Rotary Club of Newlands

18/06/2026

11/06/2026

A memorable evening for the Rotary Club of Newlands!

On 8 June 2026, we proudly inducted President Richard House on International Ocean Day with a stunning ocean-themed celebration. From turtle rescue artwork and kelp forest displays to heartfelt fellowship and recognition of outstanding service, the evening reflected the spirit of Rotary at its very best.

Congratulations to our new President and to all the Paul Harris Award recipients: Teresa Thomson, Andrew Thomson, Tim Fearnhead, Judy van Aswegen, Sarah Heeger, and John Winship.

District honours were also recognised for Terry Lancaster (Best Community Service Project – PAB) and Alison Hughes (Best District Newsletter).

Here’s to a year of continuity, collaboration, and service above self under President Richard’s leadership.

30/05/2026

Congratulations, Lucinda Evans!

The Rotary Club of Newlands is incredibly proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Lucinda Evans, who has been awarded a distinction by Wits University in Civilian Oversight for Community Police Forums.

Lucinda's journey to this accomplishment is as inspiring as the achievement itself. Reflecting on her studies, she shared:

*"Whilst Caitlin studied, I studied too. I didn’t want her to sit up alone at night. God has just been so faithful. This was a very challenging course."*

Balancing demanding community work, family responsibilities and academic studies, Lucinda demonstrated extraordinary determination, resilience and commitment to lifelong learning.

In true Lucinda fashion, she responded to the many congratulatory messages with humility and gratitude:

*"I am because we are. I have a strong family. Behind every dream, every tear, every hard work as a Love in Action lifestyle, Rotary Club of Newlands. My thank you feels very small."*

Lucinda's distinction is a reflection of her dedication to service, her passion for uplifting communities and her unwavering perseverance.

Congratulations, Lucinda! Your Rotary family celebrates this well-deserved achievement and looks forward to seeing the impact of your continued leadership and service. 💙💛

30/05/2026

THE MAGIC OF THE CAPE TOWN MARATHON

While runners spend months preparing for race day, the Rotary Club of Newlands begins its marathon journey long before that – with months of planning, meetings, route inspections, marshal training and countless behind-the-scenes details that help make this world-class event possible.

This year's marathon carried even greater significance as Cape Town continues its bid to become Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Major. The excitement was palpable from the misty start of Saturday's Peace Run to the spectacular scenes on Sunday's marathon route.

From the inspiring disabled athletes and elite runners to the thousands of determined participants chasing personal goals, every moment reminded us why this event is so special. Along the route, our team of dedicated marshals and volunteers proudly played their part in keeping runners and spectators safe while showcasing the very best of Cape Town hospitality.

As the final runners crossed the finish line and the city returned to normal, one feeling remained: pride.

Pride in our volunteers. Pride in our city. Pride in being part of an event that brings together people from around the world in a celebration of determination, resilience and community spirit.

A huge thank you to every volunteer, marshal, organiser and supporter who helped make the 2026 Cape Town Marathon such a remarkable success.

Now we wait with anticipation for the announcement that could see Cape Town take its place among the world's most prestigious marathon destinations.

30/05/2026

THE MAGIC OF THE CAPE TOWN MARATHON

While runners spend months preparing for race day, the Rotary Club of Newlands begins its marathon journey long before that – with months of planning, meetings, route inspections, marshal training and countless behind-the-scenes details that help make this world-class event possible.

This year's marathon carried even greater significance as Cape Town continues its bid to become Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Major. The excitement was palpable from the misty start of Saturday's Peace Run to the spectacular scenes on Sunday's marathon route.

From the inspiring disabled athletes and elite runners to the thousands of determined participants chasing personal goals, every moment reminded us why this event is so special. Along the route, our team of dedicated marshals and volunteers proudly played their part in keeping runners and spectators safe while showcasing the very best of Cape Town hospitality.

As the final runners crossed the finish line and the city returned to normal, one feeling remained: pride.

Pride in our volunteers. Pride in our city. Pride in being part of an event that brings together people from around the world in a celebration of determination, resilience and community spirit.

A huge thank you to every volunteer, marshal, organiser and supporter who helped make the 2026 Cape Town Marathon such a remarkable success.

Now we wait with anticipation for the announcement that could see Cape Town take its place among the world's most prestigious marathon destinations.

08/05/2026

This wonderful, life-changing hospital right on our doorstep is celebrating 70 years of saving lives. Thank you to Pauline Solomons of the Children's Hospital Trust for coming to speak to us this week and explore more ways that we can assist.

05/05/2026

What a weekend to remember at the Rotary District 9350 Conference 2026!

From 30 April to 2 May, Rotarians gathered for a truly inspiring event—and the Newlands Rotary Club showed up in full force. Our members were captivated by powerful speakers, impactful projects, and forward-thinking ideas that reminded us why we do what we do.

We are incredibly proud to have been honoured with not one, but three awards: PAB (Newlands) was voted the best Community Project , and Rondomskrik (Rotary Club Of Swellendam in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Newlands, PENBEV and a number of international Clubs) was voted the best ECD Project, and the HOWZAT! was voted Best Newsletter in the District — a testament to the passion and dedication within our club.

A special moment came as District Governor Pam Rawbone handed over to District Governor Elect Anton Lubbe. The standing ovation said it all—celebrating a year where her energy and commitment inspired Rotarians across the district to live out *Service Above Self*.



A huge thank you to the organisers for an unforgettable conference… even if the Mother City decided to add a little extra weather drama to the mix! 🌧️✨

06/04/2026

**An Evening You Don’t Want to Miss!**

Join the Rotary Club of Newlands on **Monday, 18 May at 6:00pm** for a truly inspiring talk that will change the way you see the world.

Imagine completing the **Cape to Rio Yacht Race**, the **ABSA Cape Epic**, an **Ironman Triathlon**, and the **Cape Town Cycle Tour**…
Now imagine doing it all **without sight**.

This extraordinary speaker has not only achieved all of this — but also holds a **world land speed record**. His story is one of courage, humour, and an unbreakable spirit.

Come and hear his journey, told with honesty, warmth, and plenty of laughs along the way.

📍 Western Province Bowling Club
🗓 Monday, 18 May
⏰ 6:00pm

✨ **Bring a friend and be inspired. All are welcome!** ✨

02/04/2026

What does real impact look like? Sometimes, it starts in a home… and grows into a movement that changes thousands of lives.

Last week, the Rotary Club of Newlands had the privilege of hearing the extraordinary story of Lucinda Evans, founder of Philisa Abafazi Bethu (PAB).

From her beginnings in District Six, to being forcibly relocated to Lavender Hill, Lucinda’s life has been shaped by resilience and service. Starting as a Red Cross volunteer at just 10 years old, she has dedicated her life to protecting and uplifting the most vulnerable.

In 2008, Lucinda opened her own home to abused women—often giving up rooms for those in need. Today, that act of courage has grown into a thriving organisation supporting hundreds of women, children, and families in Lavender Hill and beyond.

Through years of hardship—including theft, relocations, and working in gang-affected areas—Lucinda never stopped. Instead, she built:
✨ A Family Centre in Retreat
✨ Safe spaces for women and children
✨ Feeding schemes reaching 2,500 children daily
✨ A food garden, playground, and even a 5-a-side soccer pitch
✨ And now, an Early Childhood Development and trauma counselling centre

With support from partners including Rotary Club of Newlands and Penbev, PAB continues to grow—offering hope where it is needed most.

Lucinda has mediated between gangs, supported grieving families, and even taken her message to a global stage—with backing from supporters like Charlize Theron.

Her vision? A future where PAB becomes a cornerstone of support for the entire community—and even a primary school.

We are proud to stand alongside Lucinda and her team. As she reminded us so powerfully:
“You are the custodians of our protection.”

💛 Service above self in action.

11/03/2026

Celebrating International Womens Day: Elite Women Deliver a Thrilling Finish at the Cape Town Cycle Tour!

A spectacular performance at the Cape Town Cycle Tour saw Lisa Bone power to a breakthrough victory in the 2026 edition, confirming her place among South Africa’s top women cyclists. Riding for Enza Construction Cycle Nation, Bone edged out fierce international competition in a dramatic sprint finish to claim the title.

Among the riders she held off were Russian age-group Gravel World Champion Daria Pravilova and UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Champion Kate Courtney, after an exciting and tactical race around the Cape Peninsula.

Bone’s team executed their race strategy almost perfectly. An early move by a teammate helped neutralise the strength of Tshenolo Pro Cycling, before Bone launched a decisive attack on the climb up Smitswinkel Pass. The move created a select group of contenders and set the stage for a fiercely competitive final stretch.

With 60 km to go, a strong group including Vera Looser, Candice Lill, Tyler Jacobs, Taneal Otto, Tiffany Keep, Magda Nieuwoudt, Hayley Preen, and Sonica Klopper worked together over the iconic climbs of Chapman’s Peak Drive and Suikerbossie. Courtney briefly attacked on Suikerbossie, but the group regrouped for a dramatic run-in toward the finish.

Having studied the final stretch carefully, Bone positioned herself perfectly on the sheltered left side of the road and unleashed a powerful sprint to secure the win.

Reflecting on the victory, Bone credited her teammates for their commitment and teamwork: “They sacrificed themselves for me and put me in the best position possible. This victory belongs to all of them.”

The top eight riders crossed the line with the same time — a testament to just how competitive and thrilling the 48th edition of this world-famous race was.

👏 Congratulations to Lisa Bone and all the incredible athletes who made this year’s race unforgettable!