Bright sunflowers adorned tables at The Shed & Silo on June 28, perfectly reflecting the vibrant energy of Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora’s incoming president, Peter Herweg.

Met with resounding applause, the club’s outgoing president, Garth Smithard, reflected on a year of meaningful progress and tireless service by the club and its members.

“Greatness is measured by the number of times one courageously puts one step in front of another, believing that you are making a change in the lives of others and the community,” he said.

“At first, the results may not seem like much, but through continuous effort, the ripple effect has the potential to make a great impact. Now more than ever, we need to stand united, taking steady steps to make a difference.”

Setting the tone for the day’s celebrations, Janice Cater, outgoing president of the Rotary Anns Club of Benoni Aurora, praised her small but mighty team for their unwavering dedication to service.

“Our club consists of eight Anns. We may only be a handful, but each member brings passion, care and gusto to the table,” said Cater.

“This past year, we hosted four fundraisers, raised in excess of R40 000, spent 350 hours packing and delivering food parcels that fed more than 1 400 people throughout the year, and still managed to distribute 210 twiddle sleeves to dementia patients across the country.”

Before handing over the reins to incoming Anns president Sylvia Knoop, Cater awarded the club’s stalwart with the Stirrer Award, while Jeanne Woodman received the coveted Ann of the Year award.

In Daveyton, Isaac Mokori was re-elected as president of the Rotary Community Corps.

“Your re-election is an expression of your members’ confidence in your vision and leadership,” said Smithard.
“They entrust you with the responsibility to shape the club’s future.”

Taking the podium, incoming president Herweg expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a committed and spirited group.

“You will work!” he joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.

“Our club’s success is rooted in each member’s unwavering commitment to service and to living according to Rotary’s guiding principles.”

He thanked Smithard for his leadership and pledged to continue building on the club’s legacy.

“As we grow, the spirit of Rotary grows — not only within our club, but as it extends its branches throughout the community,” said Herweg.

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