Who We Are
Round Table Robertson 115 is a proud member of the Association of Round Tables of Southern Africa (ARTSA) and Round Table Western Province (RTWP). We are a voluntary, non-political, non-sectarian organisation of young men aged 18 to 40 who are passionate about making a difference in the Robertson Valley.
Round Table was founded in 1927 in Norwich, England by Louis Marchesi, a young member of the Norwich Rotary Club who saw a need for a club where young business men could gather, exchange ideas, and play a collective part in civic life. From the very beginning it was agreed that Round Table would be non-religious and non-political — a principle that continues to this day. Today, Round Table is represented on every continent of the world.
Our main aim is to enjoy fellowship with people from all walks of life, while organising fundraising events and community activities. We hold monthly business and social meetings to plan projects and strengthen bonds among our members.
Our Mission & Values
Guided by principle, driven by purpose, united in service to our community.
Community Service
We dedicate our time and resources to welfare projects that uplift and support the Robertson community, including school improvement programmes and community feeding initiatives.
Fellowship
Building lasting friendships through shared experiences, social events, braais, and inter-table visits with fellow Tablers across Southern Africa.
Self-Improvement
Developing public speaking, leadership, project management, and meeting procedure skills through active participation and responsibility.
Adopt, Adapt, Improve
Our motto drives us to embrace new ideas, adapt to changing needs, and continuously improve ourselves and our community.
What We Do
From fundraising to feeding the community, we're hands-on in everything we do.
Fundraising Events
We organise a variety of fundraising events throughout the year, including our annual shooting day, golf day, lente skou, gala dinners, fun runs, and braai evenings. All proceeds go directly towards community projects and charitable causes in the Robertson area.
Community Projects
From school renovations and library projects to community clean-ups, we roll up our sleeves and get involved. Our members volunteer their time and skills to projects that make a tangible difference in the lives of Robertson residents.
Fellowship & Social
Fellowship is at the heart of what we do. Regular braais, wine route evenings, potjie competitions, and inter-table visits keep our bonds strong.
The Round Table Story
From a single table in England to a global movement spanning over 60 countries.
The Beginning — Norwich, England
The first Round Table was formed in Norwich, England in 1927. Founder Louis Marchesi, a young member of the Norwich Rotary Club, felt young business men needed a regular place to gather, exchange ideas, learn from one another's experiences, and play a collective part in civic life. In a speech to Rotarians he famously said: "There are things we must do, there are things we can do, and there are things we should do." From the outset it was agreed Round Table would be non-religious and non-political. Within a year, membership had grown to 85.
Going International
Round Table proved it had international appeal when the first overseas Table was formed in Copenhagen in 1936. By the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, there were 125 Tables with a membership of 4,600. During the war years, Round Table in Denmark continued to expand, while activity in the British Isles was restricted to a "holding operation".
Round Table Comes to South Africa
Dr David Smith, who had been a Round Tabler in Bath, England, settled in East London, South Africa and joined Rotary. In November 1948 he started the first Round Table in South Africa. After 1945, growth had re-established rapidly across the UK, and Round Table now flourishes in most European countries and throughout Africa, the Middle East, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand and America.
ARTSA is Formed
The Association of Round Tables in Southern Africa (ARTSA) was formed in 1951, consisting of all the Round Tables of Namibia and South Africa. The first National Conference was held in East London in 1951, with Noggs Newman as its first National President.
Growing Stronger
With 20 active members and a packed calendar of fundraisers, community projects, and social events, Round Table Robertson 115 continues to grow and make a real difference in the Robertson community. Our motto, "Adopt, Adapt, Improve," drives everything we do.
Part of Something Bigger
Round Table Robertson 115 is a proud member of ARTSA (Association of Round Tables of Southern Africa) and RTWP (Round Table Western Province). ARTSA connects Round Table chapters across Southern Africa — including South Africa, Namibia, and Lesotho — fostering collaboration and shared purpose.
Through our affiliation, we connect with fellow Tablers from across Southern Africa and internationally through Round Table International (RTI), sharing ideas, resources, and the spirit of service that unites us all.