The Rotary Club Morningside has awarded Lead SA activists, Terry Volkwyn and Yusuf Abramjee with the coveted Paul Harris Fellowship Awards.
Paul Harris started the first Rotary Club in 1905. Today, Rotary has over 34 000 clubs and over 1.2-million members worldwide.
The award is the highest recognition that can be bestowed by Rotary Clubs around the world. Previous recipients include former President, Nelson Mandela, Albertina Sisulu, Helen Suzman and Miriam Makeba.
President of the Morningside Rotary, Shirley Downie, said that the Paul Harris Fellowship was awarded to Volkwyn and Abramjee “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among the peoples of the world.
“Through their positive support, Lead SA has successfully initiated a paradigm shift by encouraging civil society in South Africa to unite in a common purpose of positive action and thoughts,” said Downie.
A certificate was presented to CEO of the Independent Group of Newspapers, Tony Howard, for supporting and being a main partner to Lead SA.
President elect of Morningside Rotary, Kanthan Pillay, said Lead SA was making a difference and its achievements had to be recognised.
In her acceptance speech, Volkwyn said: “We are humbled and we appreciate the recognition. Lead SA will continue to find the good in the country and encourage active citizenship.”
The Primedia Broadcasting CEO added: “In line with Rotary’s philosophy of doing good, Lead SA will continue to encourage citizens to stand up, do the right thing and make a difference.”
Abramjee congratulated Rotarians around the world for being active citizens and bringing about change to those in need. He called on the global community to support International Mandela Day on July 18 and to do 67 minutes of community service.
“We at Lead SA are committed to continue promoting initiatives that encourage the heart.”
Pillay said the certificate to the Independent Group was dedicated to the entire staff from the various titles which are closely involved with the Lead SA initiative.
Lead SA was launched two years ago and has received a number of recognitions and awards.
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Caption: (From Left) Shirley Downing (President of the Rotary Club of Morningside), Terry Volkwyn (Lead SA Activist), Yusuf Abramjee (Lead SA Activist) and Kanthan Pillay (President Elect of the Rotary Club of Morningside)
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