Rotaract Club of Matopos revisits Ekuphumuleni

A time ago the Rotaract Club of Matopos visited Ekuphumuleni Geriatric Home. The home accommodates the elderly and provides them with food, care and an environment of their need. It is located in Mzilikazi in the City of Bulawayo.  On the 5th of September the club revisited the Home.

The club visited the home for a project which the club is partnering with Edgars and Drummond Chickens. 

In light of the financial challenges that Ekuphumuleni has been facing lately, the organisations came together to set up a self-sustaining project for the home.

The home has fowl-runs on their premises. Thanks to great work and social-responsibility shown by Edgars and Drummond, the project is on the course for the resumption of Chicken-rearing. Drummond Chickens is donating 3000 chickens to the home,and will provide the market for the chickens when they are ready to purchase,  Edgars purchased much of the inputs for the start of the project an the club chipped in and purchased inputs for the project and the labour to set up  the runs.

During the course of the next few days the setting up of the runs will continue and the chicks are set to arrive. The club will be planning occasional visits to assess progress on the project 

The Ekuphumuleni Home project is an ongoing one, prior to this project the club had already diarised a visit to Ekuphumuleni. The elderly are our heritage. Let us take care of them.

Nineteen and taking Rotaract by storm

 This month two of our greatly valued members sat for an interview (Well, the other was conducting the interview). Dumisani Hubert Ndlovu, affectionately known as Ma40-40 (The name so nice you have to say it twice) interviewed one of the youngest members of our club, as the title suggests she has been making waves. She is the current Interact Director and is passionate about the club, she is Nomagugu Ayanda Mhlanga. Here is what they had to say,

Ma40: Hie Ayanda

Ayanda: Hie Ma40, how are you

Ma40: Hungry. Okay let's get into it then

Ayanda: Please let it not be formal

Ma40: Ok (puts pen and diary down , dips into his lunch as he readies to get into the conversation, Lets talk, who’s Ayanda?

Ayanda: Nineteen year old, heading for varsity in two weeks, loves reading , cooking and food.

Ma40:that explains ur order (she laughs),​So varsity , wat programme r u going to be doing?

Ayanda; Radiography

Ma40:Muddo, is that what u always wanted to do?

Ayanda: No, I had always wanted to to an Engineering degree, 

Ma40: Engineering , in which field?

Ayanda: Any, but most probably Civil engineering

Ma40: What happened?

Ayanda: I just decided that since many people are doing the same , let me do radiography

Ma40: oh okay. Now Rotaract Club of Matopos, how did you come to know about it?

Ayanda: I was invited by Michael.  Me and Michael went  to primary school together, so when we got reconnected he invited me to the club.

Ma40: Did you have an idea of what it was about?

Ayanda: No, but what he said was its like Interact Club at an older level, I kinda got it although I was never an interactor at school.

Ma40: How was your first day at the Club?

Ayanda: It was welcoming , very friendly and warm. If it wasn’t for that, I was never going to come back

Ma40: You got inducted almost 3 months ago (20 June 2014) , thats 6 months after you started attending our meetings, and a month later you were appointed Interact Director, the first in the club (25th July 2014), you heading for varsity, how does it feel to be you, having all this happen in your life in 3 months?

Ayanda: Honored and grateful, its all through grace, I don’t believe in luck.

Ma40: The Rotary theme “ LIGHT UP ROTARY” how do you intend to fulfil it as Interact Director?

Ayanda: Well most of the Interact clubs seem to know nothing about the Rotary , Rotaract and Interact relationship. So I intend to educate them in words and in deeds, what Rotary is all about, thus Lighting Up Rotary to them.

Ma40: I must say that was wonderfully put.

Ayanda: Thank you (she blushes)

Ma40; The club has a motto “INSPIRE BYO” , How do you intend to Inspire Bulawayo 

Ayanda: By working with Interact, helping them complete projects that people  wouldn’t expect young people to do , show people one is never too young to take up hard projects and succeed.

Ma40: Now lets round it  off,

  ​What do you like about the club?

Ayanda; The coolness

Ma40: Describe the following in one word?

LIFE:

Ayanda:  GIFT

Ma40: Rotaract Club of Matopos

Ayanda: FAMILY

Ma40: You

Ayanda: OPEN MINDED

Ma40: am sure you have that guy in your life that you call your boyfriend?

Ayanda: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah do i have to?

Ma40: Yes , do i know him? (asking a rhetorical question)

Ayanda: Yes. He’s inspired, ambitious, down to earth and supportive,thats all I’m saying

Ma40: How did you meet him?

Ayanda: We met on LOL

•
(For those who don’t know LOL, its a whatsapp group dedicated to jokes, administred by yours truly MA40)

Ma40: It's great to be of service

 ​Any parting words ?

Ayanda: You should never be too proud to learn new things.

Ma40: thank you Ayanda, that concludes our conversation. 

Ayanda: Pleasure ma40.

 

That concludes the interview. 

Matopos rotaract takes career guidance to Bulawayo high-density suburb

On Friday, 1 August, rotaract club of matopos held a career guidance day at Mpopoma high school, under the theme ‘inspire Bulawayo’. This event attracted close to 500 students attending schools within Bulawayo`s high density suburbs.

Respected officials at the function included the Deputy Provincial Education Officer, Mr. Moyo, who gave the guest of honor`s speech. Mrs. L Moyo, The Provincial Education Officer-Career Guidance and Counseling- for Bulawayo, also graced the event with her presence and encouraged rotaractors to continue with such a project.

This event was made a success by 17 exhibitors emanating from the country`s tertiary institutions, vocational training centers, profit and non-profit making organisations. They inspired the learner with their presentations and guidance on diverse career opportunities.

Notable among these exhibitors, were NUST, Lupane State University, Catholic University of Zimbabwe, UNISA, Bulawayo Polytechnic College, and Speciss College, Trust Academy, Careers R Us, British Council Library and Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association. In addition, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, Nissan Clover, Dema-tech Engineering, Southern-Eye Newspaper, the Forestry Commission, Catholic Relief Services, and Mpilo medical doctor, Tatenda Simango, also participated in the fair.

In his comment on why the club had decided to do this specific project, the club`s public relations officer, Ngonidzashe, said: “cases of teenage pregnancy, and students dropping-out of school in pursuit of criminal activities, inspired the project. Such issues characterize our high-density suburbs; hence, with this project we aimed to inspire the students into realizing their potential beyond their immediate circumstances. I can say the students were inspired, the exhibitors were inspirational.”

This event marked the club`s first project for the year, focusing on education and literacy development, following their book donation at Hope Fountain high school, in 2013.

Speaking to the club after touring the exhibitors’ stands with the Ed.- Officer, the Deputy PED Mr. Moyo said he was very impressed by the club`s initiative, and the ministry of education would be most welcoming to any similar projects by the club.

However, Mr. Moyo highlighted that although the turnout was great, it would be great if the club can engage more exhibitors from arts and vocational training centers, on their next fairs; since they were very few exhibitors from that sector, on the day.

In response, Kitso Dube, a Professional Development Director for the club, said, “It was unfortunate that some of the vocational training institutions we had invited failed to make it. However, we will keep on inviting them and try to increase their representation on our next event.”

Her sentiments were also echoed by the club`s PRO who said, “We hope to see more players from the corporate world and vocational training sector, engaging in such activities as a fulfillment of their social responsibility and commitment to empowering the youths who are most likely the next generation entrepreneurs or their employees.”

Giving the vote of thanks, on behalf of the club, was the Vice-President-Nyasha Muronzi, who expressed gratitude to the ministry of education and all the exhibitors at the event.

In his short speech, Nyasha said, “The support we have received from the ministry and the various exhibitors today has been amazing. We will keep engaging you in our future projects. We thank you very much for inspiring Bulawayo and partnering with us on this project.”

The rotaract club of matopos has initiated a number of charity projects within Bulawayo over the past years. Recent among their projects are, a food and bedding material donation to St Francis children`s home, Ekhupumuleni old people`s home, and a book donation to hope fountain high school.

On a closing note, the club`s president, Lindiwe Nhlamba, emphasised that the club will continue with its efforts to help its surrounding communities and initiate projects that will touch lives.

“Our projects will not stop here; we have more plans to keep initiating projects that will help people in need, especially those residing in areas that are least frequented by those who have resources to make a difference in other people`s lives,” said Lindiwe.

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