The Rotary Club of Johannesburg New Dawn has recognised two members, Dr Zena Kimaro and Joan Donet, as Paul Harris Fellows for their contributions to Rotary and its community initiatives.

The recognition was presented during the club’s weekly meeting, with president Judy Symons praising both members for their commitment to Rotary’s values and service.

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Named after Rotary founder Paul Harris, the Paul Harris Fellow recognition honours individuals for their contributions to The Rotary Foundation and its humanitarian work.

“Paul Harris was the founder of the Rotary Club, and the awards are given in recognition of his work and of the maxim ‘Service above self’,” Symons said, adding that the recognition reflected the club’s commitment to making a difference in the community, particularly through initiatives supporting children.

Kimaro, who has been a Rotarian since 2004 and a member of the Johannesburg New Dawn club since 2012, was recognised in part for establishing an Interact Club at Parktown High School for Girls earlier this year.

The initiative allows learners to become involved in community service by working alongside Marang House, a home for children living with serious chronic illnesses. Through the partnership, the learners have raised funds, collected toiletries, provided tutoring and spent time with the children.

Kimaro said she felt both honoured and humbled by the recognition, describing the Interact Club as an opportunity to encourage young people to understand their ability to make a meaningful difference. “The students are learning that service is not simply about giving resources; it is about giving their time, building relationships and showing compassion,” she said.

She credited the support of her Rotary club and Khosi Lamola, a teacher at Parktown High School for Girls, in helping establish the initiative.

Kimaro also highlighted her previous work with the Rotary Club of Kilifi in Kenya, where she collaborated with the Rotary Club of Vinings in Atlanta to develop a global matching grant that provided computers to schools and educational scholarships for secondary school learners.

Looking ahead, she hopes to continue supporting projects focused on education, health and youth development, while encouraging the next generation to embrace community service.
Donet was also recognised for her longstanding contributions to the club. She previously served as its president and has chaired its treasurer portfolio for many years.

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Symons said the club relied heavily on Donet’s skills and experience, while also recognising her commitment to the Link Literacy and Numeracy Project, one of its beneficiary initiatives.
Donet said receiving the recognition, which she described as her third, came as a surprise and an honour.

Among the initiatives she is most proud of is the club’s continued support for literacy and numeracy through its partnership with The Link. Although global grant funding for the project has ended, the club maintains strong ties with the organisation.

Donet also highlighted the club’s annual contributions to Rotary International’s Every Rotarian Every Year initiative, which supports The Rotary Foundation. She pointed to Rotary’s longstanding involvement in global efforts to eradicate polio as an example of the impact of sustained humanitarian support.

She said service organisations, such as Rotary, could bring individuals together to address community needs, particularly in areas where resources were limited.

Donet hopes to continue supporting literacy programmes and children in need through her involvement with the club.

The recognition of both members reflects the Johannesburg New Dawn club’s focus on supporting children and creating opportunities through education, mentorship and community involvement.

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