Cole-Niven commits to more projects during her term

The new Rotary Club of Benoni Van Ryn president, Charmaine Cole-Niven, will identify a core sustainable project, host more fellowship events and collaborate and interact closely with fellow clubs during her tenure.

She said this during her induction as the 52nd president of the organisation at Chalk Craft Eatery in Lakefield on July 8.

“The club has agreed that our theme this year is ‘transparency, participation and communication’. Our members’ bond and interest in everything we do will be further enhanced by practising these objectives,” she said.

“We are also going to focus on awareness through branding. Rotary is a great organisation and we need to let the world know we are still alive and kicking, extremely active and making a profound difference wherever we go.”

Cole-Niven thanked the club’s members for entrusting her with leading the organisation this year.

“Thanks to long-standing members for building the foundation of the great club that we are and a special thank you to my family for their support.”

Past president George Shinowa said through the organisation’s four-way test, they achieved all their goals.

“It was the busiest year of all my Rotary years in the club. I have presided as required and thank you to the Rotary Club of Benoni Van Ryn for all your hard work during the year,” he said.

In his report, Shinowa highlighted some of their successes during his term, which included the Marikana veggie gardens in Tsakane which has 50 garden beds that feed families in the community, donating clothing and bedding to the elderly living at Pauline Davis Court, and the distribution of more than 200 beanies to various organisations.

“Without your support and contribution, it would not have been possible for me to enact my role as club president. Your input and dedication ensured that the Rotary year culminated in a huge success.

“To president Charmaine, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations. I have no reservations that you will lead the club to even greater heights and many more successes,” Shinowa said.

In her first job after her induction, Cole-Niven welcomed Janet and Graeme Odendaal, who started attending the club’s events last year, to the organisation.

During the ceremony, Derick Watson received the organisation’s top award for his outstanding enthusiasm and participation while Cole-Niven was awarded for her exceptional contribution and Christa Valentine received an accolade for her exceptional and dedicated service to the organisation.

Bob Andrews, Debbie Lambert and Carl van der Merwe received the most promising Rotarians award.

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