Two local ophthalmic surgeons recently performed cataract eye surgery free of charge at Paarl Hospital. Ten patients on the government waiting list were treated by two surgeons through the intervention of Paarl Rotary. The bill for the procedures, R100 000, was footed by Paarl Rotary and partners.
Dear Rotarians and Friends,
Thank you for serving. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for continuing to carry the spirit of Rotary into our community with such commitment and care.
Albert Schweitzer once said: “The purpose of human life is to serve, to show compassion and the will to help others.” Albert Schweitzer was a wonderful example to us all.
As we reflect on Quarter 3 of this Rotary year, we move beyond the summer season into a period of renewed focus and steady momentum. The energy built over the festive months has translated into meaningful action, and it is clear that our club continues to respond to the growing and changing needs of our valley. Paarl and the broader Winelands region are evolving rapidly, and with that come both opportunity and responsibility. People look to Rotary not only for support, but for leadership, trust, consistency and solutions. Encouragingly, our club is rising to that challenge.
Our work on healthcare projects has continued with purpose and impact. The cataract surgery initiative remains one of the most tangible examples of Rotary changing lives. The recent operations carried out at Paarl Hospital restored sight to patients who would otherwise have remained visually impaired. These are not just procedures; they are life-altering interventions that restore dignity, independence and hope. The ongoing work to refine this model, verify costs and position it for broader rollout (including a potential Global Grant) is critical. We are building something sustainable and scalable.
In parallel, our cervical cancer initiative has progressed well. Following the initial vaccination campaign, further work is underway with healthcare partners to explore screening opportunities and expand awareness. This aligns strongly with Rotary’s global health priorities and positions our club as a proactive force in preventative healthcare.
Our spectacle project is also regaining momentum, with stakeholder engagement underway to reopen access to schools and expand reach. Two of our Rotarians also attended a production in Hout Bay to support their local spectacle project. The collaboration with other Rotary clubs and partners, including shared learning and potential joint implementation, reflects the spirit of Unite for Good in action.
Our community-focused initiatives have also gained traction. Our annual blanket drive, supported this year by corporate partnership with Toyota, is well underway and a significant opportunity not only to provide warmth to those in need, but also to build visibility and collaboration across Rotary structures like Interact and Rotaract. It is a project that brings together service, partnership, and public image in a meaningful way.
Our team visited Monte Christo Ministries (MCM) to view the new recording studio that was supported by Paarl Rotary. The facility is truly something to be proud of. The club is also working towards a book donation for the newly launched MCM children’s library. A gas burner was also donated to Rusthof during February.
From a financial perspective, the club remains in a strong and stable position. Our fundraising events continue to deliver and planning for the 2026 wine auction is well underway. These flagship events highlight the strength of our planning, teamwork and execution. They also reinforce the importance of partnerships, particularly with sponsors who share our vision and values.
At the same time, we are actively exploring ways to strengthen our engagement with larger corporates in Paarl. There is a clear opportunity to build relationships with organisations that have aligned social responsibility goals. By positioning Rotary as a trusted implementation partner, we can unlock new avenues of support and significantly scale our impact.
Our communication and public image efforts are also evolving. Through our social media platforms, we continue to share the stories behind our work, the faces, the moments and the outcomes. We recently added a new Paarl Friends of Rotary WhatsApp channel to our portfolio. These platforms are becoming increasingly important in showcasing our relevance and inspiring broader community involvement. They remind us that what we do matters, and that our impact extends far beyond our immediate circles.
Internally, our club remains strong, active, and committed. There is, however, a clear recognition that we need to continue evolving. Membership growth remains a focus, but not at the expense of quality and engagement. We are looking at ways to better understand our members, tap into their talents and create an environment where everyone feels valued and involved. Our members are all volunteers and it is important that we listen and create opportunities for them to be involved in areas where their passion lies and where they want to get involved. Conversations around meeting formats, member surveys and increased flexibility are steps in the right direction.
Fellowship continues to play a vital role in maintaining the spirit of our club, whether through smaller gatherings, project visits or collaborative events with other organisations. These moments strengthen the bonds that enable us to serve effectively together. During February, our team attended a meeting of the Rotary Club of Stellenbosch and Jimmy Ferendinos also hosted a vaatjie evening dinner. March saw a superbly hosted Quiz Night, with Petrus Marais as Quizmaster, at the Lions’ Club. The Board has ordered new unified Rotary/Interact/Rotaract golf shirts for our club and we encourage all members and partners to support this cause of advertising a united front in service in the Drakenstein valley.
Looking ahead, our priorities remain clear. We will continue to focus on healthcare, youth development, support for the elderly and community upliftment. These pillars guide our efforts and ensure that we remain aligned with both local needs and Rotary’s global vision. Importantly, we will continue to build partnerships, strengthen our visibility and create opportunities for greater involvement (both within our club and in the broader community). Of course, we will face challenges, but we will overcome them. It is our ability to adapt, to collaborate, and to remain focused on our purpose that makes us so successful as a club.
Please stay connected. Be present. Understand your role. And most importantly: Enjoy the journey because Rotary is not only about the work we do, but about the way we do it – together, ROCK-SOLID and UNITED FOR GOOD.
Warm Rotary regards,
Pierre Botha (Club President 2025/26)
