This week our old friend, Claudette Medefindt of Retina SA talks about Retinal Genetics

 

It's an interesting topic and sure many of us no someone or have a relative who has suffered from one of the hereditary diseases that eventually destroy sight completely.  I cannot think of anything more depressing than knowing that you will one day, become totally blind if you live a long life.

My godmother saw her mother's sight decline into total blindness knowing that she would share the same fate.....and she lived till 105!

Last Week

It was a Business Meeting but unfortunately many board members were unable to attend the previous board meeting owing to various factors so the main discussion was on fund raising resulting in a decision to use Back-A-Buddy for our Comrades Marathon run by Rotarian Terence Baker.  It was also decided to have our May Social Brunch on Saturday 23rd.

Next Week

Just as I was about to send this out with comments on next week's speaker, Anthony Giles, I discovered that he had removed himself from my contacts without saying a word to me so he is obviously not speaking to us...despite the fact that I saw him this morning and he greeted me in a somewhat perfunctory manner and said nothing.  

I will see what I can manage but my time is somewhat limited with the dreadful packing going on.

International - Costa Rica

Lush rainforests and world-renowned birding help draw hundreds of thousands of travellers to Costa Rica every year. That backdrop belies many needs, including for children in the country. Stéphane Dähler, a Swiss expatriate who works in the tourism industry, reports his Rotary Club of Belén, northwest of the capital of San José, is committed to improving education and health outcomes. In February, members worked at the Español School to assemble, sand, and paint 112 desks funded by the club, District 4240 in Costa Rica, and Rotarians from District 5280 in California. The following month, Belén Rotarians visited the Santiago Alpízar School to drop off books. To help fill gaps in health care, the club held a medical camp in rural Puriscal in December to offer blood screenings and a toy distribution. The club “has become a bridge that unites Costa Rican industry with the common good, showing that the private sector and volunteers can generate a positive and sustainable effect,” Dähler says.

This Week It's a Business Meeting

 We have a cartoon.

Last Week

It was our Social Evening at Fahrenheit Seafood and Grill.  9 members and partners attended and it was a very good evening.  

There was a 15% discount for pensioners and

some of our younger members must have looked older than I thought as we all received the discount.

Thanks to Andrea Pearson for the photographs.

Next Week

Claudette Medefindt of Retina SA on Retinal Genetics.

Hereditary eye diseases are genetic conditions causing vision impairment, ranging from childhood blindness to age-related vision loss. Key disorders include retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, inherited glaucoma and congenital cataracts often diagnosed via genetic testing. Treatments include gene therapy, such as for Leber congenital amaurosis.

International - India

The city of Thane, northeast of Mumbai, is recognised for its arts and culture scene. It’s
home to drama troupes, an art expo, international film festivals, and comedy venues. What it was lacking, says Atul Bhide, of the Rotary Club of Thane Hills, was a large showcase for aficionados of the written word. To amend that, the club (which also sponsors a book-reading initiative for youth) launched the Thane Literature Festival. Over two days in November, bibliophiles toasted 22 authors and poets who read from their work and participated in panel discussions. The event honoured journalist and writing coach Bachi Karkaria with the Thane Literature Festival lifetime achievement award, and judges critiqued entries in a short-story contest. “Encouraging reading habits and love for literature for Gen-Next is also our motive behind this literature festival,” says Bhide.

 

This Week - Adri Visser, National Council Of and For Persons with Disabilities

Adri Visser

 

 The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) is an NPO, established in 1939, that plays an integral role in shaping South Africa into a country where persons with disabilities have access to equitable opportunities and rights. For eight and a half decades, we have been running awareness programs, influencing government policies, promoting physical and social access, and facilitating economic participation for and with persons with
disabilities.

NCPD Vision

An all-inclusive and equitable society where the human rights of all are upheld and protected.

NCPD Mission

Advocating, lobbying and raising awareness for and with Persons with Disabilities in achieving collaborative social and economic inclusion through innovation, partnerships, research, development and services.

Last Week

Johann de Wet gave us a very interesting talk on Dewetshof Wine Estate and specifically on Chardonnay.  It was much appreciated and stimulated many questions.

Next Week

It's the 5th Wednesday of the Month and we will be having an evening meal at Fahrenheit Seafood and Grill  Cnr Terrace, 1 Hudson Ave, Eastleigh, Edenvale, 1609

We have been there a couple of times before and for our more elderly members we will get 15% off the bill.  I will put a poll up on WhatsApp as well as on the non member WhatsApp.

International - Mexico

Within hours of deadly floods and landslides that struck Mexico in October, Rotary members were responding. In hard-hit Poza Rica, Rotary and Rotaract members brought residents to safety, ploughed mud-laden streets, and moved house to house to clean properties. The effort was supported by clubs throughout District 4185 and by neighbouring districts and others abroad. The Rotary Club of Poza Rica joined the nonprofit Planet Water Foundation to install four water towers and a water block in the neediest area and deliver purified water elsewhere. The club also coordinated with World Central Kitchen to provide hot meals. Still, “we desperately need help to get back on our feet and return to our normal lives,” says club member Pepe Badillo. “The houses were a total loss. Everything was destroyed, from a single plate to the bedrooms on the second floor.”

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.”