It has been five years since the Rotary East Rand E-Club was chartered, creating a platform for Rotarians to meet virtually while remaining committed to the organisation’s five pillars of service.

This year, Heather Smithard took over the reins of the club, following in the footsteps of outgoing president Siobheanne Landsberg.

The establishment of the E-Club was born from the Rotary Club of Springs in 2019, when its four remaining members opted to host informal online meetings from the comfort of their own homes.

“With the onset of the 2020 Covid-19 restrictions, the club decided to keep up with the ever-changing times. After recruiting enough members, the E-Club was officially chartered on June 8, 2020,” said Past District Governor (PDG) and past president of the former Rotary Club of Benoni, Annie Steijn.

“Under its newly elected president, Geoff Havenga, the quartet of Rotarians filled the committee portfolios, giving incoming members time to find their feet to be of service to others.”

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During this time, when movement and gatherings remained restricted, the club made use of the opportunity to launch its ‘Men on the Side of the Road’ initiative, which saw E-Club members providing piece workers with a hearty meal as they desperately tried to earn an income.

Following the official closure of the city’s oldest Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Benoni, in December 2024, Steijn joined the E-Club ranks.

“After 97 years of service to the community, we had to make the tough decision to take a bow. Thankfully, the e-Club adopted our ongoing projects, including Be Court Wise, assisting Angel Wings, a home for destitute adults and children, The Salvation Army Benoni Goodwill Centre, local old age homes, as well as our two Interact clubs at Willowmore High and Liverpool Secondary School,” she said.

For more information about the Rotary East Rand E-Club or to get involved, contact Heather Smithard on 082 430 3725 or email heather@webmediacc.co.za