Round Table Southern Africa - February 2022 by Inkundla

February, 2022

Issue 10

Inkundla 073 860 3698

Tuesday 15 February 2022

pro@roundtable.co.za

VP Out-of-the-Box Membership Drive Igor Scheurkogel

Every now and again during your Table career, something truly awesome comes your way. In the case of Welkom 40, it was agent leman by the name of Buks Gradidge. Buks had advanced cataracts and severe myopia in both eyes because of the cataracts. Buks contacted us, and we started looking around for a solution. The initial cost would have been in the region of R34 000 which Buks could not afford. The value of Round Table is manifested in many different places, and one of the most tangible is the relationships that we form with other Tablers.

Welkom 40 contacted ex RTSA President at Pretoria 136. They have a project called Fight4Sight and we appealed to them for help. We had limited time as Buks cannot work as a miner until his eyesight has been corrected. Pretoria 136 did not hesitate, and we managed to get an appointment within a week. On 19 January, we took Buks to Pretoria for his appointment and surgery. The surgery on the 20 th was a massive success and Buks’ eyesight went from around 28% in his left eye to 95% postsurgery. Continues on page 3

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February, 2022

From The President Once upon a time, a flock of doves flew in search of food led by their King. One day, they had flown a long distance and were very tired. The Dove King encouraged them to fly a little further. The smallest dove picked up speed and found some rice scattered beneath a tree. So all the doves landed and began to eat. Suddenly a net fell over them, and they were all trapped. They saw a hunter approaching carrying a massive club. The doves desperately fluttered their wings, trying to get out, but to no avail. The King had an idea. He advised all the doves to fly up together, carrying the net with them. He said that there was strength in unity. Each dove picked up a portion of the net, and together they flew off carrying the net with them. The hunter looked up in astonishment. He tried to follow them, but they flew high over hills and valleys. They flew to a hill near a city of temples where there lived a mouse who could help them. He was a faithful friend of the Dove King. When the mouse heard the loud noise of their approach, he went into hiding. The Dove King gently called out to him, and then the mouse was happy to see him. The Dove King explained that they had been caught in a trap and needed the mouse’s help to gnaw at the net with his teeth to set them free. The mouse agreed that he would set the King free first. The King insisted that he first free his subjects and the King last. The mouse understood the King’s feelings and complied with his wishes. He began to cut the net, and one by one, all the doves were freed, including the Dove King.

They all thanked the mouse and flew away together, united in their strength. Moral: When you work together, you are stronger. The above fabel has proven highly relevant to Round Table year after year. As we once again approach the end of a Table year and reflect on the massive impact we have made in our communities and on each other, one cannot ignore the unity created when seeking to create Impactful Change. Some important figures: Members: 928 New Inductions: 166 Resignations: 57 Funds Raised: R11,124,759 Funds Distributed: R11,352,109 With all Area AGM’s fast approaching, we expect the final reporting to increase these figures substantially. The tremendous effort from all Tablers across Southern Africa will further set the standard for those who will be following in our footsteps. We wish all Tablers the best of luck with their upcoming AGM’s and trust that we will see you all soon at Jeffreys Bay, the first ARTSA in 3 years. Please be on the lookout for the promotional posts regarding ARTSA 2022 that will be circulating on social media throughout the next couple of weeks. By attending in numbers, We can further strengthen the bonds of friendship to ultimately further drive Impactful Change!

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We would like to thank you following people for their invaluable contributions: Christo Bezuidenhout (Pretoria 136) for his energetic and committed cause to this project that can provide sight to people that would in different circumstances have been rendered blind. Marko Hall (Pretoria 136) who provided home hosting to one of our Tablers who brought Buks to Pretoria. Marko also helped to get Buks to the Centurion Eye Hospital for his check up on the 21 st . Garth Roelloffse that picked up Buks from the Centurion Eye Hospital and took him to the bus station for his trip back to Welkom. Garth also found out that Buks was a massive Blue Bulls supporter and took time to take Buks to Loftus Versveld and took photos with him. Carla and the rest of the team at the Centurion Eye Hospital. You were incredible and it is an amazing public service that you supply! Hopefully, Buks will get surgery on his right eye soon. This will allow him to go back to work and provide for him and his wife.

February, 2022

The Chronicles of Round Table 34 Windhoek: Chapter 3 Mark Kissler

The year is 1948! World War II has ended three years ago and many Europeans were emigrating, some of them to South Africa. One of these was a certain Dr David Smith who moved from England and was a Round Tabler in Bath when he moved continents in search of a better life. He joined the Rotary Club in East London upon his arrival in South Africa. As Chairman of the Club’s Youth Service Committee he received a letter from the International Extension Officer of Round Table of Great Britain and Ireland (RTBI) in 1948. The letter sought the support of Rotary for the extension of Round Table into Southern Africa. David was immediately fired with excitement, however, Rotary did at first not give its official backing to the idea for the formation of Round Table. In spite thereof David himself was below the 40-year age threshold and his vigour and enthusiasm were reflected in the formation of the first Round Table in Southern Africa, established on 9 November

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1948 and known as Round Table 1 East London. The newly formed Round Table immediately tackled an enormous project – the collection of a total of R 36,000 over a targeted threeyear period for the construction of building in East London to serve as a tuberculosis settlement. Within two years this figure was exceeded, and Round Table very quickly made its mark as a dynamic force in the sphere of community service in Southern Africa. Two years after the charter of the first Round Table in Southern Africa, in November 1950, a second Round Table was established in Durban. This pushed Dr David Smith to contribute an article on Round Table to a Rotary Publication at that point in time. Fortunately, this time around, it left a great impression on the Rotary Club, and Rotary throughout South Africa gave full support towards Round Table from thereon out. Table No. 3 was inaugurated shortly thereafter in Johannesburg, in January

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1951. Soon Umtata No. 4, Kimberley No. 5, King William's Town No. 6, Springs No. 7 and Port Elizabeth No. 8. were established. All of them in 1951 .What followed in the same year, with the minimum requirement of 8 Tables needed to form an Association being met, was the official formation of the Association of Round Tables in South Africa (ARTSA) on 24 November 1951. The first National Conference of the Association was held in East London in 1951. ARTSA held its first AGM in Durban in 1952. From there on the extension of members and charters of new clubs was rapid and spectacular – eleven new Tables in 1953 and fourteen in 1955, including two in what was then South West Africa (Namibia). The latter shall be presented more closely in Chapter 4. The Cory Library at Rhodes University is the official custodian of the Association of Round Tables of Southern Africa archives and has been receiving deposits of ARTSA archives since 1986. These archives constitute a record of service to the Southern African community and represent a history of Southern African male society in the second half of the 20th century.

February, 2022

Following the independence of South West Africa in 1990 and the change of name of the newly independent country to Namibia, the Tablers of Namibia decided to remain within the existing Association. During 1994 Lesotho officially became part of the Association, with the re-chartering of a Table in Maseru (They had previously been part of ARTSA

Association of Round Tables in Central Africa [dismantled in 2016]). During 2002 Swaziland officially became part of the Association. At the time of compiling this article Round Table Southern Africa is spread over 2 countries only: South Africa and Namibia. In total RTSA have 14 districts, 145 clubs and over 1,000 members.

From the Editor Igor Scheurkogel

One would never think that this term would actually come to an end. Some day you hope and other days you just hope that you had a little bit more time to make a even bigger impactful change in you community, your table PRO, Area PRO, table and Round Table Chairman and Joe Tabler Southern Africa as a whole. that contributed to an Inkundla that show the rest of This past year I have learned South Africa what table is more about myself than I have about. That we care about done so in the last past our community and that we decade. It has allowed me to want to be that cliché continue to push forward and everyone likes to throw know that tomorrow will be around to be the change you better and that you will survive want to see in your the next challenge that life has community. I am looking presented you. forward to the last two Inkundlas which is what I would like to thank each ARSTA is all about.

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Impactful Change Oxygen Gives Hope Jurgen Schoeman

Welkom 40 always aims to approach a disbursement with the motto that if it can be reuse then more community members will benefit. Due to the ongoing and increasing cable theft in Welkom and surrounding areas many residents struggle to find solutions to keep their oxygen machines on. About a year ago Welkom 40 donated an inverter to a family in Odendaalsrus for the grandma to use. Her health has recovered and returned the inverter to Welkom 40 because we always when it is no more needed to return it.

Your friendly neighborhood car watch

Welkom 40 was contacted by Tannie Lana that her husband needs to be on oxygen but with the constant electricity interruptions it can cost his life. Welkom 40 with the help of a local ward councillor help them to get a new battery for the inverter so that it would be able to have enough power to allow the oxygen machine to operate. Norman Steyn

Sedrick is a car guard at DIY Superstore in Bloemfontein. Due to the cash flow shortages, the amount of purchases at DIY has dropped drastically and in turn, Sedrick’s income has dropped to R 400 per month. With this drastic drop of income, Sedrick was forced to search for more work and only managed to tend to a few domestic gardens. Despite all his efforts he is still in a difficult position. He is forced to go to work by foot and food for his family is very scarce. We decided to help Sedrick with food and fresh fruit as well as some electricity at home. It was not much, however Sedrickwas extremely grateful for our help.

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February, 2022

Homeless in Need Jannie Keyl

As part of the R2500-00 Project tablers will coupled with 2 fellow tablers to identify and assist member of the public in need of any assistance and utilize their R2500-00 to change the circumstances and/or assist such member of the public in their circumstances. We identified Piet, who now dedicates his life now looking after destitute, indigent and mentally and physically disabled people who are typically left homeless and hungry due to no or little income. Piet is currently caring for 297 homeless people over several camps in Bloemfontein to provide them with a roof over their heads, a warm bed and three meals a day. This is indeed a daunting task and Piet continues to build houses from whatever proceeds and scrap he can gather which houses are split into single and sharing rooms depending on the needs of the homeless. Despite the circumstances Piet is continuing in his endevours to make a difference in the community even though he is not getting state funding due to the nature of his operation. We contacted Piet in September 2021 and established that he and his people are in dire straights as the volume of people to be fed is overwhelming and the current ability to achieve same has been given over the grace of the Creator. During the phone call and on our enquiries on what is needed Piet simply answered “anything, just bring anything”.

Accordingly myself, Justin and Piet from Bloemfontein 158 attended to Metro Foods on 15 September 2021 where we purchased and thereafter delivered, poultry and “anything” R2500-00 can cover, whilst buying efficiently to serve as much as possible people for as inexpensive as possible. To be frank R2500-00 simply wouldn’t cover it but at least we made a dent. Some residents partook in a photo with myself and our own Piet “Ceilings” that will be the image to remember how we made a small difference in a time of need.

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Reik uit waar jy kan Jurgen Schoeman

Twee weke voor Kersfees het Welkom en sy omliggende dorpe sonder water gestaan weens wanbetalings van die munisipaliteit. Oom Jan* het redelik gesukkel tydens hierdie tydperk. Hy sukkel met kroniese rugpyn en moet elke dag amper 4 km loop om water the koop. Hy ook longineksie opgedoen tydens die tydperk en weens hoë mediese koste kon Oom Jan nie kos bekostig nie. Welkom 40 het vir Oom Jan gehelp met ‘n kospakkie soda thy nie hoef te worry oor die volgende paar week se etes nie totdat hy weer gesond en terug op die been is. Mense besef eers rerig die waarde van water as jy dit nie het nie en hoe dit ‘n mense se lewe kan beinvloed as jy dit nie het nie

Give the gift that’s giving Jaco Cillier

On 29 July 2021 Bethlehem 60 took hands with SANBS and Maluti FM our local radio Station to get the community involved to “GIVE THE GIFT THAT’S GIVING”. What a special day it was, not only celebrating my 41 Birthday but we also managed to get 41 unit of blood donated. Every person who donated blood was treated with a lekker Boerewors rol. Bethlehem 60 wants to thank everyone that were involved on the day, not only making my day special but to give that special gift that keeps on giving.

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Some joy brought to Ehrlich Park Juno de Castro

Annita & Elmarie

As part of our R2500.00 project we were encouraged to identify a need within the Norman Steyn community and then use our R 2500.00 to try and assist in bringing some relief to this Whilst assisting Sedrick, a car guard at DIY specific need. Superstore in Bloemfontein, we came across two ladies who needed our help. Both Annita & I came across a young lady who also has her Elmarie are living with life threatening diseases own non-profit organization were help to the and as a result, they are unable to work. people of Ehrlich Park area in Bloemfontein is a main focus. We consulted with her, and she The are doing the best they can with what they helped us identify three homes where the have. They receive little assistance by friends families were in much need of food and and family and earn a very small income by electricty. driving children to and from school. After our discussion with Annita and Elmarie it was plane Myself, Tian and PG went to visit these homes to see that the biggest need is food and in Ehrlich Park on the 1st of September and electricity. We helped Annita and Elmarie with the amount of need in that area was shocking. food and fruit as well as R 500 electricity. Unfortunately we were not able to assist everyone and therefore but we felt that R 500.00 worth of electricity for one elderly male as well as electricity to the value of R 300 and food to the value of R 700.00 was a good start. The need in Ehrlich Park beyond compare and Bloemfontein 158 will definitely be spending more time there going forward, however we managed bring some relief to a few and the three families we were able to assist gave us a goodbye with smiles on their faces.

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Children in need Gerrit Klopper

The idea round the R 2500 project is to have guests, pipeliners and newly inducted tablers exposed to process of identifying and investigating needs in the community as well as implementing a solution. With our project, Donald du Plooy, a newly inducted tabler identified a urgent need. Due to unforeseen and various circumstances, a grandmother is taking care of two of her grandchildren. Her grandson is 7 years old and her granddaughter is 3. As you can image, the list of needs was long, however we identified the following needs as most urgent and most important: 1) A pack of pull up diapers for her granddaughter. 2) Clothes. 3) 2x School tracksuits as well as a pair of white tekkies for her grandson. It is no secret, Bloemfontein 158 has a huge soft spot for children and yet again, it was a honor to make a difference in the lives of children in need.

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Winter Knights

Tian de Wet

Bloemfontein 158

With the third wave and the economic pressure, the Winter Knights campaign for 2021 will be an uphill battle. Bloemfontein 158 has always been very successful in our previous campaigns so the pressure was on. As we are unable to be at our partners outlets in person, we knew we had to do two things, one, we needed to think out the box and two, we needed to punt this campaign on social media as never before. With myself and Hein Linde at the wheel Bloemfontein 158 approached companies in our community to have a Winter Knights Box for donations set out at the door. Once we have established where our donation boxes would be, we hit our advertising hard on Facebook. Our Chairman, Reinhardt Hedder managed to line up some local sports legends to provide us with a campaign video as well as assist with the social media advertising. Checkers in Woodland Hills were kind enough to allow us to man the entrance that had a big part to play in our success. After all the hard work we managed to pull off a great campaign. To be honest, we did not hit it out of the park like we did in previous years, however we were not far off. We also formed some new influential partnerships with established companies as well as local sports heroes who are keen to run with us again in 2022.

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Unity in Brotherhood Bummer Stool Jurgen Schoeman Welkom 40 has a tradition to ensure that fellowship between meeting continue. We call it the bummer stool. So At the beginning of the year a tabler takes the bummer stool and then has to move it to another tablers house before the next meeting. The tabler where the stool is being move is unaware that tablers will visit their house only their partner is informed to ensure that there is something to soothe the lips. It is almost like a raid but between tablers of the same table, meaning that two or more tablers need to be present when the bummers stool is being moved.

Rudolf Helm move the stool to recently inducted Hannes to experience the great fellowship of the tablers or Welkom 40 and we are awaiting his next move before the year ends.

Bloem 25 flashback of 2021 Lihann Kriek The passed year has been full of new and old challenges but none of them insurmountable as a table. We had another COVID-19 wave that hit us setting us back once again with regulations, curfews and economic roadblocks, but none of this stopped us from moving forward. We started the year at the AGM with some high notes one of them being our own “Des Williams” receiving the Louis Marchesi award for serving this wonderful organization for more than 20 years.

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With that said we inducted two new tablers and brought back two 41’ers to serve as honorary members. We have a 25 Numbers Meeting in February 2022. With this honor only presenting itself once every 10 years, we need as much combined experience at our disposal to ensure it is success. Next on our agenda was a clubhouse. We have been without a clubhouse for a few years now and us older generation tablers felt that that we had to make sure the new tablers has somewhere to plant their roots and a place they can call home. We hit ground running immediately and to find a home was still a daunting task. Then a breakthrough, one of our new tablers surprised us with the possibility to move into our new clubhouse at the start of May 2021. Having a meeting in your clubhouse surrounded by all the old regalia brings an unexplainable feeling and sets a tone. It is just different.

Being able to travel, seeing old friends and making new ones, this felt like a small Artsa. What a weekend! One of our discussions during the year was to see our fellow brothers more often. We arranged a mass raid, visited 6 out of the 7 Free State tables in one day and then the last table at a later date. We also did a cross border Raid to Douglas just before we attended the Tri Area conference. In my opinion, the year was a huge success. I would like to thank my fellow tablers/brothers for all their efforst and hard work. With that, this is me signing off.

We also a very good year regarding projects. We, our sister table “Round Table 158” and Engo had an excellent golf day in April and raised over R200 000 before expenses. We had another two golf days and combined we raised another R150 000 if not more. In addition, we also helped the farmers in Jagersfontein district after the fires and with the support of Round Table Bloemfontein 158, Sani 152 and Jacques Strydom Boerdery we managed to send 4 intelinks full of feed. Lastly, we worked hard and made multiple differences in the lives of those in need with the support of donors. As Round Table Bloemfontein 25, we are grateful for the good people that are still willing to help us make these differences. We inducted another new tabler this year, attended the Winter Conference via Zoom and hit Tri conference in Prieska.

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Bummer Stool Jurgen Schoeman It all started at the night before the CVC at Kirkwood on 28 August 2021. I remember the dance floor, various fires burning outside on a chilly Friday evening. We night started young and early, laughter and fellowship with tables from all over EP country. It was one amazingevening, knowing that at CVC I will be inducted as the newest member of Round Table PE West 142. 142 Chair Pienaar Allers and myself was standing at the interleading door and we looked at each other and we knew we had to raid the only banner mounted high up on the cupboard. We knew that others were also trying to get it. We had to wait for the perfect moment for the heist. It was about 23:10 with almost all of Kirkwood 87’s tablers outside entertaining fellow members. We had to strike now or never. Pienaar collected a knife on a nearby table. Walked passed the banner and cut the cable ties. I followed by grabbing the banner but it fell backwards over the cupboard as another tabler tried to grab it from the other side. I quickly went around to the back. The other tabler indicated “Out of no where this banner fell on my hand and I want to take it down to be put away” – Did he really think 142 will resist? In the end, we secured the precious cargo and it travelled all the way back to the 142 Club house. We even took it to places for sight seeing as the banner doesn’t seem to be travelling a lot.

We posted on the Kirkwood 87 facebook page that we got their banner and that they must come and claim it by visiting a meeting of PE West 142. The notion is that if something is raided, that the owners of the items must travel and attend a meeting to where upon they will receive their item back. We had to give it back to Kirkwood 87 as they neededit for event despite 3 meetings they could have used to get it back. It is part of the fellowship. It makes the journey of a tabler worthwhile. Fast forward to the business meeting of 195. We raided a banner which travelled to a few places. A few weeks later and we had a 108 banner too despite 108 knowing I am there for the banner. One minute of weakness afforded us the chance to raid it with good team work from the 142 clan. Execution to precision. We aim to please and wanted to have a banner of each table in the EP area. Maybe one day it will happen. Maybe one day more tables will travel more often to raid and host other tables.

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Crossing Borders with cold feet Thabang Maahlo Even for seasoned road-trippers, there are always some concerns when organising a trip. Whether it be road conditions, space in the vehicle or maybe something as minute as hoping everyone jells together especially if you are going to be stuck with each other till you reach your destination. I joined fellow Tablers for a trip down to Prieska for my first out of area conference. I was late to the party so by the time I rocked up I didn&#39;t have to think about any other concerns outside of getting to the people in the &quot;Bus&quot; and also what type of bus we would be travelling in. This seemed to be the question on the minds of my fellow Sandown 150 members too. On the day of departure we had an early morning so that we could get to Carltonville on time, where we would start our journey. And as we drove there we speculated on what “bus” meant and had some comical conversations which in hindsight I realise were setting the tone of the whole trip. We discussed

the range of different types of buses as we drove, from Hyundai H1 to a Putco sized bus and quite literally one block away from our dispatcher point there was a massive Greyhound Style bus parked outside a property and the question on everyone&#39;s mind was &quot;Are we here; and &quot;who is driving that thing; The relief that came over me as we drove past the massive bus was palpable because the whole drive there everyone was telling me that I would be the designated driver for the trip and I was not mentally prepared for the 10 hour drive. We arrived at a residence with a VW minibus parked in the driveway, boot open and half packed. This was the "Bus", a Kombi...Phew! this I could do I thought. We were greeted by our fellow road-trippers with hugs of excitement and out of the corner of my eye and the darkness of the dimly lit garage walked out the man, the legend, the Donkey himself. Donkey is a Tabler with a long list of achievements but none of them are the reason why he has the moniker. At some point in time and to some others he goes by the name of Jayson Scott of Carletonville 50 but spend enough time with him and you will eventually figure out why he is called Donkey. Like a brand new assembly line we packed everything into the Kombi figuring it out with every parcel once fully packed, the treffers started playing and we were off, well aside from the one-stop to the Carletonville 50 clubhouse to pick up the sergeant&#39;s hat which we had to do twice because we forgot said hat on the patio while having our A quick side note on the passengers and seating arrangements, all the way in the front we had:

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Jayson Scott (Donkey), Former Carletonville Chairman at the helm of fun bus Stefan Grobler, ARTSA President as co-pilot and MC(Master of Cunes) In the middle row, we had Jonathan Brest, STNOFS Secretary, Carletonville Joe Tabler, and all-round legend Ryan Kyus (Big Ry), Sandown 150 Vice Chairman Big Blue, the cooler box and master of cold at the back pushing the "Gees" was Myself(Thabang Maahlo) Sandown150 PRO and inter-provisional newbie Joseph Heckler RTGA Exec, and last but certainly not least the Tazmanian devil Jaco Goussard Sandown150 newly inducted Joe Tabler. As soon as this star-studded kombi hit the main road the heat started to creep in and one of the concerns that I had not considered popped into my head: &quot;What if I turn into a chocolate fondue on this trip; before I could even say anything the guys started fiddling with the buttons for the A/C which were located above us in the middle of the vents. Eventually, the A/C switched on but the only setting that actually made a difference was when the cool air came to our feet. After some time with cold feet, it felt like a cure to the fatigue of the early morning and the cause of the excitement for the rest of the trip. There's nothing better than adventuring through our country&#39;s beautiful vistas with Tablers, there is a particular way that Tablers see the world and how they recant stories. Every now and then the treffers would become softer and we knew something special was coming whether it was a tale of a time they passed through a specific area to visit a nearby Table or a joke/anecdote. I learned that some roads are so flat and long that you can see the future coming over the horizon. That joke doesn’t translate well but at the moment it had me giggling minutes closer

to tomorrow. As the metres ran on we received messages from other clubs that were on their way to the same conference about the pit stop at Douglas 224 Clubhouse which is hosted in a uniquely Table bar, we had to stop there and do a banner swap. Not too long after we arrived at the clubhouse in Northern Cape, the bushveldt exec also parked. Finally having a stopover and meeting new and old tablers set the mood for what we were heading into. We layered our stomachs with our favourite combinations of black liquids; brandy and coke and the age-old Jaegy. Post drinks and banner swaps we were back on the road but before we reached our Final Destination our president and MC introduced us to the most practical and needed item for every road trip: the Swanee braai. We enjoyed some good tunes and boeries while greeting every vehicle that drove past our roadside braai. Once well fed and energised we were ready to make our grand entrance at the welcome venue for the conference and boy did we make an entrance. So much so that my memory ends about 30 minutes after walking into the bar. A blessing and a curse of living in the Golden Age of technology is that we don't have to use our minds to store memories anymore which I'm thankful for. I’m so glad I had my phone in my pocket because without that I would not remember how I got my collection of pins and coins it seems at some point my brain decided to stop recording memories but my handy smartphone just keep rolling with the punches and by punches I mean every shot that accompanied a coin or pin exchange, at some point I started using it as a living diary of all of the new faces I met and stories associated with them.

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At the break of dawn I was awoken by Jono opening the curtains and letting the Treffers into the room. It's a really jarring experience waking up in a strange chelat to find the pool party already underway at 6 in the morning and being greeted by a newly made friend with a drink in hand just for you. Once the preconference celebrations started dying down it was shower time as to be presentable to the esteemed congregation there we were about to join. We arrived at Hoerskool Prieska to an assortment of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed tablers. We greeted everyone and when it was time we entered the main hall to be addressed by the RTSA president and members of the convening tables where one of the youngest inductees of Sundown 150 the Tasmanian devil managed to acquire a highly ranked jacket along with its Regalia which earned him a seat at the grown-up table for part of the proceedings in the main hall, were pipeliners were to be inducted. To be inducted into Round Table is an honour In and of itself, but to have the national president shake your hand welcoming you into this auspicious organisation is a notable honour. Post all the heartfelt speeches and formalities, the conference was underway. In the school’s classrooms an assortment of discussions were had as part of the conference. I managed to attend a few and was constantly in awe of how each one, to me they were the epitome of Socratic method if you don’t know what that is, the Wikipedia definition is “a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to draw out ideas and underlying presuppositions”. With all of the expenditure of brain power the decisions of the previous day

began to arise and by that I mean the hangover, so I took that as a sign to take advantage of the food spread that was offered and like a real amateur I overdid it and the itis kicked in hard or as it’s colloquially known “magies vol ogies toe” and a tactical nap was needed. Post somnolence I managed to catch the tail end of a few seminars and again was impressed with how they closed them off listing action points from the discussions. Once the conference reached closure, we were invited to visit key features in Prieska most of which were water features one of which I did something unspeakable not my proudest moment, another had us drifting a massive golf cart in mud and nearly getting the “bus” stuck in the same mud. After that we visited the beautiful riverbed where we found seashells while having constructive conversations about life and table right before we went back to our accommodation to get ready for dinner which was a buffet style meal hosted at a popular bar/restaurant namely Blue Stone Saloon. There was something for everyone when it comes to the food. As people started finishing their food, the music gradually started pumping and from that point the party slowly began and as they say the rest is history. We spent most of the drive back jamming tunes a lot softer than we were driving down which made it easier to interlace all the stories of all the things we missed when we were not together. To be honest that was a trip of a lifetime, the memories created with all the tablets that came from far and close are truly irreplaceable. If ever you get the chance to go to a table conference of any kind take advantage of it the experience you will have will be like no other I promise you that!

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Projects Wacky Golf Day Jurgen Schoeman In 2018 Welkom 40 started a new fun event in Welkom that has the Welkomites craving for the next fun golfing experience. The Welkom 40 Wacky Night Golf started as a project to get some not so ‘professional’ golfers together and challenge the skills at night with a glow in the dark golf ball. The event has turned into a fun night out for the whole family where they can all play together on a Friday night and then enjoy a ‘lekker’ braai of food from the golf club kitchen. In 2021 was the third time we hosted the night golf, even though we had to postponed it for a couple of months because lockdown regulation we had a great success and people showed up in numbers to this annual event. Any by the look of it with things starting to go back to normal night golf 2022 will be the biggest one.

Beach Clean-Up Dewald (PE 142) We received an invite from PE Pearls LC19 to join them in cleaning a beautiful stretch of beach, Maitlands, on 18th of September 2021. We were joined by fellow tablers from 108 and the lovely ladies from the PE Pearls. We cleaned up a very messy beach and parking area. An educational program should be initiated to teach people to just walk 5 meters and throw it into the bins provided. So many innocent animals die due to the neglect of human beings. It is always an eye opener. What astounds me even more, that no one keeps their fellow visitor to account to ensure that the area remains clean and safe.

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Tian de Wet

February, 2022

Bloemcan Project

As you recall, Bloem 158 and Bloem 25 joined forces on a Golf day for Engo Free State in April 2021. Due to our success on this project, we decided to do it again. As a result of the economic pressure and limitations created by yet another Covid-19 wave, both our Winter Knights campaigns to a hit. Not that our Winter Knights campaigns were not successful, we just could not reach the bar set in previous years. Reinhardt Hedder, Chris Ross and I decided to try something new. We called it the Bloemcan project. We approached the schools in Bloemfontein and asked them if we could join forces and arrange for a Round Table Bloemcan casual day. The idea was that the entry fee for the casual day was to bring any non-perishable foods. With just over a week to implement this, we hit the ground running. We had many obstacles to overcome, not only were there confirmed casual days on most of the school calendars, the sudden and unforeseen school holidays added another few pounds to the bar. We were able to secure Willem Postma, Presedent Steyn and Fichardt Park to join our cause and when it was all said and done, the Bloemcan project was a huge success. We definitely see this as an annual joined project going forward and with it’s potential, we hope to grow the project even more.

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February, 2022

SPCA Christmas Market Jurgen Schoeman Welkom 40 does not just love our two-legged being but also those with four legs and fur. On 10 and 11 December Welkom 40 man the bar as the Welkom SPCA first ever Christmas Night Market at the pound in Welkom. Regardless of the rain the people of Welkom showed up in numbers and the SPCA Christmas Night Market was a huge success. 75 % of the proceeds that were raised at the bar Welkom 40 donated to the SPCA because their biggest need is to get financial contributions to be able to support their staff and maintain the facility to take care of the animals that are dropped off or rescued by the SPCA. Welkom 40 will defiantly be part of this event in 2022 again.

Cornel Strydom We were approached by a friend in Johannesburg who was supporting the Fo4r Hope Charity Run and he put me in contact with Morne, the project convenor. The project entailed six runners running along the outline of South Africa to raise hope for all South Africans and funds raised would be donated to the Gregg Mitchley Foundation. The event started in Alexander Bay where the runners commenced their 6803km journey around South Africa over 50 days. We met up with them in Port Elizabeth during November where we sponsored a 3-night stay for the team to recharge before they set off

FO4R Hope

again. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled when the team reached Kwazulu-Natal due to the increased COVID restrictions and the risk involved for the team.

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February, 2022

These shoes are made for walking Philippe Fouche On 27 January 2022 Ficksburg Round Table 98 handed out 225 pairs of school shoes to four of our local schools located within the community namely, Caledonpark Primary school, Meqheleng Primary school, Masaleng Primary school and Ficksburg Primary school. With the recent pandemic as well as the economic ramifications thereof, it has become more apparent that there is a growing need for necessity’s within our community. Thus through the massive support of Super Spar Philippe Fouche Ficksburg and its owner Mr. Gert Swart we On 24 November 2021 Round Table Ficksburg were able to assist with providing a basic need 98 held their annual "wish week" at the Imperani to the less fortunate among us. The schools Park Old Age Home. This day is a long-standing where all very grateful for the donation and tradition within Ficksburg 98. We feel it is thanked us for bringing hope to their young important to give back to those who gave so learners. These are projects that bring Round Table and those in our communities together much and helped build our community. and no matter how small, helping others is The day consisted of braaing a wors roll for the what it is all about. residents, handing each person a gift and thereafter, a short presentation on the aims and objectives of Round Table.

Bring Joy where you can when you can

The residents enjoyed the day thoroughly and thanked us profusely for what we do for them as well as in our community. A special thank you to Ficksburg Super Spar for their ongoing support given to Ficksburg 98 and in turn to the Ficksburg Community. The "wish week" day is one that we always look forward to and was once again a day filled with fantastic fellowship and positive tabling.

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Issue 10

February, 2022

Bloem 158 Wine Auction Tian de Wet On the 22 nd of October Bloemfontein 158 held their annual wine auction at Monte Bello Estate in Bloemfontein. This year the project was put together with Hein Linde and Morne Lang at the wheel. With our annual and famous “manne aand” cancelled due to Covid-19 regulations in March, the success of this year’s event could not be over stated. Many of next year’s success as a club was riding on this much needed income so we needed a home run. Even though we had some curve balls coming our way, Bloemfontein 158 stepped up to the plate in true 158 fashion. Needless to say, the evening was a great success. We had a speaker from Diemersfontein lead our guests through an informative wine tasting and we also had the famous Shador from OFM join us for the evening. When it was all said and done, Bloemfontein 158 smashed it out the park with a profit of round about R 160 000. We would like to thank all our sponsors and our guests without whom the evening would not have been possible as well as congratulate Hein Linde, Morne Lang and the rest of the Bloemfontein 158 tablers on a job well done.

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February, 2022

OFM Groot Vet Kombers Project Jurgen Schoeman On the 1 st of July, Welkom 40 in association with OFM and Empire Square Super Spar hosted the final installment of the OFM Groot Vet Kombers Project. The vetkoek was made, the setup was done and the Welkom 40 Tablers, Louis Du Toit and Louis Radley gathered at Empire Square to await the masses. We were somewhat taken aback by the first rush of hungry Welkomites, but with the efficient help of the OFM team we prevailed. Welkom came out in droves to support us. We planned for an initial 1000 vetkoek to be sold. At 4pm we enlisted the help of Empiere Square and Freshbake and got in another 200 verkoek. The additional vetkoek was sold out in less than 25 minutes! Welkom’s businesses also came out in force. Businesses challenged each other to donate money and the support was truly amazing! In total, Welkom 40 in conjunction with Empire We would like to thank our Louis Radley who Square Super Spar and OFM raised more than brought it to us, OFM for their generous R147 000 for our charities. sponsorship and work ethic, and Empire Square Super Spar for their amazing support We engaged ENGO as our main beneficiary on the day! We would also like to thank the with specific focus on their 4 children’s homes in community of Welkom formtheir continued Welkom. Merafong, Welriedal Boys, Welridal support of our endeavors to raise money and Girls and Welkom youth Centre all benefitted in help the poor and needy in our community. the form of food, blankets, clothes, and beds.

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February, 2022

Table News Bloemfontein 158 Family Braai

Tian de Wet It is an annual Bloemfontein 158 tradition to arrange a getaway where the legs and kids join us for a weekend of fun. The idea around the weekend is to create an opportunity to have us as tablers spend time with our families as well as meet the families of guests, pipeliners and new inducted tablers.

We also had the honor of a few 41’s and their families join us. It was a great night of catching up, dancing and celebrating the past year. We would like to thank Johan Kleynhans for not only putting Jan Braai to shame with his braai skills, but for arranging the evening where we all could just drop our shoulders and enjoy each others company.

Unfortuentely due to the Covid-19 Pandemic such getaways were impossible and we were forced to improvise. It was decided that we have a short family get together and do what we do best, braai and socialize. Johan Kleynhans booked the lapha at Jumpers lane for the day and yet again, in true Bloemfontein 158 fashion we arrived in numbers and immediately started the festivities.

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Issue 10

Jurgen Schoeman

February, 2022

Bloemfontein 158 Invasion

What is great about the Free State Area most tables is a quick drive through to go and raid or visit table meetings. Welkom 40 decided now that we have finished all our raid we will be starting all over again. Welkom 40 Past- Chairman and current Free State Area Treasurer has put up his hand again to stand for Area-Vice. Welkom 40 that is 100% behind him decided let’s fill a whole mini bus and accompany him to ask for Bloemfontein 158 to nominate Jurgen as Vice-Chairman. It has been quite a while since an area chairman came from Welkom 40. The bus was actually a disco on wheels with Hennie’s speaker. We all had good intentions to be back by 11pm on Thursday night but we had so much fun with Bloem 158 and later Bloem 25 also showed up to join in the fellowship. Congratulations to Bloem 158 with their two new pipeliners that was made part of Bloem 158 at their meeting.

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Issue 10

February, 2022

Tri Area Conference Tian de Wet & Lihann Kriek Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as tablers we had to adjust to zoom conferences, wishing for ARTSA to become a reality and very little fellowship. The year 2021 was no different. So, when an opportunity presents itself to travel and engage in fellowship, the boys grab it with both hands. We were blessed enough to put our electronic devices one side and join our brothers in Prieska for our Tri Area Conference in October 2021. The weekend kicked off with a get together at the Prieska clubhouse where we were welcomed in true Prieska fashion. What a start to the weekend, we reunited with many old faces, had the opportunity to meet new tablers and did so with two bars open for business with the Prieska boys spoiling us with two sheep on the spit. What made the weekend special was the fact that many new tablers, including pipeliners and guests experienced their first conference and best of all, Prieska celebrating the big 5 0.

The proof of the opening evening started on the right foot was plain to see the next morning. I have not seen so many tablers in such rough shape in a long time. However, this did not stop us from having a very successful meeting with very interesting presentations from Louis Radley, Stephan Grobler and Werner Swanepoel. There was no doubt that we were moving in the right direction as an organization. After the meeting it was time for round two where we carried on as if nothing happened the previous night. The steak was prepared on open fires, there were a couple of new buffalo member inductees, prizes allocated and fellowship running full steam. Prieska also had an Auction as part of the evening’s itinerary with Marius “ Mot “ from Bloemfontein 25 not holding back on his bids. It was a weekend to remember, not only from a fellowship perspective but confirming the strength of the Free State Area as well as the excitement brought by our future Assco team. We would like to thank the Prieska ladies and gents for their wonderful hospitality as well as wish the Free State area and our future Assco team all the best going forward.

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Third ASSCO Phillppe Fouche Ficksburg 98 was successful in their bid to host 3rd ASSCO on the 5th and 6th of November 2021. All social activities were held at the Ficksburg Round Table 98 clubhouse, while the formal meeting was held at the Imperani Guest house conference hall. To ensure the weekends success, we knew we would need hands on deck, thus we banded together and with the unending support of our respective partners managed to pull it off. The Friday evening was typical of what one can expect from a Round Table event, meeting new Tablers from all over the country and immediately preceding to having a great time.

On to the Saturday morning filled with a ladies tour to Constantia cherry farm in Clocolan for all the Tablers partners and a formal meeting for all our respective RTSA as well as Area representatives. After a short afternoon sabbatical it was back to the Round Table 98 clubhouse for some fellowship, spit roasted pork, rugby on the big screen and the exchanging of banners. During the course of the evening, the Fight for Sight coin was auctioned off and our very own Louis du Toit won the auction with his generous bid of R5098.00. For the Ficksburg 98 boys, this was a massive honor to host such an event and we would like to thank each and every person who attended and made the 3rd ASSCO 2021 one this table will not forget.

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Issue 10

February, 2022

Farewell to Henno van den Heever

Tian de Wet Henno has been part of this amazing organization for a long time and is a true veteran when it comes to Round Table. It is safe to say, Henno will be a huge loss to Bloemfontein 158 after he becomes a 41’r in 2022. He was introduced to Round Table Bloemfontein 158 by his Brother Bernu van den Heever in 2008 and was inducted by Bloemfontein 25 in 2010. Thereafter Henno transferred back to Bloemfontein 158 where he served as social convener, PRO, project convener, Vice Chairman and Chairman. He also had the privilege to serve on Area council as Stores for 3 years. “Die hart van n boer maak jy by Round Table. As jy travel maak jy vriende vir die res van jou lewe, So dankie vir elkeen wat ek ontmoet het, dit was van die beste tye van my lewe. Nou moet ons na die volgende stap aanbeweeg in tafel, hello 41’ers. Joune in tafel Henno van den Heever “

Winter Conference Tian de Wet Free State Winter Conference was to be held in Welkom in 2022. All the boys were exited to travel as well as join the Welkom Boys for a little night golf the night before. Yet again, COVID-19 had it’s say and due to the 3 rd wave, we were forced to cancel the trip and revert back to our screens for a meeting on Zoom. As they say “ Hak Vrystaat “, this did not stand in our way. Men got together all over the Free State area to join the meeting on zoom as a group in good spirits. Unfortunately, there is not much to say about seeing your fellow brothers in a small block on a screen however; the Free State area is serious when it is time to get down to business and even without a sergeant, the meeting went smoothly. There is no doubt that the area is strong and moving forward in leaps and bounds.

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Shadow ASSCO Tian de Wet Yet again, Bloemfontein had the honor of hosting Shadow Assco 2022. This has become a sort of tradition with the many honors Bloemfontein has had in hosting this exciting and joyous event. However, this year was extra special for the boys at Bloemfontein 25. This year they had the honor of sharing the hosting in their new clubhouse. The weekend started with a welcome party at Bloemfontein 158 clubhouse. New friends were welcomed and old friends were welcomed back. As you all know, a visit to the Bloem 158 clubhouse is always a memorable one, on this occasion it was no different. The drinks flowed, the famous snuff device broke and there was no shortage of the clubhouse favorite, Jaggies, Jaggies, Jaggies! On top of it all, Pieter Van Heerden, one of the conveners of the weekend prepared a spit to die for. The weekend could not have asked for a better start. The next morning it was time for the serious stuff. We knew it was serious when the meeting was called as a dry meeting. Bloemfontein 25 hosted the meeting in their new clubhouse with absolute pride and served an amazing lunch. The weekend ended with a back to school party at the Bloemfontein 25 clubhouse. Finally, it was Bloem 25’s turn show everyone a good time at their home and they did not disappoint. Murphies law, the rain could be measured in buckets, however it did not stop anyone from having a fantastic time. You know the party is good when a great dinner is served, but no one is ate. The time was spent on what was important, solid fellowship.

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Issue 10

February, 2022

Saying farewell to Tian de Wet Bloemfontein 158 It is with sadness that we say farewell to Tian de Wet as he will be joining the 41’rs club in 2022. Tian de Wet had a short table career and half of it spent during the Covid-19 Pandemic. With that said, it is no secret that he made his 3 years count. Tian is a second generation tabler and was Reinhardt Hedder’s guest at Bloemfontein 158. He had the honor of being inducted by Christo Bezuidenhout at Shadow Assco in 2019. Since then he had the honor of serving as clubhouse convener and PRO at his local table as well as serve on the Free State Council as Editor of States in 2021.

“As a second generation tabler I have always hoped that I would get the opportunity to serve in this fantastic organization. I was invited many times, however I was not going to join just to join. I was waiting for a table that not only worked hard to make a difference in their community, but had strong fellowship. Bloemfontein 158 ticked all the boxes and I finally had a club worth joining. As much as I had a short table career, I believe that I have tabled hard in the 3 years I had the honor of calling myself a tabler. Round Table has given me so much and would like to thank all those who enriched my life because of it. Keep fighting the good fight and I will do all I can to assist from the old farts club. Yours in table Tian de Wet “

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Welkom 40 Raid Phillppe Fouche Ficksburg 98 decided it was time to pay our fellow Tablers and friends at Welkom 40 a visit. So as per tradition, we got together and left for our trip. Upon arrival at Welkom 40's clubhouse we were met with open arms and unending hospitality. The feeling of being welcomed into a friends house is the best way I can personally describe it. As the evening progressed and we listened to all the positive tabling and amazing community projects that Welkom 40 tackled and has in there pipeline, it is safe to say it made us all proud to be members of this amazing organization. A massive thank you to Welkom 40 for the hospitality and showing us why Raids are important. So guys get out there raid other tables, see where you can work together to help your respective communities, share ideas with each other and build lifelong relationships.

Kicking off the 2022 tabling year at 34’s AGM Mark Kissler It’s time to table again, time to table hard! At Round Table Windhoek 34 we commenced the new year onSa turday, the 22nd of January 2022, with our annual AGM. It was most certainly fantastic to see that the spirit of all members and other attendees was very high. Our outgoing Chairman, Ernst, has welcomed us at 09:30 around the table in our clubhouse. Though we had no visitors from other tables

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during our AGM we were honoured to have had tabling legend and 41er, Philip, join in the capacity as Sergeant at Arms and his corporals Loubser and Herman, all of them previous chairmen of our 66-year-old club. For those who don’t know: Herman is the only past tabler in 34’s history who held the office of chairman three times. It was an honour to have all of them there, though their treats for us to maintain order and punish unruly members were not to everyone’s liking and will long be remembered. In short: they have done a great job! Our guest for the last few months, Martin, was also welcomed at the table and we trust he too enjoyed the fellowship during the meeting. Ernst has led the meeting as ably and steadfast as always and progressed smoothly through the agenda. All portfolio holders presented their respective reports for the year and it was remarkable to bear witness to the many things we achieved as a united force in the past year. Our outgoing Treasurer, PJ, also ensured that the budget he proposed during the December Business Meeting was voted in. Soon we enjoyed our first fellowship break and had some refreshments after which it was time to allocate the portfolios for the next twelve months to the new office bearers. PJ and Mark had to wing an introduction and present the members with solid reasons as to why they should be voted in as Marius’ successor for Vice Chairman. Questions were asked to both and the table carried out their vote. Ernst then proceeded with handing over the Chairman’s gong to Marius who will most certainly and undoubtedly lead us in the year to come with great enthusiasm and wisdom. Marius took the seat at the head of the table and received the results of the election for Vice Chairman. After thanking Ernst for the great year we enjoyed under his stewardship he declared Mark as the victor for Vice Chairman and announced the following portfolio holders too: -

Riaan Stadler: Treasurer Johan Geldenhuys: Secretary Werner Wormsbächer: IRO/PRO Ernst Grothkopf: Constitutional Advisor

At the end of the meeting we had the displeasure of sending off Ian into retirement a.k.a. 41er ranks. It is always a little tough to see a friend leave table just because the constitution says that he is ‘old’. We hope he will attend many meetings going forward in spite of his new ‘outoppie’ status since it will be tough on him to retire too. With grand applause and fanfare, we were fortunate to welcome back Loubser as this year’s honorary member at 34. It only took him a split second to accept his nomination and we are genuinely grateful to have him back. Congratulations, Kudu! Marius closed off this year’s AGM and we proceeded to have a delicious braai. A massive thank you to Ernst for providing the wood, garlic bread and potato salad as well as a huge thanks to Johan for taking on the position as head braaier on the day. Our other guest, Zane, has joined in at this point and many of the legs came to attend the braai as well.

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February, 2022

Letters from Tablers My fellow RTSA Tablers. I am Shaun Senekal, Round Table Gauteng Area Secretary, Chairman of Edenvale 63 and extremely proud Tabler. Some of you may not know me, but many others do. This is an official response to the President’s letter “RTI Affiliation” circulated on 8 Feb 2022. I am writing this as a deeply concerned Tabler and hope to make every Tabler strongly question the consequences of moving away from RTI would be on Round Table Southern Africa. My views on our position within RTI are not relevant to the points I would like to raise, and as such, I will be speaking from an entirely neutral position. There are two glaring issues here. The first is the fact that it might be perceived that the Exec is leading from the chair, and I elaborate on this in the next paragraph. The second is that such a break will be once with massive consequences, akin to Brexit. It is of extreme importance that Area Councils consult with their members to discuss and debate all the factors that should be considered before taking such a radical decision. This letter precedes any motions or proposals brought to the Association by any Area, Table or Tabler, but “The current Executive Council would fully support a motion for RTSA to cut its ties with RTI, should our bottoms-up structure deem it the best course of action for the Association”. They refer to “age inquiries, unfinished Anti Money Laundering investigations, and correspondence that fails to address the raised questions” without any of the supporting correspondence or documentation, leaving most Tablers excited, angered and ready to take arms for their cause, without the proper insight, if any, into the situation. And this after acknowledging that “The relationship between RTSA, RTI and the AMI Region often goes unnoticed by Joe Tabler due to their limited interactions” which means they know they are playing with the emotions of people who would likely respond in favour of these views based on their unintentional unfamiliarity with the workings and politics of the Association and RTI. As mentioned by our president in his short video address on Wed 9 Feb, the intention was not to drive the intention, but to start the conversation. Should someone have erroneously “taken the bait” or have been in the process of writing a proposal for RTSA to resign from RTI, and for some reason it were voted in at the AGM, the repercussions would most likely be dire. Notwithstanding the obvious risk of having our international relationships with other Tables around the globe severed and resultant funds from twinning agreements being cut due to such an abrupt resignation, the other micro, meso and macro consequences have not been evaluated and many others not even considered. Our very constitution and objectives are at risk by this extemporaneous decision. A handful of the direct or possible consequences I have encountered from discussions with fellow Tablers on this matter are the following:

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As voted by RTSA and after being awarded the bid by the RTI Council to host the 2023 RTI World Meeting, many extensive hours of meetings and planning have been put in by our World Meeting hosting committee. This event will be both a massive benefit to our Association and allow most RTSA members an opportunity to experience world class international Tabling they may never have been in a position to experience or even have been aware was a possibility. Our resignation from RTI would very likely bring an end to us hosting the World Meeting and the uncertainty of this is putting the convening committee, your fellow RTSA members, your brothers, under immense stress and will likely leave a bad taste in the mouth of the vendors they have been making arrangements with, souring our relationship and ability to use these same vendors again in the future. Twinning agreements that are currently in place and bring in hundreds of thousands of Rands towards projects across Southern Africa may be affected and those relationships and funds may very likely be ceased. The brotherhood we have established with those clubs can be thrown away in an instant due to a lack of confidence in the way we handle our international conflicts. Numbers meetings and resulting fellowship may similarly be affected. We have seen clubs being kicked out of numbers meetings for far pettier reasons. RTSA is the cornerstone of the AMI Region, and while we may not benefit from being a part of it, young Associations benefit from us being a part of it. We enable “the furtherance of peace and goodwill through international relationships” by being the anchor of the AMI Region. If we pull out of RTI it would hugely impact AMI and that would have massive knock-on effects for the smaller Associations in it. Tabler.World is a platform that has been building traction and momentum in RTSA, and while not as broadly adopted as one would have hoped by now, its benefits are numerous, and for some Areas in our Association they have started using it extensively, even to the point of amending their constitutions to accommodate it. RTSA’s departure from RTI would most likely result in the termination of our contract for T.W and all of its benefits. Besides the more immediate consequences we may face, we should always endeavour to act without emotion, always being mindful of the example we set for our Areas and Members. If we act rashly on any matter it sets a terrible precedent for all Tables and more importantly, future Tablers. When decisions are not going our way, we should open up the discussion with offending parties to firstly try and reach an amicable solution. It might be imperative that we circulate relevant correspondence between the RTSA Exec and the Members regularly, ensuring that they are updated with regard to recent happenings. We are a bottoms up organisation, and it is the responsibility of each Tabler to get involved in the discussions happening at every level of Round Table and equally the responsibility of every level of Exec to keep their constituents abreast of these very discussions.

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These are but a few of the possible implications this action may hold. I implore you to hold your Exec accountable for the decisions they make and to ask the very important questions that affect the future of our Association and Organisation as a whole, not only on this matter, but all matters going forward. The decisions we make today determine the future of our ogranisation. Proudly Yours in Table Shaun Senekal RTGA Secretary Edenvale 63 Chairman 084 766 1920 shaun.senekal@gmail.com

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International News

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