This Week - Julian Apfel, District Grandmaster for Central South Africa of Free & Accepted Masons of Scotland

 Julian Apfel, in his spare time is also Director of Corporate Neon Services which is probably better known as Radiant Lighting.

As you know, Free Masons of the Scottish Constitution gave us great support for this years Burns Night Fundraiser and their help solved many problems owing to the prolonged absence of Past President Ron Smith in the United States.

The whole object of the Julian's talk is not to promote Freemasonry but see if we cannot cooperate where projects are concerned.  So in many ways it's a dialogue rather than a talk.

Last Week

David Schlapobersky gave such an interesting talk on his pottery studio, Bukkenburg Pottery, in Swellendam.  It was fascinating to hear  of his, and his partner Felicity's, development as potters from the chance need to be house parents at Cresset House to support Felicity's son James and the establishment of pottery as an activity for the Cresset House villagers.

I think we were all amazed at the scale of their work and the international recognition that they have received.  Many thanks, David, for such a interesting illustrated talk.

Next Week

We welcome back Professor Steven Friedman for an update on the latest political developments in South Africa and the Trump affect.

Steven Friedman is Research Professor in the Humanities Faculty of the University of Johannesburg.

He is a political scientist who has specialised in the study of democracy. He researched and wrote widely on the South African transition to democracy both before and after the elections of 1994 and has, over the past two decade, largely written on the relationship between democracy on the one hand, social inequality and economic growth on the other. In particular, he has stressed the role of citizen voice in strengthening democracy and promoting equality.

International - Mexico

Something positive on Mexican/American cooperation.  District 5300 has provided homes for dozens of families in northern Mexico since 2008 through a tradition it calls “super builds,” a yearly day of construction by Rotary members from California and Nevada. The 16-by-20-foot homes are built through a partnership with the California-based nonprofit Corazón. The $18,500 cost per family pays for materials as well as school uniforms, books, and scholarships, says Robin Smith, of the Rotary Club of Las Vegas Summerlin, who has coordinated the initiative for nearly a decade. “There are clubs that give monetarily,” she says. “There are also clubs that physically build the homes. Then we have clubs that are able to do both.” The 2025 build is scheduled for 3 May.