This Week - Johann de Wet of Dewetshof Estate, Robertson

 
The name De Wetshof has been synonymous with the production of fine wines in South Africa since the 1970’s. As the first registered wine estate in the Robertson Wine Valley, De Wetshof has become known internationally as South Africa’s eminent Chardonnay House due to the pioneering role it played in introducing this noble Burgundian grape to the country.

The De Wet family’s winemaking heritage can, however, be traced back to 1694 when the first De Wets arrived at the Cape and immediately made a mark on the South African wine industry.

Today, De Wetshof is one of the few third generation wine estates in South Africa. Here Johann de Wet has taken-up the role of CEO and is also responsible for De Wetshof’s vineyards, while brother Peter runs finances and logistics. Both are also actively involved in winemaking and strategy along with their father Danie.

Danie is a pioneer of noble white wines in South Africa and has also introduced superior red cultivars to the Robertson Wine Valley. A graduate of the Geisenheim Institute in Germany, one of the world’s leading centres for the study of viticulture and cellar technology, De Wet’s wines express the uniqueness of the soils of De Wetshof and meticulous attention to detail, while state-of-the-art technology ensures that the work in the cellar complements the gifts of nature’s vineyards.

With its crisp white buildings, rose bushes and jacaranda trees, the Estate has become a well-known landmark in the Robertson wine valley.

Last Week

Kai Crooks-Chisano gave us a fascinating talk on the use of a spelling bee to go beyond spelling to understanding and even debating.  The Club responded enthusiastically to her presentation and how she could help many of our contacts so I am sure that we will establish a long term relationship.

Next Week 

Adri Visser is a retired South African Paralympic swimmer, academic, and currently the Casual Day Coordinator for Retailers at the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). She is a vocal disability rights advocate who uses her experience as an amputee to drive inclusion, leading fundraising initiatives like the 2026 Midmar Mile charity swims.

International - Latvia

The monthly soup kitchen at Saint Saviour’s Anglican Church has been a mainstay in Latvia’s capital since 2001. For the past several years, the Rotaract Club of Riga International and, more recently, its sponsor Rotary club have supported the initiative, which serves as many as 60 visitors per session. “One shift prepares large pots of soup, porridge, and warm tea while another welcomes and serves guests when they arrive,” says Kim Leandersson, a past president of the Rotary Club of Riga International. “Ingredients are planned and purchased by our members, with our club covering the modest costs and occasional donated products from bakeries adding something extra. It’s regular, hands-on service where you see the impact immediately. Cooking, serving, and sharing a meal may sound small, but for many of our guests it means warmth, dignity, and being seen.”

This Week Kai Crooks-Chisano will talk on Camp I Am

 

Camp I Am is an activity and skills building programme for children and is an international organisation.   

Our motto “I Am whatever I want to be as long as it’s good for me and my community” reflects our unique camp experience in which every child feels cared for, is confident to express his/her feelings, and empowered to imagine whatever they want to be. 

 

Camp I Am encourages children to step outside of their comfort zone, which generally leads to growth.

Objectives of the Programme

Aim:                 

Provide activities for children in selected under-resourced areas during the school holidays

Objectives:

• Provide safe, supervised activities for children 7 -15 years old.
• Provide a specialised skills program that includes academic topics, values, creative arts, social and life skills education, and sports.
• Foster dialogue, mutual understanding, and sharing of experiences among children.

Saturday 11th April.  Social Brunch 9:30 @ Bembom Dowerglen Plaza, Sycamore Drive, Dowerglen.

Last Week

It was a Business Meeting.

Next Week

Johan de Wet of Dewetshof Estate will talk to us about the estate and the wines they produce.

As the first registered wine estate in the Robertson Wine Valley, De Wetshof has become known internationally as South Africa’s eminent Chardonnay House due to the pioneering role it played in introducing this noble Burgundian grape to the country.

The De Wet family’s winemaking heritage can, however, be traced back to 1694 when the first De Wets arrived at the Cape and immediately made a mark on the South African wine industry.

Today, De Wetshof is one of the few third generation wine estates in South Africa. Here Johann de Wet has taken-up the role of CEO and is also responsible for De Wetshof’s vineyards, while brother Peter runs finances and logistics. Both are also actively involved in winemaking and strategy along with their father Danie.

This Week - A Business Meeting

 A Business Meeting always means a cartoon.  This is for anyone who has been hospitalised recently or maybe in the future.

 If you believe this, remember the date of our meeting.

Last Week

Alwyn Colyn, MD of Fezemax Training Academy spoke to us of the remarkable work done by the Academy in training a broad spectrum of artisans; something the country needs desperately.

It was an interesting talk and he asked to come back and talk to us again.

Next Week

Kai Crooks-Chissano will talk on Camp I Am, a camping experience for children, teenagers and young adults who are challenged by physical, emotional and mental disabilities

International - Canada

The Rotary Club of Chilliwack Mt. Cheam in British Columbia aced its volleyball tournament in November, attracting 28 teams to a fundraiser that the club has hosted since 1995. “Many local businesses participate by registering a team, and they have their staff come out and play,” says Kim Ashley, the club’s president. “Each player brings a new toy to donate to Chilliwack Community Services as part of the Christmas Sharing Program.” The project supports the club’s foundation, which focuses on the needs of children, including dental work, medical assessments, and counseling. In all, the matches have raised more than $300,000 and collected 15,000 toys over the past 30 years.

This Week - Alwyn Colyn, MD of Fezemax Traing Academy

Founded in 2008, Fezamax Training Academy has become a trusted name in artisan development, helping over 200 learners annually embark on rewarding technical careers. With over 17 years of experience, we are leaders in technical training, offering cutting-edge facilities, expert instructors, and a proven track record of success. 

As a QCTO-accredited Skills Development Provider and a NAMB-accredited Trade Test Centre, Fezamax ensures the highest standards in artisan training and certification. Our programs are trusted by leading industry players, including major OEMs such as Jungheinrich, CEG, Liebherr, M.A.N, CASE, Hitachi, and Bidvest.

What We Do

For Companies: We collaborate with businesses to close skills gaps by offering accredited training and trade testing tailored to workforce needs.

For Private Apprentices: Fezamax equips aspiring artisans with the expertise to excel in trades like Diesel Mechanics, Automotive Mechanics, Welding, and Forklift Maintenance.

For ARPL Applicants: We assist experienced professionals through the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning process, ensuring compliance with requirements and readiness for trade tests.

For Career Guidance: Fezamax provides school leavers pathways to globally in-demand careers, supporting individuals in navigating their journey to success

Last Week

Johann de Wet was going to talk to us about Dewetshof Estate but he was so involved with a new project that it completely slipped his mind.  He phoned me straight away to apologise as he really wanted to talk to us.  I have suggested 15th April and I am awaiting confirmation.

Next Week

It's a Business Meeting

International - Japan

The Rotary Club of Tokyo Hiroo embarked on a melodic mission in October, collaborating with the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills in California to bring the music therapy program Music Mends Minds to people with Alzheimer’s. Over several visits, club members brought drums, cowbells, and other percussive instruments to care facilities and encouraged participants to clap along as the Rotarians struck up tunes. “Music Mends Minds helps older adults with memory loss reengage,” says Miyuki Ochi, president of the club. “Watching older adults’ faces light up through music is one of the greatest joys of our service.”

This Week - Johann de Wet of Dewetshof Wine Estate will talk about how they became a Chardonnay House and how the estate has developed from there.

 

Johann de Wet from De Wetshof is the third member of the De Wet family to gain membership to the Commanderie de Bordeaux, the French organisation recognising members of the international wine fraternity for their contribution to promoting the culture and wine of Bordeaux.

Johann, who is responsible for marketing and vineyard management on De Wetshof, joins his father Danie and brother Peter on the South Africa chapter of the Commanderie de Bordeaux. During his induction the Commanderie lauded Johann’s role in helping establish the Bordeaux cultivars Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot on De Wetshof.

Together with Peter, these site-specific vineyards have allowed De Wetshof to add prestigious Bordeaux-styled red wines to the Estate’s collection of acclaimed whites as well as Pinot Noir. A life-long visitor to the chateaux of Bordeaux, Johann’s contribution in promoting the viticulture techniques and wines of the iconic French region to South African wine-lovers was also recognised.

According to Johann, Commanderie membership is a tremendous honour as it underscores the important role heritage and culture play in the world of wine.

“I have been visiting Bordeaux regularly since my primary school days and the region has played a profound role in my outlook to wine,” he says. “In Bordeaux wine is life and it is culture. As a young South African wine producer it is important to acknowledge the role Bordeaux plays in influencing winemakers, viticulturalists and wine-lovers - it certainly has made a tremendous mark on my approach to wine. To be recognised by the Commanderie of this wonderful region is an honour you thus cannot approach without a sense of true humbleness.”

Last Week

Willemien Kleijn of the SA Guide Dogs Association spoke on the work of The College of Orientation and Mobility.

It was a fascinating talk as she discussed the various aspects of training for blind and partially sighted people and the obstacles that they have to overcome at home, outside the home in the street, shops etc.  She also spoke of the three aids were available to help them, the white cane, a gadget to assist with filling containers with liquid and a clip to hold banknotes that enables them to know the value of the notes.

It was decided to give our weekly Porky Pig personal brag collection to purchase the three items.

Next Week

Alwyn Colyn, MD Fezemax Training Academy on “Decentralised Training and trade-test centre for Heavy Equipment,Diesel, Forklift, Tractor, motor mechanics and  transportation Electricians.

International - England

An event to celebrate Indian culture featured local luminaries with Bollywood connections and raised about $2,200 for the Rotary Club of Maidenhead Bridge’s service work. Attendees included Chittal Shah, choreographer to celebrities, and vocalist Atul Pushkarna, both of whom now reside in the United Kingdom. Ten of the club’s 55 members are from India or have Indian heritage. “The laughter, dancing, and genuine sense of connection in the room showed just how powerful cultural celebration can be in bringing people together for a good cause,” says Lisa Hunter, charter president of the club. The November event helped fund a Parkinson’s disease support group and a trip by the club’s vocational training team to Uganda for a maternal and child health initiative.

Willemien Kleijn will talk about The White Cane Project of the College of Orientation and Mobility, SA Guide Dogs Association.

 Willemien Kleijn, of the South African Guide-Dogs Association, will talk about how white canes change the lives of people with visual impairments.

While guide-dogs are superb mobility aids for people with visual impairments, not everyone wants or needs a dog. The Orientation and Mobility Department, for which Willemien works, provides the alternative in the form of the white cane. The department serves people with visual impairments throughout Gauteng. It does so through orientation and mobility training and provision of canes and other assistive devices. This service empowers people with visual impairments to lead more fulfilling and independent lives.

Last Week

It was a Business Meeting that I, unfortunately, was not able to attend.

Next Week

 Johann de Wet of Dewetshof Wine Estate will talk about how they became a Chardonnay House and how the estate has developed from there.

International - Malta

The Rotary Club of Gozo has discovered a formula for civic and social media engagement: tell community members just how much they’re appreciated. After rolling out the glitzy Pride of Gozo Awards in 2022, the club saw a burst of interest in the work of Rotarians on Gozo, one of Malta’s three populated islands. “The event is our showcase of the year,” says Tom Welch, a past president of the club who proposed the ceremony, which is supported by the Times of Malta newspaper and a government ministry. “While not a fundraiser, it raises our profile: a touch under 40,000 views on Facebook, 600 new followers, and over 2,000 engagements. It also provides us with a collection of wonderful speakers and drives membership growth.”

This Week - It's a Business Meeting

 

Here is an appropriate cartoon for a Business Meeting.

Last Week

Mxolisis Mlangeni spoke to us about his ambition to become a commercial pilot and how he had achieved a private pilots license after huge efforts subsequent to achieving Matriculation in Thembisa.  He is currently working as cabin crew for Airlink but is struggling to make further advances owing to the enormous costs involved and the obstacles he has to overcome.  Ingrid Bolding, one of our international contacts in the USA, is putting him in touch with the Rotary Aviation Fellowship...that may not be the correct name!  Many thanks, Ingrid.

It was a very interesting meeting.

Next Week

Willemien Kleijn will talk about The White Cane Project of the College of Orientation and Mobility.

International - Vietnam

The Rotary Club of Saigon International participated in two global grant projects with District 3740 in Korea that have corrected congenital heart disease for 100 Vietnamese children since 2023. The $125,000 Heart-to-Heart project helps low-income families bridge the gap between what the government covers and what they’re able to pay out of pocket.
“We chose pediatric heart surgery because, with a relatively small contribution of $1,500 from us, we can quite literally save a child’s life,” says Hoa Nguyen, president-elect of the club. Rotary contributions are matched by the VinaCapital Foundation and the Vietnamese government. The impact on livelihoods is significant, Nguyen notes, as caregivers are able to return to the workforce after their child’s recovery.