MOKOPANE – The Mokopane Rotary Club, in collaboration with the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce and Mokopane’s crochet group, has secured a place in the Guinness World Records for the longest scarf.

The initiative began at the Rocking the Vaal charity project in Vanderbijlpark.

Launched before the Covid-19 pandemic, the project had already produced 20 000 scarves.

The pandemic halted progress, but in January 2024, the team received a new wool supply from sponsors. To achieve a new world record of 35km (35 000 scarves), they needed to crochet an additional 15 000 scarves. Each scarf measured 1m in length and 20cm in width.

Rita van Staden, a key participant in the project, said, “It was amazing to see how the women embraced this project. We soon had 29 women crocheting scarves from Mookgophong, Swartruggens, Alldays, Pretoria and Randburg, who all joined Mokopane’s crochet group.”

Their collective effort resulted in surpassing the 35 000-scarf target, earning South Africa the world record.

Margaretha Morontshi, the president of the Mokopane Rotary Club, played a pivotal role in rallying support for the project.

“I wanted to make an impact in the community and prove that Rotary is for everyone,” she said.

The scarves created by the Mokopane team were donated to those in need. Margaretha personally delivered scarves to the Potgietersrus Dienssentrum vir Bejaardes and the RHK Centre, stating, “My aim is to diversify the Rotary Club of Mokopane. Everyone is welcome. We need each other to serve the community. Rotary is an international humanitarian organisation, but we must start at home to effect positive change.”

The next venture for the team is the Baby Box charity project, where they are currently crocheting booties and hoodies for babies.

They are seeking sponsors for wool and needles. Anyone interested in participating or sponsoring can contact 076 893 0762.

Margaretha expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thanks to everyone who contributed to making the scarves – the sponsors, donors, and Rita van Staden, who ensured we had the wool to keep the project going.”