This Week - Professor Steven Friedman on the Latest Political Developments; GNU plus.

 

Steven Friedman is director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the University of Johannesburg. His current research focuses on democratic theory, and over the past decade, he has largely written on the relationship between democracy, social inequality and economic growth. In particular, he has stressed the role of citizen voice in strengthening democracy and promoting equality and has also analysed biases in South Africa’s democratisation which has obstructed democratic participation by the poor. Dr. Friedman has also researched and written widely on the South African transition to democracy, both before and after the elections of 1994. During the 1980s, he produced a series of studies of reform apartheid and its implications for a democratic future.

Dr. Friedman recently published Race, Class and Power: Harold Wolpe and the Radical Critique of Apartheid, a study of radical social thought in the fight against apartheid and its implications for contemporary South Africa. He is currently working on a study which assigns primacy to the role of collective action in creating and sustaining democratic systems of government and a project which is examining the way in which commonly used phrases and terms in the South African policy debate unwittingly reinforce attitudes which are hostile to democracy. His most recent published articles include “The Ambiguous Legacy of Liberalism: Less a Theory of Society, More a State of Mind?” in Intellectual Traditions in South Africa: Ideas, Individuals and Institutions, edited by Peter Vale, Lawrence Hamilton and Estelle H. Prinsloo;  “What We Know Can’t Hurt Them: Origins, Sources of Sustenance, and Survival Prospects of Budget Transparency in South Africa” in Open Budgets: The Political Economy of Transparency, Participation and Accountability edited by Sanjeev Khagram, Archon Fung and Paolo de Renzio; “From Classroom to Class Struggle: Radical Academics and the Rebirth of Trade Unionism in the 1970s” published in Journal of Asian and African Studies and  “South Africa: Electoral Dominance, Identity Politics and Democracy’ in Party Systems and Democracy in Africa edited by Renske Doorenspleet and Lia Nijzink. He has authored columns for various newspapers including the Weekly Mail, Business Day, and Mail and Guardian.

He received his BA (Hons) in Political Science at the University of the Witwatersrand, and a D. Litt from Rhodes University.

Next Week

It's a Business Meeting.  The first one of the new Rotary Year when the new board and the old one meet together despite there obviously being an overlap.

Last Week

It was a Project Meeting with the emphasis on sorting out the solar installation at Bethany.  

International - IT Professionals Forum Rotary Fellowship

The IT Professionals Forum Rotary Fellowship is a new community aimed at harnessing the expertise of tech-savvy members to foster significant societal change through innovation and technology. This new fellowship represents a bold step forward in integrating advanced technology solutions within the Rotary community to enhance global service initiatives.

Mission and Vision

The IT Professionals Rotary Fellowship is founded on the principle of leveraging technology to improve lives—a vision that aligns seamlessly with Rotary’s enduring commitment to Service Above Self. By blending the technical expertise of its members with the philanthropic objectives of Rotary, the fellowship aims to address complex challenges across diverse communities worldwide.

Empowering Technological Transformation

The fellowship stands at the intersection of technology and community service, uniquely positioned to drive transformative projects. From developing digital literacy programs and implementing sustainable technology infrastructures in underserved areas to creating innovative solutions for health and education, the possibilities are limitless.

“The potential of technology to solve complex problems and improve the quality of life is enormous. Through this fellowship, we bring together the brightest minds in IT to multiply the impact of their skills by applying them to meaningful projects,” explained the Fellowship Chair, Rotarian Rakesh Babuji.

Opportunities for Members

Membership in the IT Professionals Rotary Fellowship opens a plethora of opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as the chance to make a substantial impact in:

1. Professional Development: Members will have access to a wealth of resources, including cutting-edge workshops, webinars, and conferences that discuss emerging technologies and their applications. This continuous learning environment not only keeps members updated on the latest technological trends but also equips them with new tools to tackle projects effectively.

2. Networking: The fellowship facilitates a global network where professionals can connect, collaborate, and share insights with peers who share a common vision of service through technology. These connections can lead to innovative projects and solutions tailored to community needs.

3. Project Leadership and Participation: Members can lead or participate in projects that align with their expertise and interests. Whether it’s deploying a new database system for a nonprofit, designing educational software for schools in remote areas, or developing a mobile health application, each project provides tangible benefits to communities and invaluable experience to the members involved.

4. Recognition and Growth: As members contribute to various projects and initiatives, they gain recognition within the Rotary community and their professional fields, enhancing their personal growth and professional stature.

This Week: A Project Meeting

 There seem to be a number of new projects up for discussion including Rest A While where Andrew Paschalides took me to have a look at the kitchen.  There are problems at Bethany with the solar installation and Christmas in July at Gerald Fitzpatrick Home amongst others.

There will be a report on the Emzini Meeting.

Another problem we have to face is the extra money that will be required for any new projects.

Next Week - Professor Steven Friedman

He will be talking about the progress withe the Government of National Unity (GNU) and what is likely to happen in the future.  By the time he speaks to us the new cabinet will have been finalised and sworn in.  It promises to be a very interesting meeting.

Last Week

Dave Holmes talked about his epic tour of South Africa on his Matchless motorcycle.  Unfortunately I was unable to attend but I gather it was a fascinating talk and he was a most entertaining speaker.

A couple of members have said that they would have liked to hear more and chat to him.  As a result I have asked him if he would be prepared to attend our next social breakfast/brunch and he would be delighted to come.

International - Madagascar

Addressing needs caused by recent famine, clubs in District 9220 delivered 800 packages of rice, water, cooking oil, and other staples, as well as hygiene products, to the community of Ankiliabo in April. “Lately, the kere [famine or hunger in the local parlance] has taken on a great magnitude because the climate conditions do not allow the population in this area to live properly through agriculture and livestock,” says Narindra Razafinimaro, immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Antananarivo-Anosy, which led the effort. The Rotary Club of Saint-Denis-La Montagne, in the French department of Réunion, another island in the district, contributed about $2,700.

This Week - Dave Holmes

Dave Holmes will be talking about his 4 200km round South Africa on his vintage Matchless Motorcycle.  We'll hear about his trials and tribulations and his triumphs. A remarkable achievement.                                                                                                             Matchless is one of the oldest marques of British motorcycles, manufactured in Plumstead, London, between 1899 and 1966. A wide range of models were produced under the Matchless name, ranging from small two-strokes to 750 cc four-stroke twins. Matchless had a long history of racing success; a Matchless ridden by Charlie Collier won the first single-cylinder race in the first Isle of Man TT in 1907.

Golf Day

Last Wednesday saw our Rotary Club Golf Day come to fruition.  It's too early to know of our financial benefit but it was good to meet those who supported us because they were so enthusiastic about the day despite the freezing cold weather.

Congratulations, Bill Brunjes, on your organisation of the event.  Here is his team of assistants from which he is conspicuously absent!  I don't know how he manages to have so many prizes for participants.

The Saturday Brunch at Emzini in Westdene

This really exceeded expectations as we had three interesting talks on how to create community and a video of how this was achieved where Westdene Dam and Park is concerned.  

Mark Napier talked about the Dam specifically and the involvement of the Soweto Canoe Club. 

Richard Griffin gave us a broader talk on the involvement of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg North Central on community involvement and ways of assisting people with employment and many other things.

Debbie Cockrell came in later as she had been running a workshop really just to meet us.  

I must especially thank Richard for providing a wonderful brunch at an affordable price.

This is the first meeting and I am sure we all look forward to future cooperation between the two clubs.

Next Week

It's a Project Meeting.  The wheelchairs have arrived.  Preparations for Christmas in July for Gerald Fitzpatrick Home and also on the Emzini Meeting...but I am sure that will not be all.

International - England

Rotary clubs in District 1200 hold a full menu of skills tests in disciplines including writing, speaking, music, technology, and more, but the Young Chef event is among the most popular. At a district-level qualifier directed by connoisseurs of the Rotary Club of Burnham-on-Sea in February, seven high school students whipped up three-course menus in two hours. The victorious victuals included venison steaks accompanied by fondant sweet potato, pea puree with juniper berry red wine sauce, and strawberry mille-feuille, a puff pastry dessert. The winning chef and a runner-up advanced to the regional final in Cardiff, Wales, in March. “We find it a rewarding competition for us as well as the contestants,” says Jane Gibbs, a Burnham-on-Sea club member who has organized Young Chef assemblies for more than a dozen years.

This Week - No Online Meeting, Golf Day Social Instead

Rotary Club of Knights Pendragon Golf Day at The Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club, 1 Fairway Ave, Linksfield North, Johannesburg, 2192  

Everyone is welcome to attend the Golf Day just to see what's happening during the day or to attend the prize giving and dinner in the evening or just to have a drink.

It's important that we socialise with the players who are supporting our golf day and just being there shows that we appreciate their support.

Social Breakfast/Brunch at Emzini, Westdene.  Saturday 8th June  @ 09:30

This is more than a social breakfast because of the interest shown by the club in the Rotary Club of Johannesburg N Central's Projects at the Westdene Dam.  The owner of the restaurant, Richard Griffin, is also Secretary of the Rotary Club and he is organising some members from his club to meet us.

It promises to be a very interesting morning....and the food is good.

I have sent out a request for numbers attending on the Club WhatsApp Group.  If you are not in that group and would like to attend just email me  peter@pjsfood.co.za

Last Week - Business Meeting

Discussion revolved around a couple of future regular happenings such as Christmas in July at Gerald Fitzpatrick Home as well as other minor things such as the provision of hearing aids for one of the residents.  There were considerable discussions on the proposed expansion of vegetable growing projects in townships that we are involved with and if they were sustainable long term.

As we are now in the last month of the Rotary Year the transition to a new President and Board was very much in mind.

Next Week - Dave Holmes 

Dave Holmes will be talking about his 4 200km tour of South Africa on his vintage Matchless motorcycle.  He is older than many of us.  The motorcycle's name is Murgatroyd.

International - Philippines

The Rotary Club of Iloilo South’s  remarkable achievements during the Rotary year 2023-2024 and impactful projects, particularly the “Lakat Liwat” (Walk Again) initiative in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Coimbatore India and the “Bagong Kamay” (New Arms) project with the support of L4N and ambassadors Engr. Reynaldo Cabato and Mrs. Grace Cabato, showcase the club’s commitment to making a significant difference in the lives of others.

The “Lakat Liwat” project is centered around mobility and rehabilitation, providing assistance to those who face challenges with walking. Such initiatives by Pp Evacis Jaena during the Rotary international convention in Australia was not only change lives but also contribute to enhancing the quality of life for individuals in need. Similarly, the “Bagong Kamay” project suggests a focus on providing new arms prosthetics, to those who have lost limbs. This type of project is life changing, offering individuals newfound independence and opportunities.

As of today, we are pleased to announce that the “Lakat Liwat” project has benefited 240 limb prosthetics recipients, while the “Bagong Kamay” project has supported 150 arm prosthetics recipients. These numbers reflect the tangible and positive difference our club has made in the lives of those in need.

A special acknowledgment goes to incoming PE Jaypee Patriarca and PP Nieva Patriarca, who have been at the forefront of these initiatives. Their tireless efforts in preparing, have undoubtedly been instrumental in the success of the prosthetics projects. Their commitment and leadership have set a positive example for the Rotary Club of Iloilo South members and have contributed to the unwavering support received from the club’s President and its members.  Projects of this nature not only transform the lives of the direct beneficiaries but also create a lasting impact on the community by promoting inclusivity and offering individuals a chance to lead fulfilling lives.  The impact of the “Lakat Liwat” and “Bagong Kamay” projects extends far beyond the provision of free prosthetics. The stories of recipients engaging in livelihood activities such as driving tricycles and offering cellphone repairs illustrate the transformative power of these initiatives. These projects have not only restored physical mobility but have also empowered individuals to pursue meaningful and productive lives.

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By uplifting the morale of the beneficiaries, our Rotary Club has contributed to creating a sense of purpose and self-worth among those who have received prosthetics. This is a testament to the holistic nature of Rotary projects, which not only address immediate physical needs but also strive to enhance overall well-being and quality of life.

The success stories emerging from these projects are worth sharing as they inspire others and highlight the positive ripple effects of Rotary’s commitment to service. These individuals are not just recipients of prosthetics; they are active participants in their communities, contributing to economic activities and demonstrating resilience and determination.
It’s through projects like these that Rotary Club of Iloilo South continues to make a lasting impact on communities, fostering empowerment and inclusivity. Their stories could serve as powerful narratives to further emphasize the significance of these initiatives.

The Rotary Club of Iloilo South with its humanitarian endeavors strive to continue to sustain the “Lakat Liwat” and “Bagong Kamay” projects to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need not only now but in the years to come.