Rotary Club of Benoni: End of an era but the good work will continue

The Rotary Club of Benoni’s gong will forever be silent, never to call order to another club meeting.

The last serving club president and longest active serving member, Annie Steijn, said it was with sadness that the oldest Benoni-based Rotary club concluded its final meeting in December.

“All attempts to grow the club by recruiting new and younger members proved futile,” said the decorated Rotarian.

“As the last three remaining members, we had to face the reality and accept that we were no longer in a position to sustain club activities and projects.

“Modern living makes it difficult to maintain a work/life balance, and those interested in joining could, unfortunately, not fully commit to our organisation.”

Steijn and Margeret Pappas were the first women inducted into the club in 2004.

Former Rotarian Billy Hills did not fully support the inclusion of women and joked that it would snow the day a woman was inducted as club president.

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“The day of my induction in 2008, it snowed,” said the past district governor with a chuckle.

“Being a Rotarian becomes part of your culture, values and life. The closure of our club is heartbreaking, but thanks to digital advancements and club mergers, I can continue my journey with the service organisation as an active member.”

Speaking of the club’s ongoing projects, Steijn said since the beginning of the year, she had become a member of the East Rand Rotary e-Club. The virtual club meets bi-weekly, using digital platforms, with physical meetings monthly.

Formulating the e-Club was necessary because of the closure of clubs throughout the East Rand. However, the members still wanted to continue with their membership and, most importantly, service to others.

“Fortunately, the club has agreed to adopt the Rotary Club of Benoni’s ongoing projects,” she said.

Youth

“We will continue to support the Be Court Wise project at the Benoni Magistrate’s Court. Through this initiative, we assisted in creating two rooms where child victims of crime can be comforted and supported during their appearances.”

These colourful spaces are filled with toys and books to minimise the trauma experienced by children when testifying in court.

“Stepping into the facility, each child receives a hand-made knitted teddy as a comfort item. They are also given food during their time spent there,” she explained.

As an attorney by trade and the current district representative to Rotary’s council on legislation, district youth protection officer and district legal advisor, Steijn said it is essential to keep up support for the Be Court Wise initiative because it plays an integral role in how the youth perceive the judicial system.

Another ongoing project includes the club’s commitment to supporting Angel Wings Care Centre, Putfontein, which assists the homeless and underprivileged.

“The NPO looks after about 70 adults and 17 children,” said Steijn.

Service

“The organisation will remain close to my heart, and I am grateful that we will be able to continue assisting those in need.”

Speaking about the possibility of reviving the club, she said it is hoped that the club’s Interact Clubs at Liverpool Secondary in Actonville and Willowmoore High, which will remain active, will deliver fully-fledged and committed Rotarians to carry the club into the future.

“The ultimate closure of the club brings an end to an era, but not all is lost. I believe the young men and women we mentor will draw on Rotary’s rich values to carry the torch of service into the future,” she said.

“The club’s closure is sad, and I feel the community will suffer. Our projects filled a void and were of great service to the community. I thank everyone who served within our club, heeded our calls for assistance and supported our various projects.”

Steijn invited anyone who wants to continue supporting Rotary’s projects or is interested in joining the movement to contact her on 082 550 0806 or assteijn@gmail.com

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