In a world first, the University of Johannesburg Rotaract club across four campuses was recently launched as the biggest ever, aiming to attract young professionals into positive action in their communities.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Community Engagement (CE) Unit, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Johannesburg joined forces to help form the new UJ CE Rotaract Club. The official launch and Inauguration took place during April 2016 at the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus.
A Rotaract club operates much like a Rotary club except the members are typically between 18 and 30 years old, with the aim to take action in their communities, develop their leadership and professional skills, and have fun. Rotary clubs sponsor them, but Rotaract members manage and fund their clubs independently.
“This is a world first with the biggest number of Rotaract charter members ever in the world. Here we have 230 UJ charter members across the five clubs affiliated to four campuses in Soweto, Kingsway, Bunting Road, Doornfontein and the UJ School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) at Bunting Road”, said Steve du Plessis from Rotary International.
Added Monki Motsepe, UJ CE Liaison Specialist: “Rotaract is a Rotary program connecting young adults to a large global network. It is a great opportunity for UJ CE Volunteers and members of the community to develop leadership skills, participate in community service and make new friends.
“Rotary badges were handed to the UJ Rotaract Committee members to affirm their roles. After the oath taking, all Rotary elected presidents were interviewed live on radio to inform the listeners how they got to be elected as campus Rotaract presidents and explaining their commitments for the year ahead as presidents.
“The UJ CE Rotaract Club aims to meet weekly throughout the year to plan implementation and fundraising initiatives, community service and fun social activities,” said Motsepe.
The event brought together representatives from the university and community organisations to build on the existing university engagements. The UJ Rotaract clubs will attend the Rotary world meeting to be held in Seoul, South Korea next month.
Leadership of the club
UJ students from all four campuses were given the opportunity to elect Executive Members for their UJ CE Rotaract Club. The elected leadership is as follows:
UJ CE Auckland Park Kingsway Campus (APK) ROTARACT:
- President: Mr Muhammad Golden Sibanyoni
- Treasurer: Mr Thuketana Hlulani
- Secretary: Ms Lerato Shikwambana
UJ CE Auckland Park Bunting Road Campus (APB) ROTARACT:
- President: Ms Unathi Valashiya
- Treasurer: Ms Amanda Pendu
- Secretary: Ms Gugu Gama
UJ CE Doornfontein Campus (DFC) ROTARACT:
- President: Mr Nangambi Magala
- Treasurer: Mr Nsika Mashaba
- Secretary: Mr Prospector Mnisi
UJ CE Soweto Campus (SWC) ROTARACT:
- President: Mr Relebogile Tsoku
- Treasurer: Ms Lindokuhle Khumalo
- Secretary: Ms Khanyisile Nyembe