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When I took office during the second half of 2010, it was with the theme of 'Positive Change'. It is a leitmotif that I would like to see echoed not only in the way we as Soroptimists engage with each other or conduct our business, but also in the impact we make in our communities and the lives of those under our care.
In fact, Soroptimist International of South Africa (SISA) - and indeed its international parent - was established to effect positive change. In South Africa, we have much ground to cover. The organisation is founded on sound principles and objectives which have kept the organisation going in this country for more than 50 years. The oldest club, SI Port Elizabeth, was charted on 24 July 1959 while the youngest member of the SISA family, SI Maluti, officially came into being in September of 2008.
We are growing, but not fast enough to optimally respond to the needs created and exacerbated by past and current social ills. Every club I have visited thus far has displayed a passion for its volunteer work. We now need to infect other people - especially younger people - with the same passion.
A critical mass of dedicated, skilled (in whatever way) and caring people working together in areas of need will have one consequence: Positive change!
I would like to encourage my fellow Soroptimists to be even more visible in their communities, invite others to join in projects, partner with other community-based organisations or government agencies - be seen as you make a difference.
Volunteer work, by its very nature, is sacrificial; but the smile on another's face to receive something as commonplace as a blanket, a child's excitement at receiving her own book, or a community's sense of empowerment when a vegetable garden shows a profit, is priceless.
Thank you for joining in this journey!
Makkie Setshedi
SISA President
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