“We are back and getting started, and we want to bring hope back to Stellenbosch.”
These were the words of the newly inducted president of the Stellenbosch Rotary Club (SRC), Stuart Hunter, at the club’s induction ceremony on Monday 10 July. Hunter is the 86th president in the club’s history.
The SRC has been inactive since 2020 and was, under the leadership of Hunter, revived earlier this year.
“We have a longstanding history of 86 years, where we make a difference in our community, to uphold. We want to continue the traditions of helping our communities.
“The club has, over the years, been involved in the cycle tour, in helping the aged, helping with education and wherever we can help.
“I think we have been gone for a while, but we are back. People want us back. The response from the community has been inspiring, people are glad we’re back,” Hunter says.
In terms of restarting the club Hunter says they made it very clear from the outset that they were going to start slow. “We said we are going to start slow and steady and not try and be everything to all people at the moment. It is important for us to make sure that we know where we want to go and that everybody feels comfortable in their roles and duties.”
The new club boasts with 14 members and four honorary members. “We are quite a few members, which we are grateful for. The club is in a good space and nobody feels intimidated or overwhelmed. We’re in a good space and I believe we will only grow from here,” Hunter added.
Hunter says the club already embarked on a R60 000 project with the Stellenbosch Work Centre for Adult Persons with Disabilities where they will install heaters and a gas stove at the centre.
“There are many more projects in the pipeline. We are back to serve, we will create hope in Stellenbosch. We wíll take this club forward. We have an excited team that is passionate about our community and that will work together and do our best.”
