 Egoli Golden City Toastmasters Club was instigated in 1978 by Sam Levinrad, a member of Old Johannians Toastmasters. Ditta Hertz, who ran a social club for the blind, was approached by Bernard and Frances Venter, who wished to start a club for “blind intelligentsia”.
In the early 1980s the cub received its Charter, and had a membership of about 40. It went from strength to strength, with many of its members becoming CTMs and ATMs, and Brother Paul Nolan was elected first president. Lions International assisted in transporting the members to the Masonic Lodge in Johannesburg, where their meetings were held.
In 1998, the club decided to welcome both able-bodied and physically challenged members. The new venue became Mandeville Sports Club in Bez Valley.
In September 1998, a speechcraft was held at Mandeville and five residents from Saint Giles Home attended. Maurizio Napoleoni, Paul Muller, Tanya Gardie, Jillian Blue and the late Shirley Erasmus then joined the club. Of these first members, Maurizio, Paul and Jillian are still members.
It was then decided to move the club location once again, this time to the St Giles Home.
Rosemary Frith became President of the club in 1999.
In March 2001, the club celebrated its 21st birthday.
The late John Wiffen came as a guest on 24 April 2002, and was Toastmaster of the evening. John became president in July 2002.
Tony Lopes had been walking his dog when he stopped to talk to Paul Muller. Tony lived across the road from St. Giles Home and Paul convinced him to come as a guest to their meeting. Two days later, on 29 January 2004, Tony attended his first Toastmasters meeting and was inspired by what he saw. Distinguished guest and author, Mark Woodman, attended the same meeting and gave each member a copy of his book “Personal Purpose”. John Wiffen then signed Tony Lopes as a member of the club.
On the 16 March 2004, after the tragic death of John Whiffen, Tony Lydall became mentor for the club. Tony continues to guide it, while Rivonia Toastmasters Club supports and mentors the members, and other Toastmasters members offer their support and encouragement.
In June 2006, Tony Lopes became President of the club.
The club changed its name in January 2008 to Egoli Golden City Toastmasters, to avoid confusion with sister club Madiba Golden City Toastmasters. Both clubs are supported by the John Whiffen Memorial Trust.
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Egoli Golden City
