Whilst the Rotary Club of Pretoria claims to be the third club to be established in South Africa (after Johannesburg and Durban), RI records indicate that it was, in fact, the sixth to be registered. 

The first meeting took place in Polley's Hotel, Pretoria, on 17^th February 1925. R.W. Rusterholz, Special Commissioner of Rotary International was present and Henry W. Adams was elected the first President. There were a total of twenty five founding members, but during the remainder of H. W. Adam's perioid of office a further 26 members were elected to membership.

 

We quote from the official Club history:

"This period was one of vital importance and under the inspiring leadership of Harry Adams a very sound basis of procedure was adopted. Of major importance was the following:-

            'No Committee Reports other than the ordinary monthly Progress Report shall be submitted to the regular weekly meeting until it has been presented to the Directors for their consideration in good time prior to such meeting.'

A weekly collection of lunches was arranged for as well as a  "Visitor's Book" and a "Time Lamp" ,was donated by Rotarian Lezard. From the latter it seems clear that, at that early stage, the importance of "limits" to the length of speeches was realized.

The first Annual Dinner and Dance was held in 1925 at Polleys Hotel. (The local press gave more space to descriptions of the dresses of Rotary Anns than to the excellence of the speeches made).

 

* According to RI Charter Date Rotary Club of Pretoria is the 6th club of the continent, however it was the 3rd club to be organized. Similar circumstances are found in the UK clubs.

See www.rotaryfirst100.org