"On what was my first visit to Africa, I have been privileged to charter two new Clubs - SI Maputo and SI Bloemfontein. Each is quite different, yet each has much in common. Clearly, each is committed to the objectives of Soroptimism and they share the bond of fellowship between Soroptimists throughout the world, but each in its own way is breaking new ground. SI Maputo is the first club in Mozambique, SI Bloemfontein is the first club in the Free State. I was delighted to be a part of both ceremonies.

SI Bloemfontein have set off to a very good start. At their Charter Dinner they were congratulated by other men's service organisations, by representatives of business and commerce; the mayor attended and the evening was sponsored by a local bank. In addition they had high profile coverage on local radio and the press.