Rotary rewards Empangeni stalwarts
Empangeni ladies honoured with Rotary Paul Harris Awards.
THE Rotary Club of Empangeni has honoured two outstanding local women for their substantial service to the community.
President Vera Govender took great delight on Wednesday in handing the Paul Harris Award to Francesmary Taylor and Dee Bevan.
‘It is vital that we recognise the contributions made by our local community members,’ said Vera.
‘This is the highest accolade that can be awarded to a Rotarian or non-Rotarian in appreciation of their efforts locally, nationally and internationally.’
The part Frances-Mary Taylor has played in the swimming fraternity both in Zululand and beyond, has been recognised at the highest levels of the sport.
She has mentored and coached literally hundreds of swimmers and divers over the years and has been firmly entrenched as one of the country’s leading administrators.
A formidable swimmer herself, France-Mary has officiated at numerous national events as well as at international FINA world Cups and World Disabled Championships.
She qualified as International Judge Level 1 in 2010 and has also represented South Africa as a technical official at the London Paralympics.
Dee Bevan’s face can be seen at various levels of community service in Zululand.
These range from hosting Cuppa for Cansa tea parties, knitting for the 67 Minutes for Mandela and other campaigns, serving on the Businesswomen’s Association and running the St Catherine’s Interact Club.
Dee has been the backbone of the Santa Shoebox project, handling the admin and doing the deliveries – a most worthy recipient indeed.
