Rotary Club of Morningside celebrates 40 years of service to community
The Rotary Club of Morningside celebrated four decades of service to communities while ushering in a new chapter with the induction of Jennifer Grefen as 2026/27 Rotary year president.
The sound of clinking glasses, warm applause and shared stories marked a memorable day at the Country Club Johannesburg as the Rotary Club of Morningside celebrated its 40th anniversary while ushering in a new era of leadership.
Held on June 21, the event saw outgoing president Simon Chikumbu hand over the helm to the incoming president Jennifer Grefen.
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Members, partners, guests and beneficiaries gathered to honour the club’s achievements and future ambitions.
Reflecting on his presidential year, Chikumbu highlighted growth in membership, community projects and relationships built with the beneficiaries.
“Last year I outlined the five key areas which were to define my year, and these were: projects, membership growth, member engagement, collaboration and governance,” he said.
‘Within the Diepsloot precinct, we found more projects, we built more dignity through eco titles, improved water supply systems and did building work which helps the environment through the eco brick projects.”
He added that through these projects, they have developed great relationships with some of the people from Diepsloot.
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“Membership grew from 18 to 24, that’s 30% growth, and these are new members and not transfers from other clubs. I’m assured president-elect Jennifer will surely grow this number to 30 by this time next year.”
Speaking after her induction ceremony, Grefen said 40 years is not just a milestone, it is a testament to resilience, vision, and unity.
“Today we celebrate the past, embrace the present, and look boldly to the future. Together, let us continue to dream, to serve, and to build a Rotary Club that remains a beacon of hope for the next 40 years.”
One of the founding members of the Rotary Club of Morningside, Brian Barrow, said, “It is a pleasure for me to celebrate the club’s biggest milestone as one of the people who were there when the club was established. I would like to wish Jennifer, our new president, the best of luck for the future.”
Grab a copy of Sandton Chronicle’s Wednesday print edition to read more.
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