02/05/2026
What a proud moment it was for us!! Side by Side between the Round Table Family has grown from strength to strength 💪🏾🫶🏾
Introduction from Ladies Circle Zambia President
20 years ago, in Livingstone, Zambia, a simple signature became a global legacy.
On 15th April 2006, the Side by Side Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Round Table International and Ladies Circle International, marking the beginning of a powerful culture of collaboration across the Round Table Family.
What started as an agreement has grown into a living movement of unity, partnership, and shared purpose across organisations and continents. Zambia remains a proud anchor of this legacy, demonstrating how collaboration drives real growth, strong leadership, and lasting impact.
As we celebrate this milestone, I invite you to read the full story written by Dr. Sylvia B Mwansa – Sunshine, Ladies Circle Zambia Life Member, the Signing President on behalf of Ladies Circle International from our country, Zambia.
The journey continues. The legacy grows. And together, we remain… Side by Side.
Petronella K Chilwesa
President, Ladies Circle Zambia 2025/26
Building Bridges|Changing Lives
The story!!
20 Years Side by Side: A Legacy of Unity, Purpose, and Global Impact
Twenty years ago, a simple yet powerful decision was made. A decision that would go on to redefine collaboration within the global Round Table Family. What began as a formal agreement evolved into a living legacy of unity, friendship, and shared purpose.
On 15th April 2006, in Livingstone, Zambia, a historic Side by Side Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Round Table International and Ladies Circle International. This milestone was signed by Simon Cusens from Malta and Dr Sylvia B Mwansa from Zambia, then Presidents of Round Table International and Ladies Circle International respectively.
The significance of that moment extended far beyond the signing of a document. It marked the beginning of a deliberate commitment to partnership. A commitment to move from parallel efforts into purposeful alignment and collaboration. A commitment to stand, serve, and grow Side by Side.
A Moment founded way before by our predisesors after many years of planning, was finally rooted in Zambia and it become a Movement for the World.
The opportunity and choice of Livingstone as the host city was symbolic and profound for Zambians. Home to the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Livingstone offered more than a venue. It offered a statement. A reminder of power, beauty, and the impact that comes when forces unite.
The signing event, hosted by Round Table Zambia and supported by Ladies Circle Zambia, was not just an event. It was an experience of shared vision, mutual respect, and collective ambition.
This was Zambia’s moment on the global stage. A moment that demonstrated leadership, hospitality, and the ability to convene the world around a transformative idea.
Honouring the Strength Behind the Moment
As we reflect on this milestone, it is important to recognise the strength that made it possible.
I give special honour to Ladies Circle Zambia. Without its support, strength, and belief, this historic achievement would not have been possible.
At the time of signing the Memorandum of Understanding, Ladies Circle Zambia was under the leadership of Chilufya Mwanakatwe. The membership was strong and visible even with modest numbers, about three clubs and fewer than one hundred members.
Today, through the many collaborations in Side by Side spirit, the growth is evident and inspiring. The current President, Petronella Chilwesa, (is in charge and shared the 20 years Side by Side anniversary) Zambia now proudly stands with eleven Circles and a membership of just to two hundred Circlers.
This is real, measurable growth. Growth that reflects the power of collaboration. Growth that reflects commitment. Growth that reflects what happens when partnership is lived, not just signed.
Beyond an Agreement: A Living Culture
The Side by Side initiative quickly transcended its formal beginnings. It became a culture.
A culture of collaboration across organizations in the Round Table family being; Round Table, Ladies Circle, 41 Club, Tangent, and Agora.
A culture that encourages inclusivity, respect, and equal partnership.
A culture that recognises that true impact is never achieved in isolation.
At its core, Side by Side became a human promise.
To lift one another.
To work as equals.
To build something greater together.
Side by Side in Action: The Zambian Example
Nowhere is this spirit more alive than in Zambia.
It is deeply heartening to witness how the Round Table Family continues to embrace and live this collaboration. One of the strongest expressions of this unity is seen in the Annual Fundraiser, where the entire Round Table Family comes together as one. Round Table, Ladies Circle, 41 Club, Agora, and Tangent stand together in shared purpose.
At the most recent event in December 2025, I had the honour of serving as Guest of Honour in my capacity as Past LCI President, Life Member of Ladies Circle Zambia and Founder President of Agora Club Zambia.
It was not just an event. It was a testimony.
A testimony of unity.
A testimony of continuity.
A testimony of ownership.
The Zambian Round Table Family has taken this legacy personally. Having been the nation where the agreement was signed, they have embraced the responsibility to live it fully and authentically.
Two Decades of Impact and a Future of Possibility
Over the past twenty years, the Side by Side spirit has strengthened relationships across continents. It has created platforms for shared service projects, leadership development (in the last 20 years, Ladies Circle Zambia produced another woman of colour to lead Ladies Circle International through Lisha Kufekisa-very proud Mentor), and lifelong friendships.
It has allowed members to move beyond organisational boundaries and embrace a unified identity as one global family.
As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that this is not just history. It is a foundation for the future.
The next chapter calls for even deeper collaboration, stronger alignment, and greater intentionality in how we serve.
A Legacy That Lives On
Side by Side is no longer just a memorandum. It is a mindset.
It is a reminder that progress is built together. That leadership is strengthened through partnership. That legacy is created through unity.
I am incredibly proud of the Round Table Family in Zambia and across the world for carrying this vision forward with such commitment and passion.
Long live Side by Side and the development it continues to bring through the Round Table Family.
The journey continues.
The legacy grows.
And together, we remain… Side by Side.
In continued Friendship and Service
Dr. Sylvia B Mwansa – Sunshine (African Princess)
Past LCI President 2005/06
Ladies Circle Zambia Life Member
National Productivity Ambassador (Zambia)
Mindset Change Transformation Expert
