PDG Tini Eksteen- May you rest in peace!

PDG Tini Eksteen passed away on 31 December 2012 after an extended illness.

Tini was a good friend and also the man who brought me into the Rotary family through the Group Study Exchange programme of the Rotary Foundation. He always had a smile and a joke, but more importantly he always had empathy for those in need.

I will miss his eternal optimism and sage advice on matters of Rotary.

My condolences go to Vida and the family.

Andre Brandmuller

Piano's and Organs - A note from AG Charles Deiner

Dear Rotarians and Friends of Rotary

 I include GTR clubs Middelburg, Cycad, Witbank and Our Canadian Rotary Clubs especially Grand Bend RC, Peter Twynstra and all the dedicated helpers that load the containers in their own free time and Xtrata Coal who sponsored the last two containers that contained these pianos and organs.

Recognition by the Education Department is appreciated as we are now finding cooperation with all stake holders.

The feedback from the music departments is so positive. Our biggest challenge is selecting the most deserving school. Our criteria is that they must have choirs already competing in coral competitions, music teachers and a Principal that is supportive. Mr P Mahlangu who is referred to in the letter indicated that there are at least 35 schools that qualify.

To our Canadian partners I thank you for the unselfish support you have given us. Think of the sounds of music flowing over rural fields and be assured that even if you never get here Canada will be remembered in some special way. Who knows what new musician may come from here.

Rotary and all

Charles


 

Wheelchairs- A note from AG Charles Deiner

Dear Rotarians

The year has flown by and many changes have taken place in my life. However here is some feedback on the wheelchairs that have been placed in some of the poorest areas like Vlaaklaagte, KwaMahlanga, Tweefontein, Empumalanga, Kwaggafontein. Many Rotarians are probably wondering where these rural communities are. Well between Middelburg, Groblersdal and Bronkhorstspruit. To get there you go via Loskop Dam or Verena.

When you look at the photos you will notice that there are different types as we have received wheelchairs from Forever Resorts (White Chairs) used chairs from Canada that have come with the containers and the chairs that come in with our wheelchair project. Each and every person has been visited and details obtained. I must thank Mr Philly Raphuti for the assistance that he and his team of committed educators from the Education Department have given me in reaching these people. If you do not shed a tear when forgotten people express their joy.

Rotarians your generosity is appreciated and the results speak for themselves.

Rotary and all

Charles