Brits - A town named for a person not a Nation! At an altitude of 1200m and some 600km distant from the nearest ocean, the small town of Brits (population - 46000 ) is situated in the North West Province of South Africa approximately 50km west of Pretoria and 80km north-west of Johannesburg. Brits is located upon the fertile plains extending below the northern slopes of the beautiful 2 600 million year-old Magaliesberg mountains. The town, established over a century ago, owes its origin to the agricultural industry and still is the hub of large and diverse farming undertakings. Economic activities have been expanded over the years to include manufacturing (Firestone tyres have a large plant here), mining and all the attendant service businesses. Nearby are several of the world's largest platinum and chromium mines as well as a host of smaller mining operations which feed off the bountiful treasures to be found in the reefs and ore-bodies of the internationally renowned geological structure known as the Bushveld Igneous Complex upon which Brits is built. Other notable features of our area include South Africa 's large nuclear research and production facility, several dams used for irrigation and recreation as well as a multitude of venues to delight resident and tourist alike, whether their interests be outdoor adventure, cultural history, sightseeing, hunting, sports or the night life of the famous Sun City casino and resort. A Community that Needs Rotary Whilst blessed by nature with an array of wondrous gifts, Brits and its community is also not spared the natural and social ills that are familiar hallmarks of life in Africa . Near to the town is a body of water brim full, surrounded by luxury housing, golf courses and with hundreds of very expensive watercraft plying its surface. This same reservoir has in the recent past, seen levels as low as 15% of capacity and the all too frequent ravages of drought have left deep scars in the landscape and the wellbeing and prosperity of those communities most vulnerable to the vagaries of life. The realities of natural and political history have left thousands of mostly rural, individuals with needs ranging from serious to desperate. Health, food, housing and education are, for many in our area, in pitifully short supply - more so in the case of those who, for whatever reason, are not in a position to help themselves. The yawning chasm between the circumstances of the few fortunate and privileged on one hand and the many luckless and disadvantaged on the other, is the void that the Brits Rotary Club seeks to assist in bridging. During its over 39 years of existence, this small Rotary Club (membership 31) has, with limited reserves but commitment and enthusiasm in abundance, made very meaningful contributions to countless deserving causes, big and small, in and around Brits. Brits Rotary Club - Strong and Vigorous The club was chartered in 1960 and is fortunate to count amongst its most active members two of the original founder group. Several others are members of long standing and the Club, despite its small size, has been the recipient of several accolades for its performance, management and most importantly, for its contributions to society. In the true spirit of Rotary the Brits club and its members naturally shy away from the glare of publicity and commit rather to ensuring that the maximum impact is derived by those who truly need it most. Notable amongst the causes which have benefited significantly from the interventions of the Brits club have been the physically and mentally handicapped, the aged and the destitute. Brits Rotary Club also has always actively supported and participated in the various programmes of RI including Youth Exchange, GSE and Polio Plus as well as the projects and activities of the District. Brits Club members are representative of diverse professions (medical, legal, financial) and occupations (farming, business, manufacturing and marketing) and is proud of the fact that, over the past 3 years, female membership representation has increased from zero to 16%. A signal achievement of the Brits Rotary Club was the recent implementation of the final phase of its Genesis Project which has been well supported by members of the Club, matching grants and other contributions in cash and kind. The culmination of this project was the provision of a properly constructed and equipped Centre for the Mentally and physically Disabled (children and adults) serving the poor rural community of Hartbeesfontein, 45 km north west of the town of Brits. It is the Club's intention to ensure the long-term sustainability and effective operation of the Genesis Centre in association with the local community and relevant authorities. The task of establishing the centre was great - the challenge of ensuring its future is immense! In parallel with its major Genesis project, Brits Club has initiated several community service undertakings, large and small, and continues to succour numerous others which, quietly and unobtrusively, have been developed and nurtured over the many years of the presence of Rotary in the town, and which have made a real difference to the lives of many. Projects in which the club have been and are still involved are • the upliftment of disadvantaged schools in the community by supplying electricity, water, toilets and educational aids through obtaining Children's Opportunity Grant s and Matching Grant s as well raising funds through large scale fund raising projects, • community feeding and clothing (including blankets) projects for the destitute, • regular support of old age facilities with monthly concerts and financial support, • book prizes at High Schools for performance in particular subjects • vocational service awards in the community for exceptional service The homes of Brits Rotary Club members are widespread (our members are separated by up to 100km) and most travel significant distances to attend weekly meetings (Mondays at 18:30 ) and to participate in other club activities. An active and enthusiastic Anns group hold regular gatherings, plan and execute several projects and play a very important and active role in support of Rotary's ideals generally and the Brits Club's objectives and activities in particular. The multitude of Rotary Club banners from the four corners of the earth proudly in the possession of Brits Rotary Club bear testimony to extensive international contacts. The importance attached to the Club's appreciation of the value of the global Rotary bond is evident also in the avid support of international programmes, hosting of frequent guests from abroad, GSE visits and regular bilateral participation in short and long term youth exchange programmes. The Rotary Club of Brits prides itself in its commitment to ongoing support for the needs of the local community. Also, as a Club based in a country renowned for its hospitality, the hand of friendship and welcome is offered to any who might wish to partake of the many and varied experiences of this truly wonderful part of this Rainbow Nation. Roland von Gogh, Rotary Club of Brits 18 April 1999