The Kimberley Rotary Club celebrated a momentous occasion recently as they held their annual induction dinner to welcome their new president, Johan Cronje.
THE KIMBERLEY Rotary Club celebrated a momentous occasion recently as they held their annual induction dinner to welcome their new president, Johan Cronje.
The event, held at the Boys’ High Old Boys’ Club, was attended by prominent community leaders, local dignitaries, and esteemed members of the Rotary family.
Cronje, a respected and dedicated Rotarian, officially took over the reins from the outgoing president, Mary-Anne Daubermann.
The evening was filled with a sense of camaraderie and excitement as club members and guests gathered to honour the outgoing president for her remarkable service and to welcome the new leader who would guide the club in its future endeavours.
As the gavel was passed to Cronje, a new chapter in the club’s history was marked. In his induction speech, Cronje expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by his fellow Rotarians and outlined his vision for the future of the Kimberley Rotary Club.
Cronje said he was introduced to Rotary when he was invited to attend by a friend whom he was assisting with a project. After seeing what it was all about, Cronje was inducted as a member at the then Grand Hotel in 2005.
Since then, Cronje has become accustomed to the work that Rotary does and has committed himself fully to Rotary. “In 2018, my wife passed away, so I have plenty of time on my hands now to commit to Rotary,” he said.
Speaking on his plans for the year ahead, Cronje said that his focus this year will be on less privileged communities. “We are looking at assisting old-age homes like Ons Huis and Belgrave Lodge. Then we also have three projects in the townships where we are supporting educational centres.
“We are also currently busy with a project that is being funded from abroad called ‘Cycles for Youth’, where we will give people bicycles and then teach them how to repair those bicycles so that they can start their own business from that.
“Our wheelchair project is also important because there is a big need from people who don’t have access to wheelchairs, and our clubs from abroad are helping us fund these projects.
“I am committed to building upon the excellent work done by Mary-Anne and my predecessors. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on our community, transforming lives and creating lasting change.”
Cronje, known for his passion for community development, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has been an active member of the Rotary Club for over a decade, consistently demonstrating his dedication to Rotary’s guiding principles of service above self.
During the induction ceremony, several members of the Kimberley Rotary Club were also recognised for their outstanding contributions.
The club has long been a pillar of philanthropy in the local community, working tirelessly to address pressing social issues and to support those in need. With Cronje at the helm, the club is poised to embark on new initiatives, forge partnerships, and make an even greater impact on the lives of Kimberley’s residents.
The induction dinner served as a testament to the Rotary Club’s enduring legacy and its commitment to service. It brought together individuals from all walks of life, united by a shared vision of creating a better world. As the evening concluded with a toast to the future, the Kimberley Rotary Club looked forward to a year of transformative projects and continued service under the able leadership of Cronje.
About Kimberley Rotary Club:
The Kimberley Rotary Club is a local chapter of Rotary International, a global organisation dedicated to bringing together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards, and promote goodwill and peace in communities worldwide.
The Kimberley Rotary Club actively engages in various service projects and initiatives, addressing critical community needs and fostering positive change.
For more information on how to get involved with the Kimberley Rotary Club, please contact Barry Downs on 083 621 9911 or Mary-Anne Daubermann on 083 3401 257.
