When COGH past president Bev Frieslich received an email from a Rotarian in Uganda asking for help to plan a surprise proposal she quickly involved the rest of the club to make it happen.
This unique example of Rotary Fellowship was recently published in the latest edition of the Rotary Africa/South Magazine (February 2025).
Dr Richard Kalungi, a medical doctor and member of Rotary Club of Kampala South had arranged for his girlfriend, Barbara Nyakato, who is also a Rotarian, to visit COGH during her work trip to Cape Town in December.
Unknown to Barbara, Richard arrived in Cape Town and stayed with Bev while he put together the final arrangements including buying an engagement ring and flowers.
Barbara arrived at the COGH weekly meeting at the Galley in Fish Hoek and Bev suggested a walk up the Jager’s Walk promenade knowing that Richard would be waiting to surprise his girlfriend.
As Barbara saw Richard standing there holding a bunch of red roses she screamed with surprise and COGH club members started waving flags.
Richard dropped on one knee and held out the engagement ring in a wonderful romantic scene that COGH was excited to be part of.
Following the proposal there were celebrations at the meeting and club banners were exchanged.
“This was Rotary inter-district collaboration at its best,” said Bev. “A perfect exercise in enthusiastic teamwork and support on all sides.”
The happy couple are planning to be married on the 31st of May this year.
COGH put together a video of the event; you can watch it below.