The Rotary Club of Uitenhage South recently announced Mahesh Karsan as its President following a successful year under Clive Hassell’s leadership.
Acknowledging the challenges lying ahead, Karsan believes the club can accomplish significant work through Rotary’s collective drive and community support.
Recognising his predecessor Hassell for his “inspirational work and commendable commitment towards the club,” Karsan acknowledged he has big shoes to fill.
He also praised the club’s key contributors: “Appreciation towards our lovely Rotary Anns is also due. The hard work and commitment I have observed during my membership is commendable. Much of it is done behind the scenes, but we have sincere gratitude and respect for our ladies – I simply want to say thank you.”
Karsan’s Rotary journey began in 2018. “Giving back to the community has been ingrained in me from a young age. As a Karsan, there has been a precedent set before me which is my duty to continue.”
His father and brother always prioritised community work in Kariega, a legacy passed down to their sons.
“This duty will be taken seriously by future generations, with both my children serving as Interact Board members. My son serves as President and was awarded the Rotary Trophy for ‘Service above Self’ in his matric year.”
He added, “This isn’t self-congratulation, but gratitude for our blessings and commitment to spreading them.”
Despite moving to Gqeberha from Kariega, Karsan remains committed to Uitenhage South. When asked why he doesn’t join a Gqeberha club, he responds passionately: “This is my Rotary family. Having the opportunity to contribute to Uitenhage’s social development is something I hold dear. Uitenhage is my home. Both my parents were born here, as were my wife, children and I.”
Under this year’s Rotary theme “Unite for Good,” Karsan believes the club can grow through fellowship and increased membership for Kariega’s benefit. “Human connection and collective action are fundamental to creating positive change and addressing issues around us. My focus areas this year are participation, revival and strengthening the club.”
Karsan outlined three critical development areas: member engagement, modernisation, and promoting supportive club culture.
He emphasised working with youth “not only by bringing in new young members, but by modernising our approach.”
UD Express asked him a few more questions:
You spoke about “participate, revive, and strengthen” — which project will you prioritise first?
“Our ‘Winter Nights’ initiative is the first major priority. This important project collects warm clothing and blankets during this cold, rainy season. The initiative didn’t take place last year owing to flood relief efforts.
All collections will be distributed in KwaNobuhle through a township-based social welfare NGO serving orphans, vulnerable children, marginalised women and disabled youth. Distribution to SHARE takes place on Saturday, 23 August.
Next project
Karsan calls upon the Uitenhage community to gather unwanted warm clothing and blankets and drop them off outside OK MiniMark, Mosel tomorrow, 15 August, between 17:00 and 20:00. For those without excess items who still wish to assist, cash donations for purchasing blankets are also accepted.
How do you plan to modernise the club’s approach through social media?
“We’ll keep our current Facebook account updated. I’m excited to announce our new Instagram account (@rotaryclub.uitenhagesouth) and TikTok account (@rotaryclub.uitenhage).
Social media helps us reach more community members, especially those wanting to contribute but unsure how. It’s instrumental for promoting fundraisers – informing people when and why they’re happening and who benefits from proceeds. It allows public involvement in projects, as extra hands enable greater relief for more people in need. Our Head of Community Services and Projects, Rotarian Leshae Menezes, will manage these accounts.”
Can you give an example of a revived project and how it will differ?
“Multiple projects are being revived this year after various challenges prevented them previously. These include Winter Nights, the Rotary Club Golf Day and Bowls Day. The key difference is our ambition to organise and facilitate these projects by calling upon local community leaders, businesses and companies as sponsors.
There’s excellent opportunity for businesses to sponsor events – not only for advertising but to give back through different channels. These events should be fun whilst uplifting the community. I urgently appeal to local companies able to assist in ensuring successful fundraising events for the coming year.”
What would constitute a successful presidency?
“I aim to be organised and importantly, not make unachievable promises – so I’m making none. The Rotary Club is a community service club with a strong record of efficiently distributing raised funds. I aim to work with the community towards our goal of ‘Service Above Self’ – assisting as many people as possible.
Looking back at my term’s end, I’ll be pleased if we continue brilliant participation and donations from Rotary International, strongly facilitated by predecessor Clive Hassell. Increased participation from local businesses, companies and community leaders is also a major goal. We’re ambitious to do feasible work whilst acknowledging tough times for Uitenhage consumers and businesses.
However, any donation – regardless of size – will significantly contribute to our club’s successful year. I thank all continuous donors and sponsors for ongoing contributions.
Involving youth through social media is achievable, as is promoting initiatives to raise awareness and funds for our budget. Bringing new members – even just a couple – is ideal, as joining Rotary International offers amazing opportunities for personal growth and community service. Anyone aspiring to participate in community service is welcome to contact us to ‘Unite For Good.’”
Concluding his acceptance speech, Karsan quoted Mahatma Gandhi, “I am endeavouring to see God through service of humanity; for I know that God is neither in heaven, nor down below, but in everyone.”
Karsan added that this message advocates continuing lives of humility and selflessness: “I wish everyone the best in their attainment of peace and purity.”
