With over 1.4 million members in 200 countries around the world, Rotary International continues to uphold its founding motto, Service above Self.
The latest addition to the Rotary family is the Keetmanshoop Rotary Club, formerly chartered in June 2024.
With more than 45,000 clubs around the globe, Rotarians work together to promote peace, fight diseases, protect the environment, and support educational initiatives in previously disadvantaged communities.
The club held its first fundraising gala dinner at the Southern town, with over N$60,000 raised for the Keetmanshoop Rotary Club.
"Though young in age, the club has already demonstrated maturity in vision and action. You have quickly positioned yourself as a credible partner in development, showing us all that transformation does not wait for time; it moves at the pace of purpose. The Rotary Club of Keetmanshoop exemplifies this truth through programmes aimed at health awareness, education, sports, youth engagements and care for the elderly. You are building bridges of compassion and laying the groundwork for a stronger society," said Rotarian Suzan Ndjaleka.
Funds raised will be channelled to community projects in and around the town of Keetmanshoop.
Richard Cook is the outgoing president of the Keetmanshoop Rotary Club. He told the Rotarians that "We want to look at a project with international partners, looking at eye projects, even looking at a CT scan. That is what we want to do, but we will need you. We will need the private sector. We will come back to you to help us in going forward and helping the community of Keetmanshoop."
Bennie Diergaardt, the incoming president of the Keetmanshoop Rotary Club, called on the residents of Keetmanshoop to rally behind the club and adopt the spirit of giving.
"To the people of Keetmanshoop, your courage and spirit inspire us here today. But most importantly, friends and partners, if we are to continue with this work and expand it, we cannot do it alone; we need your support. To our private businesses, our entrepreneurs and our corporate leaders, we need you. The truth is the impact of Rotary is multiplied when backed by resources , longlisting and investments. Imagine what we could do if each local business adopted a cause within Rotary: a soup kitchen, a school initiative, a wheelchair donation or even a simple drive for warm clothes. You don't have to be a Rotarian to make a difference; you just have to care enough to take action."
The Keetmanshoop Town Council, represented by acting Strategic Executive Aina Amunkete-Zhanje, welcomed the establishment of the club.
"I urge all of us to open our hearts and, if possible, our wallets so that we can invest in a brighter future for Keetmanshoop. Together we can ensure that no one in the community is left behind."
The Keetmanshoop Rotary Club will hold more fundraising initiatives to ensure that identified projects receive the needed assistance.