A Rotaracter Apart- Lindiwe Nhlamba

A Rotaractor Apart

 

This month we chat to Rotaractor Lindiwe Nhlamba. I am not usually one to shy away for a notebook and pen but on this occasion I was a bit sceptical. It was daunting and I felt I would not do her justice. She joined the club in October 2011, four months after it was founded. Ever since she has been a vital part of the Rotaract Club of Matopos, all charter members bear testimony to this. Now she is President-Elect and ready to take the reins in what is set to be another promising year for our dear Rotaract Club. So excuse me for being sceptical, I simply feel I will not do her justice.

The setting is a small cosy restaurant in Bulawayo. We sit down for coffee and watch one of those rich golden African sunsets (There really no sunset, I just thought that would sound poetic. Sorry, I sometimes get lost in the Literature). Lindiwe carries herself with the usual poise and shares her majestic smile. With the intention of not wasting any more time than I had to I got right to the interview after the usual niceties.

Me: Hi Lindi. Thanks for coming

Lindi: Thanks for having me

Me: I think firstly please do introduce us to Lindiwe

Lindi: Lindiwe is a spontaneous 23 year old lady currently studying Applied Physics at NUST (National University of Science and Technology). She likes meeting new people.

Me: One of the things I find fascinating about you is that you study Applied Physics. May you delve a little deeper into that? How did you come to choose to do that?

Lindi: Truthfully Applied Physics chose me. I intended to do Computer Science but then I was offered Applied Physics and then I decided to go for the degree program. It has been very rewarding. I am currently attached at the Meteorological Office. You do virtually anything that can involve physics in workplace like seismic monitoring and the like.

Me: And what do you intend to do in the future?

Lindi: I want to be a Systems Engineer. I find it very interesting. In this café for example I could generate a system that may let the waiters know that we are ready to order. The waiter may then relay a message to the chef about the order who in turn would relay a message when the order is ready. 

Me: Fascinating! You joined the club 4 months after it was founded. Tell us how you came to do so

Lindi: I was invited by Pamela Mukwena. I was initially in Interact so I liked the idea of carrying on with my work there. Then she told me about the budding new club of Matopos and here I am. 

Me: Do you have any general philosophy for life?

Lindi: Yes. You do not know what you can do until you try. I feel that often people limit themselves because they feel an objective is bigger than them but you can never really know what you are really capable of until you test yourself.

Me: So what does Lindi do for fun?

Lindi: Am I allowed to say that I spend time with my boyfriend?

Me: Yes, go right ahead.

Lindi: I spend time with my boyfriend. We go for braais. He likes those drag racing events so we go watch those together.

Me: And how long have you been together if I may ask?

Lindi: We’ve been together for 13 months now.

Me: As a student in Applied Physics, what equation do you think describes you the most?

Lindi: Mmmmmm….. I would say Schrodinger’s equation. The reason being that it seems very simple at first glance but it has been a gateway many scientific breakthroughs. A lot has been drawn from it and it has led to the discovery of many scientific phenomena

The Schrodinger equation plays the role of Newton's laws and conservation of energy in classical mechanics - i.e., it predicts the future behaviour of a dynamic system. It is a wave equation in terms of the wave-function which predicts analytically and precisely the probability of events or outcome. The detailed outcome is not strictly determined, but given a large number of events, the Schrodinger equation will predict the distribution of results.

Me: Interesting. Who inspires you?

Lindi: I am inspired by this Nigerian woman Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche

Me: How so?

Lindi: She points out that men should not bring women down just because they are women. A man should not be intimidated by a woman because she is climbing up the ranks. A real man should empower his woman and support her. He is supportive and is happy when his woman is successful and climbing up the ranks.

Me: It seems as if you are describing someone specific  

Lindi: Yes, I kind of am. He is very supportive. He is that kind of man

Me: What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

Lindi: (Pause)…. I don’t do much crazy stuff. I remember this one time though when I was at school and I went skinny-dipping……..

Images and Descriptions of Miss Lindiwe swimming in her birthday suit were intentionally omitted. Our posts should be suitable for all readers. As such they will be left entirely to the imagination of the readers 

Me: Now I would like to talk to talk to you in your capacity as President-Elect. What is your vision for the coming year?

Lindi: I would like to see Interact Clubs in Bulawayo being more involved. I feel that not a lot has been done for them. Having been an Interactor myself I know that a lot can be done to make their experience more interesting.

Me: And the Rotaract Club Of Matopos itself, where will we be in a year?

Lindi: The club will keep growing as it already is, I want to focus a lot on the Professional and Vocational side of things. I think that is where we are falling a bit short. So a lot of work will be done there.

Me: Life after Rotaract?

Lindi: Rotary

Me: So we can look forward to calling you Rotarian Lindi soon?

Lindi: Definitely. I look forward to getting into Rotary after this. 

Me: Do you do that on purpose?

Lindi: What?

Me: Your smile. I think I speak for the whole club when I say your smile can light up anyone’s day.

Lindi: (Smiles) Thanks and to answer that I don't I am just usually always in a good mood

Me: Thank you for gracing us with your presence. I am sure our readers will enjoy the article.

 

On that note the dialog I both anticipated and that had me nerve-wrecked ended. As with all encounters with Lindi she was very cordial.

Club Board of 2014-2015

The Rotaract Club of Matopos board for 2014-2015 according to the votes cast by the club members of the club on the 28th of March 2014.

President: Lindiwe Nhlamba
Vice President: Nyasha Muronzi
Secretary: Nomanjabulo Mantula
Treasurer: Tatenda Manomano
Public Relations Officer: Ngonidzashe Vivian Munemo
Club Services Director: Fungai Makwarimba
Professional and Vocational Service Director: Kitso Dube
Community Service Director: Godwin Maposa
International Service Director: Makabongwe Ncube

The Induction is set for the month of July. Further details will be supplied as they become available.

Power with Status

Rotaract Clubs are known as architects of individiuals of high Social and Professional Stature. In the endeavor of achieving this I did an analysis of people of such nature who are within my reach in the hope of finding what makes such individuals distinct. It was surprised at the ease at which I found what separates the sheep from the goats. 

Before proceeding with this article I think it is fitting to provide definitions for Power and for Status. Power lies in holding a formal position of authority or controlling important resources. Status involves being respected or admired.

It was interesting to note that reaction to power being exercised by high-status and low-status people is different. The natural response of people when low-status exercise authority is to label them as 'bossy', whereas their high-status conterparts are perceived as dominant, but also warm. They are held in high regard, so everyone is willing to follow their commands. When the same commands come from people who lack status, we judge them as dominant and cold. To put it simply they have not earned respect therefore there is the general feeling that they have no right to exercise their Power.

When young people get called bossy, it is often because they are trying to exercise power without status. It is not that they're being dominant; the backlash arises because they are overstepping their status. This is often the case when a young university graduate is employed in industry. They often are put in charge of people who have been around the organisation for a while. They lack any form of status in the organisation. This often leads to a reluctant workforce. There is often the "who does he/she think he/she is coming here and giving orders mentality" line of thought.

To receive positive reinforcement for early acts of leadership, young leaders should refrain from 'bossy' behavior. First engage in behaviors that earn admiration before asserting authority. These behaviors are competence and caring. We look up to people who are capable and concerned about others. We follow people once they have demonstrated that they have unique skills and will use them for the benefit of the group.

There is extensive evidence that the men and women who gain the most status are those who are giving and generous. By helping others, sharing credit, and showing an interest in others' opinions, men and women alike gain respect. Teammates end up rooting for them, instead of gunning for them.

Great leaders begin by earning status through their contributions and only then do they assert their authority.By demonstrating competence and concern for others, they'll earn the esteem to step up into positions of power. Then, when they lean in, others will be cheering them on.

Do not however feel obligated to take my word for it. Take a glance at most successful people local and internationally Strive Masiyiwa, Oprah Winfrey, the Late Nelson Mandela.  Feel free to give a verdict and share your opinions.

It is also very interesting to note that the very foundation of Rotary International were also base somewhat on Competence and Caring. A group of professional who decide to be of service to the community. Look at the size of Rotary International today and how Rotarian are revered. Coincidence? I think not.

World Rotaract Week celebrating 46years of service

So much more than community service…

Rotaract is an international organization of service clubs for men and women aged 18-30 that fosters leadership and responsible citizenship, encourages high ethical standards in business and promotes international understanding and peace.

This year (2014)  Rotaract turns 46  years, it has now become the Rotary's biggest achievement under its youth service(formerly new generations) program as well as the biggest youth organisation in the world 

Interesting history of Rotaract…

Rotaract is a program of Rotary International. These Clubs work under the guidance of their local Rotary Club, and take their name from a combination of the words Rotary and action. Rotaract was officially inaugurated during January 1968 under RI President Luther Hodges. The first officially chartered Rotaract Club was in North Charlotte, North Carolina, on 13 March, 1968; however, clubs with young people associated in service with local Rotary Clubs had existed for several years all over the world.

The earliest known predecessors to Rotaract, Twenty-Thirty clubs, were first sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sacramento, California, USA. These clubs were based on the principles and goals of their sponsoring Rotary clubs, and membership was open to young professionals and university students. The first meeting of a Twenty-Thirty club was held on 19 December 1922. At one point, the movement claimed as many as 125 clubs under the sponsorship of California Rotary clubs, and published a monthly magazine.

In 1927, Round Table clubs were founded in Great Britain and Ireland. Membership in Round Table clubs was open to young men ages 18 to 40, and by 1935 more than 90 Round Table clubs existed. In November 1930, the first Apex club was formed in Geelong, Australia. Apex clubs grew rapidly, expanding to more than 20 clubs in just a few years. These clubs were sponsored by Rotary clubs, and were open to professionals and students between the ages of 18 and 35.

Similar Rotary club-sponsored groups continued to spring up simultaneously and independently around the globe. Unisserve clubs in India, Orbis clubs in South America, Rotors clubs in South Africa, Paul Harris Circles in Europe, and Quadrant clubs in the United States are some of the best-known examples. Eventually, these clubs would provide the base for the future growth of Rotaract as the clubs adopted new names under the Rotaract program.

The decision to adopt the Rotaract program came at a time when student and young adult protests worldwide were of growing concern to Rotarians. The Rotaract program was adopted not only as means of keeping former Interactors within the Rotary family, but as a means of channeling the energies of young adults into positive activities that could benefit their communities.

By 1981, Rotaract was so popular that Rotaractors in South Africa decided to host the first INTEROTA conference, an international meeting for all Rotaractors. Subsequent conferences have been held every three years. To date, INTEROTA conferences have been hosted by Rotaractors in Australia, Brazil, England, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey. International meetings for Rotaractors are also held every year at the Rotaract Pre-convention Meeting, that precedes Rotary’s annual convention. The first such meeting was held in Seoul, Korea, in 1989, with more than 450 Rotaractors in attendance.

In February 1991, the first Rotaract club in Eastern Europe was chartered in Budapest, Hungary, with the help of Austrian Rotaractors. Ties in Eastern Europe were further strengthened when the same Austrian Rotaractors helped charter the Rotaract Club of Prague in what was the Czechoslovakia later in 1991. In March 1992, the RI Board established World Rotaract Week, which is celebrated annually during the week of 13 March to commemorate the chartering of the first Rotaract club. During World Rotaract Week, Rotaractors attend meetings with their sponsoring Rotary clubs, undertake joint service projects, and speak with clubs that do not sponsor Rotaract clubs about the benefits of the program.

Since 1968, Rotaractors have continually shown that they can be an innovative and positive force for change in their communities. Service activities commonly undertaken include projects to improve the environment, visits with the elderly or disabled, blood or organ donation campaigns, and aid to developing countries. One example of the ingenuity employed by Rotaractors is a project undertaken by the Rotaract Clubs of Heemstede and Hillegom-Lissee, the Netherlands, in 1987. In order to raise funds for PolioPlus, Rotaractors from the two clubs designed an amphibious cycle that would cross the English Channel under the power of 36 Rotaractors. The campaign raised US$210,000 for PolioPlus and earned the Rotaractors a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for their speedy crossing.

This is just a few of the many wonders of rotaract, and what it has accomplished the world over. If you are not yet a member find a rotaract club near you go to www.rotaract.org  and become part of the family that has had a big & positive impact of the world 

ADRR Nyasha Muronzi

This month we chat to ADDR Nyasha Muronzi, more affectionately known by those close to him as Nash. He is of the members who were there at the foundation of the club back on the 25th of June 2011. During the time the club was chartered he was Club Secretary, as such he is in a position to tell us some of the Club's most important history. He has served the club ever since and currently holds the office of Club Services Director.
Although a lot of interesting and peculiar have hit the Rotaract grapevine (I don't gossip, it's my job to know!) I had to refrain from the more personal questions. This interview has more to do with the undocumented histories of the Rotaract Club of Matopos. It also features Mr. Muronzi's history in relation to his work in the club.

Me: Hello Mr. Muronzi, thank you for making time for this interview
Nyasha: It's a pleasure, and please, Nash will do just fine.

Me: As one of the few remaining members who were there since the founding of the Rotaract Club of Matopos may you tell us in brief about the founding?
Nyasha: The Club was founded in 2011, should be in April. We were members from different tertiary institutions in Bulawayo. We were under the mentorship and guidance of Rotarian Ibrahim Esast and thus the Rotaract Club of Matops was formed.

Me: The Rotaract Club of Matopos was formed when the Rotaract Club of Belmont was already in operation. Why and who felt that there was need and that it was the right time for a second rotaract club to be formed.
Nyasha: There is no limit to the number of Rotaract Clubs that can exist in an area. Ideally every Rotary club would have a Rotaract Club it sponsors. Our parent club, The Rotary Club of Matopos felt it was the right time for them to sponsor their own Rotaract Club. Thus here we are. 
As the saying goes 'The more the merrier'.

Me: At the time you were the Club Secretary, so I think you are in a position to tell us the challenges that were faced during that time? 
Nyasha: Well the obvious challenge was that I knew nothing about my role and about Rotaract. It was like we were just babies  because we knew absolutely nothing and we were still trying to find the balance between Rotaract and other aspects of our lives

Me: In what ways can you say the club has changed since then?
Nyasha: The Club has changed enormously since then. Membership has grown and members are now more informed on what Rotaract is all about. We have also established contacts and friendships with other Rotaractors in the district and beyond.

Me: Currently you hold the office of ADRR, may you tell us what acronym stands for and what the role entails.
Nyasha: My full title is "ADRR Clubs and Membership Extention". The Acronym stands for Assistant District Rotaract Representative. From the first word you can tell that I am an assistant. I function as an assistant to the DRR. My role specifically is to promote the Rotaract program in the district. I oversee the formation of new Rotaract Clubs as well as see to the increase in membership of existing clubs

Me: And what selection criteria is used to elect office-bearers, what attributes does one have to have to be ADRR?
Nyasha: The post of ADRR is an appointed post, the DRR appoints ADDRs whom she believes will do well in the district committee on basis of their individual strengths. I was appointed because I am an inducted member and have served as a committee director in Rotaract and possess the necessary experience to lead the district.

Me: What milestone have been achieved during anytime in any one of the three offices that you have occupied 
Nyasha: Well, that is a tricky question. I do not want to appear to be bragging, but then I believe I have earned the right to brag. I do not think I can single one out  because all three have their milestone achievements.
As secretary I managed to set up a Twitter account (my favourite social networking site) for the Rotaract Club of Matopos. Consequently we became and still are the most active and interactive club in Rotary District 9210. This has helped the club grow and gain popularity and take part in a monthly global Rotaract Chat. this can be access on twitter under  the hashtag #RACTALK. We have used this platform to make friends with Rotaractors and Rotarians from all over the world and even gone on to do international projects.
During my term as ADRR the number of Rotaract Clubs has grown from 12 to 18, 15 of the 18 clubs have already been chartered.  
As Club Services Director my greatest achievement comes under fellowship.There has been the introduction of Celebration Nights. We celebrate members, birthdays and great achievements (like Graduations) by members by cakes and awards ceremonies.

Me: Apart from being ADRR of the district, you are also the Club Services Director of the Rotaract Club Of Matopos. How has been being in office been rewarding?
Nyasha: Being Club Services Director has bee rewarding on so many levels. I love my post as Director and my committee members are awesome. Together have done great things for the Club. It was because of them that I was awarded medal from the President for Outstanding Director. 
As Club Services Director I have discovered that I can be more than just a handsome* face in the club but someone who is in the forefront of things, be the person that people can count on. Most importantly, I have learnt the importance of a great team and teamwork.

*DISCLAIMER

*the writer feels the obligation to highlight that the view expressed is not the view of the writer (and the writer is of the opinion that it is view that Nash does not share with anyone else), the Rotaract Club of Matopos, Rotaract Worldwide,  Rotary International, their affiliates, the world and the universe but those of Mr. Muronzi. 

Me: On a more personal note, because I know the readers would never be happy if I leave this out. Any plans for marriage anytime soon. Will we be seeing little Nashs or  (whatever the plural may be)  anytime soon?
Nyasha: (Laughs) You need to find new readers Sir. There are no plans of marriage in the horizon so no little nashes running around anytime soon but I do have a better half who I am crazy about. I know the female readers will be gravely disappointed to read that as they were hoping I would ask them out but hey will have to settle for my friendship.

At this point I must say it became apparent that Nash's personal life was something that could not be let alone. There's a lady! or rather better half (well... I can't just assume at this point you know). I did what common consent would obviously require. I dug deeper.

Me: Does this better half have a name perhaps?
Nyasha: Well somehow I saw that question coming, I guess it's time to put the cat out of the bag. Her name is Patience Moyo

Me: Please tell us how you met and give our single readers out there some tips on finding love.
It is an interesting story actually. We met in a queue at a passport office, she was standing right in front of me. We started moaning about the terrible service there. We ended up helping each other survive the horrors of the passport office. We kept in touch after that and the rest is just boring details. The end result is we are now a couple though it took some months.
To the single people out there looking for love contrary to popular belief it is very easy to find love. The trick is to just be patient and not to just go about dating everyone you come across. Look for that person who you are willing to go out of your way to make happy no matter how difficult they make it, that one person who know your weirdness accepts it and loves you for it, that one person who you can't imagine what your life would be without them in it. This can only be done through courtship and not this hooking up business that most people do these days. Let me end there I can talk about this until kingdom come.

Me: Thank you very much Nash for making time for this interview, I think I speak for everyone when I wish you the most rewarding of relationships.
Nyasha: Like I said before, It has been a pleasure.

On that lighter note the interview with the Assistant District Rotaract Representative ends. If you wish to be furnished with more information follow him on twitter (he would say that). His twitter handle is @nashMcRonzie. 

I think I speak for everyone in the Rotaract Family of Bulawayo as a whole when I say Nash is one of our most popular celebrities (I took the liberty of verifying the definition) for reasons which would need another article altogether.

AND WE'RE TWINNED.

It is with great pleasure that I write the first piece on our blog about the Rotaract Club of Ege. Thanks to the great work done by the International Services committee led by Director Dennis Makofi the Rotaract Club of Ege is officially twinned to the Rotaract Club of Matopos.

Information made available to us indicates that the club is based in the city of Ìzmir which is in Turkey. You will continue receiving news from the International news desk about our new twin club as it is made available to us. 

We look forward to a healthy and fruitful working relationship with them. Now, let the projects roll.....

Ekhupumuleni Geriatric Home Visit

On the 12th of October ,we visited Ekhupumuleni geriatrics home. The again the attendance was astronomical we even had members from the newly formed NUST Rotaract club joining us. The main purpose of the visit was that of identifying the needs of the home and thereafter formulating lasting solutions to mitigate most or all those needs. We arrived at the home at 10:00hrs as had  been scheduled and our arrival coincided with yet another visit by the youth from the local Seventh Day Adventist Church who came to conduct a short church service. The service was very enjoyable and interactive as it gave the congregants a chance to interact with the presenters. It is reassuring to note that young people are taking the initiative at such an early stage and understand the importance and role of the elderly in our community. After the church service the Rotaractors began to interact with the elderly and thereafter presented the donation. The interaction session was exciting and mutually beneficial as it broke the daily routine which the residents at Ekhupumuleni are subjected to day in and day out and it also gave the Rotaractors a glance into the rich history which will otherwise disappear together with its custodians. The experience was so touching as one could really relate to the elderly and realise that ubuntu is about caring for each other and taking time to listen to each other young and old alike. The goods presented were among other things biscuits, handwash, toilet detergent, blankets and latex gloves which was all made possible by the sponsors to this noble cause.It was really evident that Ekhupumuleni Gaetrics Home was grateful for this small gesture. This visit totally lived up to our RI Presidents theme to Engage Rotary Change Liv