Wynberg's Aletta Rochat triumphs as the first African Toastmasters International President

Wynberg resident Aletta Rochat made history as the first African elected international president of Toastmasters International when she was inaugurated last month.

The inauguration took place at the organisation’s annual international convention in Philadelphia, USA, from Wednesday, August 20,, until Saturday August 23.

Toastmasters International is a global non-profit organisation that has existed since 1924, dedicated to developing individuals’ confidence, communication, and leadership skills.

The Cape Town branch of Toastmasters recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in July (“How Cape Town Toastmasters has empowered voices for 40 years,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, July 17)

Ms Rochat has been part of Toastmasters since 2008, when she joined a local club to further develop her speaking and leadership skills. She quickly found a supportive community that encouraged her to step forward, take on leadership roles, and inspire others. 

Over the years, Ms Rochat has trained and mentored people across the world, written books on public speaking,  and built an international coaching business, all while staying deeply connected to her Cape Town roots.

“Toastmasters taught me to say ‘yes’ to opportunities. When you grow, you are able to help others do the same,” she said.

In her new role as international president of Toastmasters International, she will serve as the global ambassador and leader of a global non-profit.

She will preside over the board of directors, oversee the organization’s strategic priorities, and represent Toastmasters at events and media engagements worldwide. 

At her inauguration, Ms Rochat shared a message of hope and resilience.

“Our success is  not determined by our circumstances; it is determined by our belief in what is possible.” 

Cape Town Toastmasters welcomes members of the public to attend their regular meetings, held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.

Meetings take place at the Western Province Cricket Club in Rondebosch in the chairman’s view room, with arrivals from 6.30pm for a prompt 7pm start.

For updates, follow @ToastmastersCapeTown on Facebook and Instagram, or contact vice president of membership, Donovan Will, at 083 700 0618 or email capetowntoastmasters@gmail.com