About Us

Rotary has 1.4 million members  and 46 000 clubs spread across the world.

Our club is in Rotary District 9350 and was chartered in 1962. It currently has about 40  permanent members. In addition we have a number of “swallow” members – Rotarians who spend part of the year in Knysna and part of the year in their home country. The club is committed to working tirelessly according to the Rotary principle of “Service above Self”. Funds are raised to support our many community programmes and projects in the greater Knysna area.

The Object of Rotary
The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
First: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service.
Second: High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying by each Rotarian of his/her occupation as an opportunity to serve society.
Third: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business and community life.
Fourth: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

The Rotary Four-Way Test guides Rotarians in all activities and behaviour:
Of the things we think, say or do
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendship?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Rotary’s Areas of Focus
Promoting peace.
Fighting disease.
Providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
Saving mothers and children.
Supporting education.
Growing local economies.
Protecting the environment.

Meetings
Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 12:30 for 13:00 at the Knysna Yacht Club, Waterfront, Knysna. 

Fellowship
Rotarian fellowship is an important part of the club and serves to forge strong bonds of cooperation and loyalty.

Board Members 2025/2026
President: Murro-Wayne Spies
Past President: Andy Muir 
Secretary: Viv Nightingale
Treasurer: Heather Thomas
Club Administration: Julie Staub
Service Projects: Henry Fairweather
Youth Services: Mario du Toit
Rotary Foundation: Clive Reed
Environment: Andy Muir
Public Image: Herb Hunter
Membership: Joy Solomon

President Elect for 2026/2027: tba

Updated 1 July 2025