Through planning, problem-solving, laughter and shared success, we have developed a wonderful rapport. And perhaps that is one of the greatest gifts of Rotary: Success is even sweeter when you share it with people you have grown to know, trust and admire.

Here’s to the friendships that Rotary creates – and to the incredible people who make the journey so rewarding.

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14/08/2026

14/08/2026

District 9350 – Photo a Day Challenge | Day 8
'A moment which boosted my confidence'

One of the moments that truly boosted my confidence as a Rotarian came when I was entrusted with the role of official photographer at the annual Rotary Wine Auction in support of the NSRI.

The enduring partnership between Rotary and the NSRI has been a wonderful example of what can be achieved when organisations work together for a common purpose. The Rotary Wine Auction has become a much-anticipated annual event, raising vital funds for NSRI lifesaving projects.

At the 26th Annual Rotary Wine Auction in 2024, held at The Westin Cape Town, the evening raised an incredible R391,800, with an additional R25,000 contribution from The Wine Cellar. Together with funds raised from the previous year's event, this helped fund an inshore rescue craft (JetRIB) for NSRI Station 16, Strandfontein.

Being asked by Richard Burnett, who organises this wonderful event each year, to be the official photographer was a real vote of confidence in my abilities. I spent the evening capturing the excitement, the glamorous guests, the celebrations and those wonderful moments when an auction was won and the hammer came down!

It was an extraordinary evening, with NSRI volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes and Rotarians from the Rotary Clubs of Newlands and Table Bay helping to gather the generous wine donations from vineyards, winemakers and wine estates.

With 170 guests enthusiastically participating in the auction, the atmosphere was electric.

For me, being trusted with such an important role was more than simply taking photographs. It was an opportunity to contribute my own skills to an event making a real difference – and it gave me a wonderful boost of confidence as a new Rotarian.

I felt privileged to be part of it and delighted that my photography could add value to such an outstanding Rotary and NSRI partnership.

11/08/2026

Day 7: Rotary District 9350 “A Photo a Day” - Favourite Paul Harris Quote

“The foundation upon which Rotary is built is friendship; on no less foundation could it have stood.” — Paul Harris

When I joined Rotary, I knew I was joining an organisation that makes a difference. What I didn’t fully appreciate was just how much friendship would become part of the journey.

Through Rotary, I have met so many wonderful, like-minded people — people who care about their communities, who believe in helping others and, most importantly, who are prepared to 'take action'.

What began with joining a Rotary Club has grown into something much bigger: a wonderful Rotary family, stretching across our clubs, our District and around the world.

There is something very special about working alongside people who share your passion for making a difference — and then being able to laugh, celebrate and enjoy the journey together.

For me, that is the magic of Rotary.

We may join Rotary to serve, but along the way we find friendship, fellowship and a family of people who care.

09/08/2026

DAY 6 – A PHOTO A DAY | A PROUD ROTARY MOMENT
Winning a Paul Harris Fellow Award as a new Rotarian is an extraordinary honour — and one I certainly never expected so early in my Rotary journey.

At the Induction of President John Stephenson, I was completely surprised when President **Teresa Thomson** presented me with this prestigious recognition. In that moment, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and deeply touched by the gesture.

It was only afterwards, when I began to understand the true significance of the Paul Harris Fellow Award and what it represents within the Rotary family, that the full impact of the moment really sank in.

To be recognised in this way for Service Above Self is incredibly humbling. Rotary is about people, purpose and making a difference — and to know that my contribution, however small, has been noticed and valued means more than I can say.

This award is not only a personal honour; it is a reminder of the incredible privilege of being part of Rotary Club of Newlands and of the wonderful people who inspire, encourage and work alongside me every day.

Thank you, Teresa, for a moment I will always treasure.

Service Above Self — a privilege, a responsibility and a journey I am so grateful to be on.

07/08/2026

DAY 5 | MY FIRST PROJECT
Rotary District 9350 Photo Challenge

There is something incredibly uplifting about driving young delegates to RYLA for the first time.

The journey begins early in the morning with a busload of students who are hesitant, slightly wary and, because they don’t yet know one another, mostly engrossed in their phones!

But as the kilometres roll by, something begins to change. Conversations start, introductions are made and gradually the silence gives way to laughter and excited chatter as the delegates get to know one another.

Then we arrive at the beautiful RYLA venue, tucked into the hills behind Franschhoek, with mist clinging to the valleys and the sweet scent of fynbos drifting across the slopes. There is a powerful sense of anticipation as they are welcomed by the team, led by David Holtzhausen, shown around and given their first instructions.

And then… the magic begins.

The return journey could not be more different.

The same young people who boarded the bus as strangers are now energised, bonded, inspired and bursting with pride. They have faced challenges, stepped outside their comfort zones, discovered strengths they perhaps didn’t know they possessed and learned that they are capable of far more than they imagined.

It certainly wasn’t a walk in the park! But they conquered the challenges together — and the long farewells, promises to keep in touch, infectious laughter and animated conversations on the journey home tell the story better than words ever could.

These are the young leaders of tomorrow — discovering their strengths, developing leadership and communication skills, learning resilience and finding the confidence to face the world ahead.

The Rotary Club of Newlands is incredibly proud to sponsor many of these young people. To witness their transformation from hesitant strangers into confident, connected and inspired young leaders is one of the most rewarding experiences Rotary has to offer.

And being part of that journey?
Priceless.