TREE LOVERS. Paarl Rotary recently donated seven coral trees to the Drakenstein Municipality to replace trees in the Berg River Boulevard which had died or were damaged. Here club president Pierre Botha (right) delivers the last spade of soil. With him are (from left) town councillor Theuns Bester, municipal parks officials and Bruce Stewart of Prime Trees on the right.
Dear Rotarians and Friends,
As we close the first quarter of our Rotary year, Rotary Paarl continues to prove that we are truly ROCKSOLID – United for Good. Our members have delivered another productive and inspiring three months of service, fellowship, and leadership in action.
The quarter began with a proud moment at Langabuya Primary School, where our club was represented at the opening of a multipurpose sports field. This collaboration with UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences under Prof. Heather Zar highlights Rotary’s role in community upliftment. Prof. Zar has since thanked the club and will address us soon on early childhood development.
We continued our environmental commitment with Coral Trees being planted along Paarl Boulevard in partnership with Drakenstein Municipality. The Cataract Project gained traction following a meeting with Paarl Eye Clinic. Dr. Nieder-Heitmann’s team has offered to perform local operations at a significantly reduced rate — a vital step toward a potential future Global Grant.
Our Spectacles for Children initiative screened 689 learners from Charleston Hill, Hillcrest and Imboniselo Primary Schools. 235 were tested and 110 received spectacles — life-changing experiences that will be further supported in 2026. This too may grow into a global project.
We have established a committee to champion a needs assessment relating to Cervical Cancer Immunisation and Awareness – a cause that is getting major support internationally. A large donation of 1800 items of children’s clothing has been received from district and will be distributed in partnership with NORSA. We have also received notice of a book donation from our partners at Riebeek Valley Rotary. We are truly blessed.
Our Youth portfolio flourished this quarter. Jolina Ziegler completed her short term exchange presentation before returning to Germany; our local student, Isabella departs for Germany in December. Five learners attended the July Adventure into Citizenship camp and reported back in August. The October RYLA camp concluded successfully with presentations on 28 October.
The Paarl Interact Fun Day was held on 17 October featuring DG Pam’s presentation, games and refreshments. This event was exceptionally well attended by 28 Interactors and teachers from all schools. A student has also shown interest in a 12-month Youth Exchange programme.
Our club has supported The Good Company Interact Club for their travel costs towards a hiking and leadership excursion to the Outeniqua Trail. Four high schools are exploring new Interact Clubs in our valley. La Rochelle has also shown interest in an EarlyAct club. Work continues on a consolidated Youth Contact List and clear structures for all Interact and EarlyAct Clubs. These are exciting times as we work towards expanding our youth reach and it is great to see the energy and focus towards doing good in our community.
Fellowship remains central to our success. Culture starts from within and if we are to be truly successful, we need to know one another, trust one another and pull together. A full social alendar was shared, featuring a joyful dinner at Blacksmith’s Kitchen on 29 July and lunch at Nederburg on 30 September. The Stellenbosch/Riebeeck inbound Raid of 2 September and Wynberg Raid on 9 October were great successes, with three more clubs inviting Labyrinth Circle presentations. Vaatjie gatherings continue to build family relationships.
Our club have also arranged lovely wine tasting socials at Ridgeback and Brookdale that were exceptionally well attended. A Wine Appreciation Fellowship has now been introduced to celebrate Rotary friendships while engaging donors.
Congratulations must go to our Wine Auction Committee for once again delivering an exceptional fundraiser with auctioneer Dan Nicol at Laborie Estate on Sunday, 12 October. Excellent feedback has been received on this successful event. We have also welcomed a new member, Twané Mynhardt, into our family and we are on the verge of launching our first Rotaract club.
The Labyrinth Circle programme is now starting to mature. Clubs in District 9350 believe in its value and we have now expanded with scheduled seminars in Oudtshoorn, Helderberg Sunrise and Tygerberg. The programme is also sparking new interest from Wynberg, Cape Town and Bellville. The translated book “Dementia and Now?” will be ready by year-end, strengthening ties with Dementia SA and promoting care for dementia-affected families.
As we enter the next quarter, our focus turns to expanding local healthcare initiatives, empowering youth, and deepening our partnerships within and beyond Paarl. Together, we remain steadfast—ROCKSOLID in Purpose, Service and Fellowship—continuing to Unite for Good in everything we do.
Warm Rotary regards,
Pierre Botha (Club President 2025/26 – Rotary Club of Paarl)
MERIT AWARD. During a visit to the Work 4 a Living training project, members of Paarl Rotary awarded a merit certificate to the head of the project, Russel van Sitters (right), for empowering unemployed people with work skills. With him are (from left) club president Pierre Botha, Rotarian Patrick Klaasen, and Pam Rawbone (Rotary district governor).
THANK YOU. Performer André Terblanche (second right) recently received a merit award from the Rotary Club of Paarl for the big role he has played in the coordination of the club’s annual seniors concert. With him are (from left) Marlo Laubscher, Elsabe Koch and Pierre Botha (president).
OUTING. Paarl Rotarians enjoying a winetasting at Ridgeback winery.