Rotary International began in 1905 in Chicago when attorney Paul Harris gathered a small group of professional friends to create a club based on friendship, networking, and community service. The meetings rotated between members' offices, which is where the name “Rotary” originated.

The first Rotary Club quickly grew, and new clubs were established across the United States and then internationally. By 1910, Rotary had become a national organization, and within a few years it spread to countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and beyond. Today, Rotary operates in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Over time, Rotary evolved from a business networking group into one of the world's leading humanitarian service organizations.

Today, Rotary International has over 1.4 million members worldwide who work together to improve lives and strengthen communities through volunteer service and ethical leadership.There are currently 59 Clubs in our District 9350 which covers The Western Cape, Northern Cape, Namibia and Angola.

One of Rotary's greatest achievements has been the fight against polio through the “PolioPlus” programme, launched in 1985. Rotary partnered with organizations such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help reduce polio cases world-wide by more than 99%.