Farewell to PP Keith Patrick
It is with great sadness that our Club announces the passing of Past President Keith Patrick on Sunday 12 April 2026. He joined Rotary in 2013 and was President for the 2023-24 Rotary year. He is truly a great loss to the Club, and the wider community in which he served with outstanding dedication. Sincerest condolences to his wife, Jacki, and his family and friends. Farewell and Rest in Peace, Keith.
Photo: Past President Daria Gorbaszewicz inducting President Keith Patrick in 2023 and presenting him with a Paul Harris Recognition.
Project News
Members of the Club visited Appel Combined School o 18 April 2026 to mark the occasion of the hand-over of renovations and upgrades that have been sponsored by Rotary Haenertsburg. The upgrades included new ceilings, renovated desks, doors, roofing and painting, generously sponsored by The Door Group, ZZ2 and Fartracko. The project will continue with further assistance to install electrical fittings and other maintenance work.The Principal and members of Appel's SGB, an official from the Department of Education, Mopani West District, Tzaneen Circuit, and a contingent of Rotary members were shown around the school to admire the work done, giving the learners a brighter and safer learning environment.
Membership News
Induction of new members
Neo Seabala
The Induction of Neo Seabala took place at the Magoebaskloof Hotel on 5 November 2025. He was introduced by PP Amy Taylor-Bennett and the formal Induction and handing over of the pin was undertaken by President Johan Jacobsz.
Neo is a qualified lawyer at Joubert & May Attorneys and is 25 years old. He addressed those members present and said: “I am honoured to join Rotary Haenertsburg. I was inspired by its steadfast commitment to transforming and assisting impoverished communities, and schools and at the same time ensuring that we live in a healthy environment by planting trees in our local communities and doing random community clean ups.”
Neo is warmly welcomed and we wish him a rewarding and happy time serving in Rotary.
Fumo Chabalala
The Club inducted Fumo Chabalala in September 2025 as their newest and by far, youngest member. Fumo lives in Tzaneen and is an advisor assistant, essentially managing the day-to-day admin of his company which specialises in employee benefits (retirement funds and insurance).
A social pizza evening at the Pot 'n Plow was the venue for this happy occasion, when Fumo showcased his amazing talent at 'freestyling' - give him a one word subject and he creates an instant entertaining story in a clever 'rapper' style. Welcome to our Club Fumo, we look forward to a long association. Fumo said: "I joined Rotary because I felt like I could better try to connect with my local community and make a positive change in my immediate environment."
Induction President 2026- 2027
The new President of the Haenertsburg Rotary Club for 2026-2027 is Nicky Morgan..
President Johan's Board for the year are as follows: Past President Betty Ramaselela (Projects); PP Ann Luther (Secretary); PP Daria Gorbaszewicz (Treasurer); Nicky Morgan (President Elect 2026-2027 and Club Services); Esti Rademeyer (Foundation); Heather Gore (Public Image and IT); PP Amy Taylor-Bennett (Membership); Rowena van Schalkwyk and Randy Jacobsz (Youth) and PDG Maurice Stander (Executive Secretary).
Social Events
Come dine with me
This event was held at Warriors and the Theme was "Island Style". Members are divided into groups and have to host an evening with entertainment based on a theme. The first one was a "Greek" evening and there will be two more held in the current President's Year.
Visit from Phalaborwa Rotary Club
Haenertsburg Club was pleased to welcome 3 members from Phalaborwa who joined our meeting held at the Pot 'n Plow on
Wednesday 30 October 2024. The purpose was for the Past President of Phalaborwa, now a Haenertsburg Rotarian, Laurie Railton (Foundation Chair), to hand over to them their original Phalaborwa Club Banner, which had been lost. The story of the loss was that they used to hold their meetings at the Impala Inn in Phalaborwa and when it was sold, the new owners brought in construction teams to upgrade the premises. In the process all the Club banners and regalia was discarded in error, and they have been without their banner for a few years. A banner was traced belonging to a Past President living in Cape town. Laurie visited him recently and brought back the banner to present to the Phalaborwa members. It features the legendary big tusker Elephant, Mafunyane, which was their 'logo'.
Seen with Laurie here are left PAG Andrew Selepe, President Bruce Mabasa and on the right, Secretary Thabiso Mkhombo.
Supporting Community Safety in Mentz
On the 27th August 2022, Haenertsburg Rotarians Betty Ramaselela, Heinz Haas and his wife Lorna handed the “MENTZ COMMUNITY AGAINST CRIME” a donation of LED spotlights and safety vests to the value of R5000.00. They were very cordially and punctually received at their venue and had prepared for this little hand-over ceremony with a table laid out with snacks and cold drinks.
Their Chairperson, Victor Ramoshaba introduced the members of his group, and after the presentation PP Heinz addressed the group and gave them information on the inside workings of a neighbourhood watch, something he was well experienced in, having served on the Haenertsburg Neighbourhood Watch (HNW) for several years, as well as being a Section Leader. He emphasized the need to work within the law and with the support of the SAPS. He also praised them on behalf of the Haenertsburg Rotary Club for their initiative to start this venture to help keep their community safe. The Mentz Chairman gave a report on their activities and thanked the Rotary Club for the most welcome donation, which will assist them in their work and make them a more effective unit.
This is just another of the small but meaningful community outreach projects that Rotary has been able to get involved with and came about from a request conveyed via a Mentz resident who is employed by a Rotarian in Haenertsburg. Good connections have been forged!
The members of the Mentz Community Against Crime are:
Victor Ramoshaba – Chairperson,
Johannes Mamabolo – Deputy Chair,
Joyce Maredi – Secretary, and members
Lesedi Sehlapelo,
Pretty Maenetja,
David Mogale,
Mapula Raphela and Laurens Maoto.
