The Right to Die — Leigh Meinert, DignitySA
2026-09-10
District raid · visiting Rotarians welcome
Leigh Meinert of DignitySA joins us on Thursday 10 September to speak on the Right to Die — and we are opening the evening as a district raid, so Rotarians from other clubs are warmly invited to join us.
Few subjects ask more of us than this one. DignitySA campaigns for the right of terminally ill South Africans to choose a medically assisted death. In April this year the organisation filed a motion in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria, asking the court to declare the blanket prohibition on Medical Assistance in Dying unconstitutional and invalid. Should the challenge succeed, Parliament would have 24 months to write the legislation. The case draws on reports from fifteen foreign experts across six countries, and from South African practitioners who hold that our healthcare system could implement and manage such a framework responsibly.
It is a debate that turns on the things Rotarians weigh often — dignity, compassion, personal autonomy, and the duty of care we owe the most vulnerable among us. Thoughtful people land in very different places on it. Leigh will set out the case DignitySA is making, and there will be time for questions and discussion afterwards. The club takes no position on the question; we simply think it is one worth discussing properly.
Come with an open mind, and bring a guest.
Details
- Date: Thursday, 10 September 2026
- Time: 18h00 for 18h30 — dinner at 18h30 sharp
- Venue: Chairman’s View, WP Cricket Club (WPCC)
- Cost: R100 per person for the meal, plus a cash bar
- RSVP: stacyed@gmail.com by Wednesday, 2 September 2026 — numbers are strictly capped at 50
Club Getaway to the Riebeek Valley
2026-07-31
31 July to 2 August — a relaxing weekend in the heart of the Swartland
Departure · Friday 31 July at 13:00 from 14 Sunrise Road, Pinelands.
Join the Rotary Club of Wynberg for a Club Getaway to the Riebeek Valley,
the heart of the Swartland, from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August — a
relaxing weekend of good company, great experiences and West Coast charm.
What's in store
- Darling Brew brewery tour — go behind the scenes, learn the craft, and
enjoy some of the best brews on the West Coast.
- Accommodation at Goedgedacht Farm — stay on a working farm with beautiful
surroundings, warm hospitality and a purpose ("Empowering Rural Lives: 30
Years of Hope and Impact"). Rest, recharge, and make a difference.
- Scenic beauty — explore Riebeek Valley's wine farms, villages and
stunning landscapes.
- Good food and great company — delicious meals and local West Coast
flavour, shared with fellow Rotarians.
- Meaningful impact — your stay supports rural upliftment through the work
of Goedgedacht.
All booked and ready to go. A weekend that nourishes body, mind and spirit.
Get away. Give back. Grow together.
The curious history of the handshake — origins and what it signals
2026-09-03
Editorial
**The Curious History of the Handshake: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Diplomacy**
Did you know the handshake isn’t as old as you think? While we associate it with modern professionalism, its roots stretch back to ancient Rome, where a different gesture—called the *benedicite*—was used to seal agreements. This involved touching your thumb to your fingers, a move that might sound oddly reminiscent of a modern-day “peace sign” (though without the raised eyebrows). Over centuries, this evolved into the handshake we know today, a symbol of trust and mutual respect.
**From Rome to the Royal Courts**
The handshake’s journey began in the 1st century AD, when the *benedicite* was a gesture of peace, often performed after a battle or treaty. By the Middle Ages, it had become a staple of European diplomacy, with kings and nobles using it to cement alliances. The act of clasping hands was believed to symbolize the joining of two lives, a notion that lingered through the Renaissance. Yet, it wasn’t until the 16th century that the handshake began to take on its modern form, with both hands extended and fingers interlocked—a move that, ironically, was initially met with suspicion in some circles.
**The Rise of the “Firm” Grip**
By the 19th century, the handshake had become a fixture of social and business life. In 1830, the *New York Herald* even coined the term “handshake” to describe the gesture, cementing its place in everyday culture. The emphasis on a “firm” grip emerged in the early 20th century, as industrialization and the rise of formal business etiquette turned the handshake into a tool of confidence. A weak grip, it was said, could signal hesitation or dishonesty—a notion that still lingers in boardrooms and job interviews today.
**What a Shake Really Means**
Beyond its historical roots, the handshake carries subtle signals. A firm grip can convey authority, while a lingering touch might hint at warmth or, in some contexts, over-familiarity. In Wynberg, where the Rotary Club has met for 78 years, the handshake is more than a formality—it’s a bridge between generations. At the Western Province Cricket Club, where Thursday evenings are filled with laughter and camaraderie, the ritual of clapping hands (or, more accurately, shaking them) underscores the value of connection in a community that thrives on collaboration.
**A Gesture That Never Fails**
In an age of digital communication, the handshake remains a timeless reminder of human connection. Whether sealing a deal or greeting a friend, it’s a small act with big meaning—a silent promise that we’re all in this together. After all, what could be more Wynberg than a firm grip, a shared smile, and the faint scent of Cape Town’s coastal breeze?