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.