On Monday evening, 29 June, at Avondale Primary School Danny Pietersen was inaugurated for the third consecutive time as president of the Rotary Club of Atlantis, marking his fourth overall term since first taking office in 2019.
At the same ceremony Jordan Petersen was also inducted as the new president of the Rotaract Club of Atlantis, an affiliate of the Rotary Club of Atlantis.
Rotaract places a strong emphasis on self-development and measurable projects within local communities. Its work typically includes humanitarian initiatives aligned with Rotary’s seven global focus areas: basic education and literacy, environmental protection, maternal and child health, and peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Rotaract also offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, with a particular focus on leadership development and public speaking. Members build bridges across cultures and promote international understanding, contributing to global peace and solidarity.
Danny Pietersen, retired principal of Reygersdal Primary, has spent the past eight years tirelessly with NPOs, NGOs and community organisations to improve living conditions in Atlantis, Mamre, Pella, and Witsand.
On the evening both Rotary and the Rotaract Club of Atlantis recognised organisations and individuals who have made a difference in their communities, not only improving social conditions but also fostering development. “Working alongside people and organisations that make a difference in their communities shows not only there are those who care for our residents,” Pietersen said at the event, “but they also want to see progress.
Various projects
A slideshow presentation highlighted various projects undertaken by the two clubs. The distinction between Rotary, Rotaract, and another service-related club, Interact, lies mainly in the age groups and focus of their involvement. Residents interested in joining a local Rotary and Rotaract, or Interact, for that matter, or simply to observe their work, are encouraged to connect with them in the town. The Rotary Club of Atlantis meets on Thursdays at 18:30 at the Rebecca van Amsterdam Hall in Protea Park, where projects and activities are discussed.
The evening concluded with the Four–Way Test, Rotary’s ethical framework used to evaluate decisions and actions. It asks four simple questions applicable to any situation:
• Is it the truth?
• Is it fair to all concerned?
• Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
• Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
This test reflects Rotary’s commitment to honesty, fairness, friendship and service, that projects are pursued with integrity and ensure community well-being. The proceedings ended with a three-course dinner, at which Rotarians exchange valuable ideas and proposals, opening new possibilities for future community projects.
