Egoli Golden City Toastmasters toast each other at Delta Park
With heartfelt speeches and well-earned awards, toastmasters members looked back on a powerful year and embraced a new chapter of leadership at Delta Park.
Toastmasters from across the area gathered at Delta Park School for a joyful and inspiring morning, celebrating progress, leadership, and new beginnings at the annual: Ray of Sunshine Awards hybrid meeting.
Dawie McDonald, vice president of education at Egoli Golden City Toastmasters, explained the purpose behind the global organisation. “Toastmasters is an international NGO with members across over 160 countries, and a mission to empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. It’s about structured adult learning, public speaking, leadership, time management, and confidence-building.”
Meetings typically involve prepared speeches, impromptu speaking exercises, known as table topics, and gentle evaluations that help members improve without fear of harsh criticism. “We don’t knock you down, we build you up.”
Also read: Zandspruit awaits action after premier visit
The organisation uses a curriculum called Pathways, which offers six learning paths tailored to communication and leadership goals. Leadership is encouraged through club roles such as president, VP of education, and others, likened by McDonald to running a mini business.
Now based at Delta Park School, Egoli Toastmasters hosts hybrid meetings to accommodate members from across the country and beyond, including KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town, and even the DRC. “We meet on the second Saturday of the month in person, and the fourth Tuesday online via Zoom.”
The event began promptly with Zoom master Lee-Ann Sinden ensuring online connections were seamless. Sergeant-at-Arms Alf Rostovsky officially called the meeting to order, followed by a warm welcome from Brenda Lacey-Smith and Lilian Weide.
McDonald and Sinden then took over as toastmasters for the day, leading attendees through a well-organised programme filled with heartfelt recognition and celebration.
Also read: Johannesburg Water repairs Bosbok Road water pipe leak
The mood was festive as accolades were awarded to Sinden and Sheryl Mulligan for their dedication and contribution. Shortly after, Brenda Lacey-Smith took the lead in presenting the highlight of the event: The Award Ceremony.
Members were recognised for their efforts in the 2024/25 Toastmasters year, receiving awards for most progress on Pathways, most progress in leadership, most improved speaker, The Humanitarian Award, and Toastmaster of the Year.
Nicola Mathieson delivered a motivational keynote address before attendees took a break for coffee and conversation.
Also read: Graphic content: Newborn wrapped in plastic dumped in Cosmo
The second half of the meeting focused on leadership change. Outgoing president Lacey-Smith gave her final address, reflecting on a successful year. This was followed by the induction of new committee members by Mathieson and the formal handover to the incoming president, Weide, who shared her hopes for the year ahead.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
