Lawyers urged to network through Rotary
During the meeting, it was highlighted that Rotary can change the lives of black lawyers by engaging them in a world network of like-minded business and professional people.
Rotary International President’s Personal Representative from Kenya, Eric Kimani, engaged with members of the Black Lawyers Association and other Rotarians at the Benoni Country Club on June 13.
Kimani is the Regional Rotary Foundation chairperson for Zone 20A and has been with Rotary for 29 years.
He was the first Kenyan of African descent to become a district governor in the 80-year history of Rotary in the region.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that Rotary can change the lives of black lawyers by engaging them in a world network of like-minded business and professional people.
Kimani said as a Rotarian you stop seeing South Africa, or your own village or your own career and you begin to see the world God has created for all of us.
“Rotary will bring you diversity, and I think that is the greatest challenge you have here,” said Kimani.
Among the attendees was the Gauteng chairperson of the Black Lawyers’ Association (BLA) Chris Mamathuntsha, Benoni Attorney Association chairperson Motladi Phala and Seleka Attorneys director Morongoa Seleka.
The BLA came into being when a small group of black lawyers first got together in 1976, primarily to fight the Group Areas Act’s permit system and prosecutions, after facing problems opening their own practices because of influx control and curfew regulations and problems with office accommodation and administration.
Today, the BLA stands for economic justice within the profession and the transformation of the judiciary. While its focus is on empowering black lawyers, membership is open to people of all races who believe in its ideals.
Kimani said Rotary used to have more lawyers than any other profession, but while Rotary was growing elsewhere in Africa, its membership was dwindling in South Africa.
“At the moment its diversity lagged that of Kenya by about 20 years, he said.
“Most people like me and others took the conscious decision to go and join Rotary.”
“What I’m asking you is to become Rotarians.
“Change this equation; stop looking at it as a white, male-dominated community.”
He added that being part of Rotary will entrench in you the value of family, bring you a great career and social opportunities.
During his visit to South Africa, Kimani also visited Rotary Clubs in Johannesburg and Soweto and spoke at the Rotary’s District 9400 Conference at the Kruger National Park.
Also read: Benoni Rotary turns 90
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