The Rotary Club of Waterkloof honoured outstanding leadership, community service and youth development achievements during its 2026 Presidential Induction and Awards Ceremony in Pretoria on June 27.

The organisation also marked a transition in leadership with the handing over of the Chain of Office.

The annual awards programme recognised members and community partners for their contributions to the organisation’s mission and celebrated what the members described as a year of collaboration under the leadership of outgoing Club President Dieketseng Diale.

Four major awards were presented during the ceremony.

The Youth Development Champion Award was presented to Dr T Chiloane in recognition of contributions to youth empowerment through the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards programme and the introduction of mental health programmes in high schools.

The Community Impact Award was presented to Dr I Boshomane for leadership in advancing community economic development through initiatives aimed at creating sustainable opportunities, promoting financial independence and helping break the cycle of poverty.

The Emerging Rotarian Award went to Remoneilwe Diale in recognition of enthusiasm, commitment and leadership potential demonstrated as a newer member of the Rotary Club of Waterkloof.

The President’s Special Recognition Award was presented to Jacqueline van Wyk in appreciation of her dedication and support to the Rotary Club of Waterkloof throughout the 2025/26 Rotary year.

In addition to the individual honours, the club recognised its 2025/26 Board of Directors with certificates of acknowledgement for leadership, governance and commitment to advancing the organisation’s mission.

Speaking during the ceremony, the outgoing club president said the awards reflected the value of collective effort in community service.

“These awards recognise individuals whose leadership, commitment, and compassion have strengthened our club and created meaningful impact in the communities we serve. Their achievements remind us that when we are anchored in unity, our collective service becomes our greatest legacy.”

The awards formed part of the club’s annual leadership transition, during which Diale officially handed over the Presidential Chain of Office to Rezaldon Losper.

The ceremonial transfer of the chain symbolises the continuity of Rotary leadership, the transfer of responsibility and the organisation’s continued commitment to creating lasting change through service.

The induction also marked a milestone for the club with the appointment of Losper as the youngest president ever elected to lead the club.

Losper is recognised as a servant leader committed to peacebuilding and social justice. He is the recipient of the 2023 16 Actors Award on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, presented by the Lady of Peace Community Foundation and supported by UN Women and development partners in the social justice sector.

As he assumed office, Losper reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening membership, expanding partnerships, investing in youth leadership, promoting peace and increasing the club’s impact across the communities it serves.

Reflecting on the past year, outgoing president Diale highlighted several achievements undertaken by the club.

Among them was the donation of nearly 1 000 nappies and hygiene packs to Rock of Hope in Pretoria North to support abandoned and vulnerable children.

The club also implemented skills development initiatives that reached more than 190 young people.

Several participants established their own businesses, while 74 young people are currently enrolled through the Kgabo Cars Rotary Community Corps programme.

Addressing those attending the ceremony, Diale reflected on the enduring value of public service despite changes in leadership.

“Leadership is temporary, but service is timeless. Titles may change, but the lives we touch become our lasting legacy.”

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