This Week - Stefan Neubig on The Sonnenglas Project

Stefan Neubig founded Sonnenglas in 2013 and now the products are exported all over the world creating more and more jobs in South Africa and winner of many international awards.  It promises to be a fascinating talk.

 

In the heart of South Africa, where daily power challenges were the norm, our journey began with a simple yet profound mission: To provide a sustainable light source. Inspired by the frequent power outages affecting countless communities, we created Sonnenglas, a solar-powered glass lantern. This innovative solution not only brightened homes but also transformed lives.

The impact extended globally, making Sonnenglas® a stylish, versatile addition to interior decor and an eco-friendly choice for various activities like camping and DIY projects.

Our production facility in Johannesburg isn't just where the Sonnenglas® is crafted – it's the pulse of our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Nestled within Victoria Yards, a vibrant creative hub, our factory aligns with the ethos of our neighbours. Victoria Yards, with its collaborative spirit among local artisans and artists, serves as an inspiring backdrop.

As active community members, we champion social responsibility through our support of local charities and projects, striving to foster a positive impact in our neighbourhood.

An exemplary collaboration with our partner Timbuktu in the Valley highlights our commitment to this cause. Located in this dynamic environment, we oversee production meticulously, ensuring top-notch quality, sustainability, and fair working conditions for our 65 employees. Collaborating closely with suppliers, we prioritise environmentally friendly materials and processes.

Last Week -  Business Meeting

The major issue was to find a solution to the water problem at Bethany Home where we had already installed tanks in the past both for rain water and normal consumption using municipal supply when available with an automatic pumping system when needed.  It was decided that a number of Rotarians would visit on Monday to see what the  situation is and how water is conserved and what it's used for.  A donation of R70 000 had been received specifically for this project.  It was realised, by the visiting Rotarians,  that some maintenance was required in some of the bathrooms as well and there will be a report back to the club.

Next Week - Gerald Rubin, Podiatrist

I have a feeling he wants to ensure that our feet are firmly on the ground!

Sport problems are one of his specialities.

International - Rotary in Ukraine Part 2

Part 2 has mysteriously vanished so instead I will give an insight into the projects of the Rotary eClub of Ukraine.  Here are just two of them.  Unfortunately I am unable to download any pictures.

Empowering Internally Displaced Families: Film School for IDPs Children Project

Club: ReC: Ukraine

Rotary Area of Focus: 5. Supporting education

Project category: Internally displaced people

Realization Stage: Financed and in process of realization

Budget: >55,000$

Donors: Rotary Club Save Our Planet, Rotary Club Las Vegas WON, Rotary Club of McMurray

Partners: Ivanna Sakhno, Ukrainian actress and activist. The National Filmmakers Union of Ukraine

Files:

Webpages: 

Short Description: The Ukrainian Children Movie School project provides creative arts and skill development to address the urgent mental health needs of internally displaced children in Ukraine, fostering resilience and well-being through film production and therapeutic interventions.

The Film School project addresses the complex mental health needs of internally displaced families in Ukraine. We presented this impactful project during an Open Meeting on April 16th, 2024, and are happy to share more information here.

The Film School for IDPs children is dedicated to provide a comprehensive approach to psychological rehabilitation through creative arts and skill development. Our project is designed to restore and stabilize the mental health of internally displaced children who have experienced the trauma of war. Through a holistic psychological rehabilitation program, we aim to alleviate conditions such as PTSD, various phobias, panic disorders, and other mental health challenges prevalent among the affected children.

Central to our approach is the use of creative arts and skill development as tools for healing and personal growth. The Film School offers a nurturing environment where children can engage in activities such as film production, television, music, and theatre. By providing professional encouragement and skills training, we empower children with tools for self-expression and personal development.

Moreover, we recognise the critical role of early learning and communication in a child's development. Our project focuses on creating a stable and supportive environment where children can interact with peers, receive emotional support, and stimulate their intellectual and emotional potential.

As part of the broader community, our project aims to contribute to the overall mental health and well-being of society. By investing in the restoration of children's mental health today, we lay the foundation for a resilient and mentally healthy society in the future.

The Movie School primarily targets internally displaced children in Kyiv Region, constituting 25% of the 7 million displaced population in total in Ukraine. These children have faced significant challenges, including witnessing shelling and bombing, hiding in bomb shelters, and enduring occupation. Located in Vyshhorod city (10 km from Kyiv) and in the capital itself, our project aims to provide these children with the tools and support needed for mental health recovery and future success.

The school has already been open for more than two years and has shown promising results. Within 3-4 months of training, approximately 85-90% of participating children and adolescents achieve significant social and psychological rehabilitation. This underscores the effectiveness of our approach and the potential positive impact on the well-being of the targeted population.

The budget for the Movie School project amounts to a total of 59,120 USD, which will be allocated across various essential aspects of the initiative. The largest portion of the budget, accounting for 55%, is allocated to the salaries of educators responsible for conducting 10 different classes, ensuring high-quality instruction and mentorship for the participating children. Additionally, 15% of the budget is dedicated to funding family psychological and art therapy courses, providing vital support for the mental well-being of both children and their families. Other significant expenses include the rent of premises (6%), group visits to theatres and other educational activities (5%), and the purchase of necessary equipment such as a mobile professional editing station, licensed software, and a microphone system (6%). A portion of the budget (4%) is also allocated to acquiring professional shooting light equipment to facilitate the production of high-quality films. Administrative expenses, including project management, accounting, and legal services, constitute 9% of the total budget, ensuring efficient operations and compliance with regulatory requirements throughout the duration of the project.

We're truly grateful for the support and partnership of our Rotary allies, who've been key in bringing the Film School project to life. Thank you McMurray Rotary and Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick for your incredible support of the United Kids Film School Project! Your generous contributions are making a profound impact, offering these children hope, healing, and a brighter future. We cannot thank you enough for believing in our mission and helping us make a difference. We also want to express our appreciation to our sister club and longstanding collaborator, Rotary Club Las Vegas WON and the energy of Chehab Elawar and Rotary Club Save Our Planet and the remarkable efforts of Club President Bricia Elawar.

In summary, the Film School project aligns with our focus on mental health, addressing the multifaceted aspects of well-being. By providing creative outlets and professional development opportunities, we strive to contribute to the mental health recovery of internally displaced families and build a foundation for their future success.

Burn Treatment Bed Shortage in Ukraine

Club: ReC: Ukraine

Rotary Area of Focus: 2. Fighting disease

Project category: Humanitarian, Medical

Realization Stage: Offered, looking for other partners

Budget: 10,000-55,000$

Donors: Rotary clubs of Northampton, Royal Leamington Spa and Pirmasens (Germany)

Partners: Kommuna Lux

Files:

Webpages: 

The ReC Ukraine project aims to address the critical shortage of burn treatment beds in Kramatorsk Hospital, by providing multi functional and reusable beds designed for large surface burns, with a total budget of $25,000.

In response to the pressing need for improved medical facilities in war-affected regions of Ukraine, the Rotary E-Club of Ukraine, in collaboration with the band Kommuna Lux, plans to supply much-needed burn treatment beds to hospitals, starting with Kramatorsk Hospital.

Led by project coordinator Oleksandra Mytkalyk, the initiative aims to address the critical shortage of burn treatment beds, particularly in areas like Kramatorsk, located in the Donetsk District near the front lines of the war. This collaboration with Kommuna Lux, who is touring the USA with a mission to raise funds for humanitarian projects, amplifies the reach and impact of the effort.

The project's focus lies in providing multi functional and reusable beds designed specifically for treating large surface burns, covering more than 70% of the body. Each bed includes a frame, adjustable upper body support, and two adjustable armrests, catering to the specific needs of burn victims.

With a total budget of $25,000 (975,000 UAH), the project plans to procure 10 beds of the new design, covering shipping and administrative expenses. The cost of one bed is estimated at USD 2,250 (87,750 UAH), making it a cost-effective solution to address the critical shortage of burn treatment facilities.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Health has identified several hundred beds required across hospitals in Ukraine with burn centres, underscoring the widespread need for such resources. The ReC Ukraine project prioritises fulfilling the immediate needs of Kramatorsk Hospital before extending assistance to other hospitals as funds become available. By focusing on providing essential medical equipment and support to front line hospitals, the initiative aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of burn victims in areas of Ukraine that suffer from constant shelling.

As the project progresses, it seeks to collaborate with local authorities, medical professionals, and humanitarian organisations to ensure the efficient distribution and utilisation of resources, ultimately improving the quality of care for those affected by burn injuries in the region.

Kommuna Lux's USA tour plays a vital role in this initiative. Through our partnership, 30% of the funds collected during each concert event will be allocated to purchasing these specialised burn-unit hospital beds. This concert activity not only raises awareness but also provides a platform for Rotarians and the general public to contribute directly to this cause.

This Week - A Business Meeting

 There'a never very much to say about a Business Meeting other than to announce it as the agenda will tell us everything in due course.  A cartoon is the only answer.
 

Last Week

Professor Steven Friedman spoke to us about the political situation in South Africa and the possible affect of the Trump administration on our country.  As was expected it was an interesting and controversial talk and much enjoyed.  The subsequent treatment of the Ukrainian president at the White House just underlines much of what was said.

Next Week

Stefan Neubig on The Sonnenglas Project.  Solar Lights. Sustainable Solar Jars. Made in South Africa. Fair Trade.  It's an interesting solar light project that assists in job creation.  More next week. Electricity vanished for a while and now Rotary websites seem to be down which is a nuisance.

International -Ukraine (Part 1)

Next Week, Part 2.  This will show how Rotary internationally has assisted Ukraine

and what the Ukraine clubs have been doing during the war.

Olga and Mykola Stebljanko, from the Rotary e-Club of Ukraine, are based in Odesaand give a first-hand account of three years living in the shadow of war.

OLGA You cannot prepare for war. You might have food supplies, medicines, documents, money,

and a plan, but as a civilian, you can never be truly ready for war. You cannot brace
yourself for the overwhelming shock that engulfs you, for how your mind begins to work in
ways that feel unfamiliar and uncharacteristic. You cannot anticipate how your inner world
will instantly transform, rearranging your priorities like a puzzle, separating what truly
matters from what, in the grand scheme of things, holds little significance in a person’s life.

The first days of the full-scale war flew by. The state of shock and constant surges of
adrenaline took their toll. Air raid sirens blared around the clock, forcing us to retreat to
the makeshift shelter we had set up in our bathroom. Our phones, always in hand,
became our lifelines to real-time updates about attacks across the regions.

We tracked the movement of the front lines, the heroic resistance of the Armed Forces,
and the remarkable defiance of ordinary citizens. All of Ukraine stood shoulder to
shoulder. Age, wealth, or beliefs no longer mattered. We were united by one immense
tragedy, becoming an invincible force.

During those days, we knew with certainty that we had made the right decision to stay in
Odesa. By then, we had been living in this city for several years. Odesa had welcomed us
after the annexation of Crimea, which marked the beginning of the war and forced us to
leave our home. And now, when it seemed the war had caught up with us again, Mykola
and I realised that we no longer wanted to, nor would we, run from it. We had to stay and
do what we could. I remember the moment our goal crystallised in my mind for the first
time: “Survive. Endure. Victory.”

It is worth noting that from the very first day of the invasion, we began receiving emails,
calls, and messages from our Rotary friends worldwide. They offered words of support,
asked how they could help, and even invited us to seek refuge from the war if we chose to
leave Ukraine. We remember how we struggled to respond to all the messages in time -
there were so many. These memories will stay with us forever, as will our profound
gratitude to everyone who stood by us during the darkest times of our lives.

Thus began a period of several months that we later called the sprint - a time of rapid
decisions and actions under extreme pressure, with little sleep, and driven by the
strongest motivation to achieve as much as possible with the help of the international
Rotary community.

This Week: Professor Steven Friedman will be discussing the current Political Situation at Home & Abroad

 

Professor Steven Friedman is no stranger to us and it's a pleasure to have him back to update us on the latest political developments that may very well change between now and our meeting on Wednesday.

He welcomes questions and his analyses are often controversial. 

“That South African democracy has survived three decades largely intact has confounded predictions and needs explaining. The chief reason lies in the persistence, post-1994, of strong concentrations of private power, which have checked authoritarian impulses in government. While this has ensured democracy’s survival, it has also ensured that its defense has largely been mounted in the language of white, middle class, suburbia – and that freedom is largely seen as the protection of the economic and cultural domination of the few” 

Saturday 1st March:  Business Meeting

The idea is that the meeting be held at The Grand Slam Sports Diner, Edenvale at 10:00 to be followed by lunch/brunch.  We are currently awaiting to hear confirmation of availability.

Last Week

Many thanks to Jim Rankin for the following synopsis of last week's speaker...I was unable to attend.

Julian Apfel – District Grandmaster - District Grand Lodge of Central South Africa _Scottish Constitution

Julian Apfel was invited to talk to the Club about Freemasonry after they had were involved in our

Robbie Burns evening on Saturday 25th January.

The principal idea of Freemasonry as a fraternal organization is to take a good man and make

him a better man. A better man internally as well as externally, a better citizen of his

community and country, a better husband and father to his children, a better friend and co-

worker.

There are five basic requirements for Membership in a Masonic Lodge. They are as follows:

1. Being a man, freeborn, of good repute and well-recommended

Being a man – as Freemasonry is a Fraternity or all-male organization, this is a must as the

lodge does not admit women. There are, however, Masonic organizations which do.

A prospective member must be of good repute and sponsored by someone who knows his

reputation in the community. It is important that a member not be admitted who would stain the

reputation and principles of the craft.

2. A belief in a Supreme Being

No man can be made a Mason if he is an atheist. All masons must profess a belief in a

Supreme Being. This is an area where Freemasonry often comes under attack by religious

opponents. Because Freemasonry accepts Christian, Muslim and Jew alike, how that member

chooses to worship God, or by which name that member knows God, is of no consequence to

Freemasonry.

3. Ability to support oneself and family

While not clearly stated in all jurisdictions, this condition is placed so that a prospective member

does not join the craft in the hope of deriving financial benefit from the order. It also is in place to

show the prospective Mason that the Lodge comes after his religious and family responsibilities.

4. Of lawful age

The prospective Mason must have reached the age of 21, although some constitutions allow a

member to join at an earlier age.

5. Come to Freemasonry of their “own free will and accord”

Freemasonry, long regarded as a secret organisation, is making efforts, under Julian’s initiative,

to become more open and get involved in charities requiring their support. It is probably one of

the biggest and oldest charitable organisations in the world.

Next Week

I am not sure what will be happening.  The Business Meeting that we would normally have is being moved to Saturday morning so let's wait and see.

International - Australia/USA

An Indigenous Group Study Exchange from South Dakota, US, to south-western NSW has highlighted the shared experiences of both country’s First Nations Peoples.

A group of Native Americans from the Sioux Nation spent time travelling through south-western NSW on a Group Study Exchange from October 15 to November 2.

Kibbe Brown, of the Rotary Club of Rapid City Rushmore, US, and team leader of the Oceti Sakowan group of Lakota Nations people from South Dakota, said Australian Aborigines and Native Americans share significant parallels.

“These include their deep connection to the land, traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyles, the experience of colonisation and displacement by European settlers, disruption of their cultures through assimilation policies, and ongoing struggles for land rights and social justice,” Kibbe explained.

“These are often marked by high rates of poverty and health disparities within their communities. Both groups also have diverse languages and cultural practices across different regions.”

The team toured outback NSW, visiting Orange, Condobolin and Wagga Wagga, before arriving at Mittagong for the Rotary District 9705 Conference, which includes most of south-western NSW and the ACT.

Last year, five Wiradjuri from these areas – team leader Lynette Bullen, of the Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak, Eddie Whan from Wagga Wagga, Tennille Dunn from Condobolin, Mick Newman from Orange and Ethan Williams – visited seven of the nine reservations across South Dakota.

Rotary Group Study Exchanges have been happening for decades, but this time the emphasis was on the Indigenous delegates understanding First Nations issues, enterprise, community support, arts and education, health frameworks, challenges and developments.

“We had the most incredible time,” said Kibbe. “We were so warmly welcomed by our Wiradjuri aunties and uncles and in each place we shared and learned.

“It was a very robust agenda and we returned home with best practice ideas in the areas of health, education, business and culture.”

The team spoke at the Rotary District 9705 Conference in the Southern Highlands on October 26.

It was poignant timing as it coincided with US President Joe Biden’s formal apology to the Native American community for a 150-year-old Indian boarding school policy.

The US Federal Government established Indian boarding schools from 1819 until the 1970s that forcibly removed children from their homes and families.

Biden said the policy aimed to culturally assimilate Indigenous children and called it a “sin on our soul”. He apologised for the “blot on American history”.

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.

This Week: David Schlapobersky

In 1972 David and his partner, Felicity Potter moved to Cresset House.

They became house parents to 12 young people and also worked as class helpers and taught art.

Management approached them to investigate starting a pottery workshop at Cresset and they met with Gordon Wales, a founder member of the Association of Potters of Southern Africa (APSA), now known as Ceramics SA. David had his first experience of throwing a pot on the potter’s wheel under his guidance at that time.

By 1977 his interest in pottery and growth of knowledge and expertise led to the establishment of his own studio in Parkview and increasingly he and Felicity began to be recognised both in South Africa and overseas for the quality of their work.  

Their interest in the importance of art during the politically dark days of the 1980's led to the establishment of the Alexandra Art Centre where they worked with Bill Ainslie and the Johannesburg Art Foundation from the very beginning.

Increasing international and local recognition eventually enabled them to move to Swellendam in 1996 and the establishment of Bukkenburg Pottery.

Next Week

Our speaker will be Julian Apfel, District Grand Master for the District of Central South Africa of the Scottish Constitution of Freemasonry.  We have a mutual interest in supporting various NGO's and it will be interesting to see if there is possible common ground where we can be of assistance to each other.

International - Netherlands

A passion for peace prompted five Dutch Rotaract clubs to hold a symposium on conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. On 21 September, the International Day of Peace, club members welcomed Pappy Orion, founder of a nonprofit called Focus Congo, who discussed his journey from child soldier to peacebuilder. The event included panel discussions on the humanitarian crisis and celebrated Congolese food, visual arts, music, and dance. “Our club adopted the project because we want to raise hands, raise awareness, and raise funds to raise hope in the region,” says Nicholas Egunjobi, of the Rotaract Club of The Hague International. The event raised about $7,400 for Orion’s nonprofit. “The projects we are aiming to support include building and maintaining camps for internally displaced people,” says Ana Zlatevski, a member of The Hague international club.

 

  

This Week: A Business Meeting

 There's not much to say about a Business Meeting except that it's basically a report back on the various committees' deliberations and ratification of board decisions.  The board is the servant of the club, not the other way round, so so all decisions made by the board have to be approved by the club.

Last Week

Dr Neal Davidson spoke to us from Maryland, USA.  He has been a member of Rotary for more than 50 years.  He spoke of how he had been introduced to Rotary and how little he knew about it initially.

It was a very interesting talk and resonated with many of us.

The one phrase that captured everybody's attention was that wearing a Rotary badge does not make you a Rotarian.  That talk really centred on what it means to be a Rotarian and our obligations as members.

Next Week

David Schlapobersky will be talking to us about Bukkenburg Pottery in Swellendam and a surprising link that he and Felicity have in common with our club.  More on this next week.

International - Morocco & Australia

Vocational training to improve rain-fed agricultural productivity in Morocco

By Steven Sundstrom, Regional Grants Officer

The vocational training programme in Morocco was funded by a global grant from The Rotary Foundation, supplemented with District Designated Funds from Rotary District 9510 in South Australia (through the Rotary Club of Port Pirie) and contributions from The Rotary Club of Casablanca El Fida.

This project began in 2019, when the Rotary Club of Casablanca El-Fida, Morocco, and District 9510 submitted a vocational training team application to improve rain-fed agricultural productivity in Morocco. This was based on a community assessment conducted by Rotarian Barry Mudge during a visit to Morocco in 2018, with the intention of bringing a team from Morocco to Australia in 2020.

The project was on track for approval in March 2020, however, the COVID pandemic obscured the outlook for everyone. The project contacts ultimately made the difficult decision to cancel the application at the end of 2020, but it was with great pleasure that I received a new application in early 2023.

This set out to not only achieve the goals of their previous application, but they had continued communications throughout the intervening years, and revised the plan based on a new community assessment that also addressed climate change concerns in the project activities.

They also increased collaboration by following the team hosted in Australia with a two-person team to Morocco six months later to conduct follow-up and jointly conduct workshops to disseminate the results. I recently received their final report detailing the successful outcomes, including a total of 239 direct beneficiaries.