PHALABORWA – Thabiso Mkhombo has been inducted as the new president of the Phalaborwa Rotary Club for 2025/26. This marks his second term as president, having previously served from 2017 to 2018.

Outgoing president Bruce Mabasa thanked members for their support and urged the club to rebrand to maintain its image and attract new members. He expressed confidence in Mkhombo’s leadership to carry the club’s momentum forward.

In his address, Mkhombo unveiled this year’s Rotary theme, Unite for Good, which highlights the importance of collaboration and unity in driving positive change.

He also outlined his goals for the year, including recruiting four new members and executing four community service projects. One of the key initiatives is the club’s Cataract Project, scheduled for November, in partnership with Maphutha L. Malatji Hospital and the South African National Council for the Blind.

The club aims to raise R763 000 to fund 100 cataract surgeries at a cost of R7 630 per patient. In previous years, 47 patients have benefited from this initiative.

Dr Simon Kudze, assistant governor of Rotary District 9400, which includes South Africa, Botswana, eSwatini, and Mozambique, encouraged community involvement through the Rotary Community Corps (RCC), which allows non-Rotarians to participate in service projects.

The club also announced its new board of directors:

· Club secretary: Kevin Ntimane
· Treasurer: Conspire Mabasa
· Executive secretary: Fumani Hlaisi
· Projects: Simon Kudze and Fumani Hlaisi
· Foundation chairperson: Andrew Selepe
· Public image chair: Virnicia Mathebula
· Membership chair: Bruce Mabasa
· Club service: Simon Kudze
· Young leaders contact: Welcome Khoza

Donations to support the club’s initiatives can be made by contacting Thabiso at 064 541 3669 or Conspire at 078 119 3270.

The Phalaborwa Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 19:00 at 17 Buffer Zone, opposite Maphutha Hospital.