Online Reporter
Langelihle Nyathi
BULAWAYO’S Rotary clubs have ushered in a new crop of leaders, who have pledged to strengthen humanitarian service, grow membership and deliver sustainable community projects during the 2026–2027 Rotary year under the international theme, “Creating Lasting Impact.”
The colourful induction ceremony on Friday night saw Nothando Moyo installed as president of the Rotary Club of Bulawayo, Trudy taking over the Rotary Club of Belmont, Branwell assuming leadership of the Rotary Club of Bulawayo Sunrise, George Charamba becoming president of the Rotary Club of Matopos and Sandie taking the helm of the Rotary Club of Bulawayo South.
Accepting the presidency of the Rotary Club of Bulawayo, Moyo described her appointment as a profound honour and said she was mindful of the club’s 95-year legacy.
She said the new Rotary year marked a significant milestone for Africa, with the continent assuming greater leadership within Rotary International through the election of African leaders to key positions.
Quoting Rotary International President Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, Moyo said:
“Before we change the world we must allow Rotary to change us. When we change ourselves for the better, we strengthen our ability to serve.”
She urged members to invest in mentoring Interactors and Rotaractors to secure Rotary’s future while embracing the year’s theme.
“As we step into the new Rotary theme of ‘Creating Lasting Impact’, we are called upon to roll up our sleeves and invest in ourselves first and then in the community we live in.”
Moyo said lasting change begins with committed individuals who are willing to lead through service and inspire the next generation of Rotarians.
Rotary Club of Belmont president Trudy said Rotary’s success should not be measured by the number of completed projects, but by the lasting difference those initiatives make in people’s lives.
“To every project that we’re going to do, let it not stop at just pictures, but let’s ask ourselves in five years from now, have we made an impact?”
She encouraged members to strengthen fellowship, grow membership across clubs and continue serving communities with compassion and purpose.
“I believe that the spirit of serving was planted a very long time ago,” she said.
Rotary Club of Bulawayo Sunrise president Branwell pledged to build on the club’s achievements, describing Rotary as a family united by a shared commitment to Service Above Self.
He said even the smallest act of service has the power to transform lives and reaffirmed the club’s commitment to responding to community needs.
“Around the world Rotarians are known as people of action who understand that even the smallest act of service can have an impact that changes lives. Here in the Rotary Club of Bulawayo Sunrise we have embraced that calling by responding to needs of our communities,” said Branwell.
Rotary Club of Matopos president George Charamba paid tribute to the outgoing leadership, saying it had successfully guided the club through a difficult period and laid a solid 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 restored the club to its original foundation. Because of your leadership, the Rotary Club of Matopos is now ready to create a lasting impact in the 2026–2027 Rotary year. Together, we will build on this foundation and deliver projects that will truly transform our communities,” said Charamba.
Meanwhile, Rotary Club of Bulawayo South president Sandie said growing membership would be one of the club’s priorities while continuing to implement impactful community projects.
Despite having only 12 members, she expressed confidence that the club would complete its ongoing grant project at Gagau Clinic and launch a public speaking competition.
“Our goal this year is to grow our membership because the more members we have, the greater the difference we can make. Together we will create a lasting impact, not only for our communities but also for our club,” she said.
Guest of honour Jeff Scorziell challenged Rotarians to remain focused on their purpose, saying meaningful service begins when people move beyond recognising community needs to taking action.
“Everybody can see a need in the community, but most people complain. Rotarians are different because they roll up their sleeves and get involved. When your ‘why’ is strong enough, you will always find a way to make a lasting impact,” he said.
The ceremony marked not only a leadership transition but also the beginning of another year of service, with Bulawayo’s Rotary clubs reaffirming their commitment to delivering sustainable projects, strengthening communities and living up to Rotary’s enduring motto, Service Above Self.
