Online Reporter
Langelihle Nyathi
ROTARY club presidents in Bulawayo have reflected on a year of service, unity and community transformation as they handed over the reins of leadership, celebrating achievements realised through teamwork while urging members to continue upholding the organisation’s values.
Outgoing leaders from the Rotary Club of Bulawayo, Rotary Club of Bulawayo South, Rotary Club of Belmont, Rotary Club of Bulawayo Sunrise and Rotary Club of Matopos said their clubs embraced the 2025–2026 Rotary theme, “Unite for Good,” by implementing projects aimed at improving lives and strengthening communities.
For former Rotary Club of Bulawayo president Gladys Bugalo, the year was marked by collective effort and meaningful impact, with the club receiving recognition for its outstanding performance.
Reflecting on her tenure, Bugalo expressed gratitude to club members, board directors and committees for their dedication, saying the achievements recorded were the result of collaboration rather than individual effort.
“I did not serve alone. To my Board of Directors, committee chairs, and every member who attended meetings, volunteered, donated resources, or simply brought enthusiasm and energy to our club, thank you,” she said.
She said members had demonstrated the true meaning of Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” through projects that transformed communities.
“Together, we truly united for good and demonstrated the impact that can be achieved when people work together in the service of others,” said Bugalo.
One of the major highlights of her tenure was a Global Grant project implemented in partnership with the Intuba Sustainable Project, which resulted in the drilling and solarisation of four water wells, installation of equipment for community gardens and erection of perimeter fencing in Gwanda, Tsholotsho, Silobela and Lupane.
The club also supported the refurbishment of the Waiting Mothers’ Shelter at Plumtree District Hospital through a donation of building materials, partnered with Old Mutual Zimbabwe to provide household appliances, groceries and stationery to vulnerable families and institutions, and raised funds for The Rotary Foundation through its inaugural golf tournament.
Other initiatives included welcoming six new members into the Rotary family, supporting vulnerable families through the Meals on Wheels programme in partnership with the Anglican Church, and refurbishing bathrooms at Abilities Shelter.
Bugalo said the club’s efforts were recognised at the District Conference, where it received the prestigious Club Excellence Award for the 2025–2026 Rotary year.
“None of these accomplishments happened because of one individual. They were made possible by the dedication, generosity and teamwork of every Rotarian in this club. The credit belongs to all of us,” she said.
She urged members to continue embracing both service and fellowship, describing fellowship as the foundation that sustains Rotary’s mission.
“Rotary works when we show up for one another, not only for projects but also for fellowship. Service may be our mission, but fellowship is the fuel that sustains that mission,” Gladys said.
Meanwhile, former Rotary Club of Belmont president Marlvin Bill described his time in office as one of the greatest honours of his Rotary journey.
Bill thanked members for trusting him with the club’s leadership and supporting its vision throughout the year.
“To every member of the Rotary Club of Belmont, thank you for believing in our vision, giving your time and living the Rotary motto, Service Above Self,” he said.
As he handed over the chain of office, Bill expressed confidence in the club’s future, saying its best days were still ahead.
“It has been one of the greatest honours of my Rotary journey to serve as your President. As I hand over the chain of office, I do so with gratitude, knowing that the best days of the Rotary Club of Belmont are still ahead of us,” he said.
At the Rotary Club of Bulawayo Sunrise, outgoing president Alex Mandovha described his leadership journey as one filled with challenges, achievements and shared success.
Mandovha thanked members for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the club, saying the past year was not merely a term of office but a journey of service.
“Standing before you today as your immediate past president, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Thank you for entrusting me to lead you during this past year,” he said.
He highlighted the club’s community initiatives, including projects at children’s homes, outreach programmes and fundraising activities, which he said demonstrated the power of collective action.
Mandovha praised board members and committee chairs for their commitment behind the scenes, saying their dedication formed the backbone of the club’s achievements.
He also recognised the contributions of officials responsible for the Foundation, public image, projects, membership, finance and training, saying their efforts helped strengthen the club.
“As I pass the baton, I am reminded that Rotary is a race where every leader builds upon the foundations laid by their predecessors,” he said.
At the Rotary Club of Matopos, outgoing president Bongiwe Ngwenya reflected on her leadership journey while expressing confidence in the club’s future.
She said the leadership transition represented continuity and an opportunity for the club to build on the progress made during the previous Rotary year.
Newly installed Rotary Club of Matopos president George Charamba, speaking during the handover ceremony, praised Ngwenya’s leadership, saying she had successfully guided the club through a difficult period and laid a strong foundation for future growth.
“You assumed office when the club was at its lowest moment, yet in the true spirit of Unite for Good, you managed to reset the club to its original factory settings. Because of your leadership, you have laid a firm foundation,” he said.
As the outgoing presidents concluded their terms, they left members with a message of unity, commitment and service, reminding Rotarians that sustainable change is achieved through teamwork and dedication.
Their reflections marked not only the end of a leadership chapter but also celebrated the countless lives touched through the Bulawayo Rotary clubs’ commitment to serving communities.
Colletta Dube