How Cape Town Toastmasters has empowered voices for 40 years

The Cape Town Toastmasters Club marked its 40th anniversary with a celebratory evening at the Western Province Cricket Club’s chairman’s view room, in Rondebosch, on Wednesday, July 9.

The event commemorated four decades of empowering individuals to become confident speakers and effective leaders within the Cape Town community.

According to Kerri Adlam, vice president of public relations, the evening’s festivities reflected the club’s “spirit of fun and learning.” 

Toastmaster of the evening, Jason Scott, set the tone with the word of the day, “jubilant,” which was warmly embraced by speakers Edward Hazel, John Hambleton, and long-standing member and Cape Town Toastmasters president, Wayne Robinson.

Highlights included Eran Visser’s light-hearted Table Topics session, themed 'Let the Fun Begin', and Robert Rouessart’s witty take on bird evolution in his speech titled Creation and Science.

Ms Adlam said that John Hambleton delivered the winning speech of the night, 'Attitude determines altitude', encouraging guests to rise above self-imposed limitations.

Mr Robinson’s own speech, 'My ‘why’ and now what next?', tackled the challenge of audience interruptions - nine in total - with composure and wit.

Guest Carolyn Innes earned applause by winning the impromptu speaking contest, "conquering her nerves in the process." 

Donovan Will was named best evaluator for his feedback on Mr Robinson’s performance.

Mr Will, vice president of membership, also served as club treasurer and a speaker mentor.

Each role built his skills and boosted his confidence. “It’s changed everything - job interviews, conversations in groups, even cracking jokes. I just feel more ready to let the world hear what I have to say,” he said.

When Mr Will first joined Toastmasters, the idea of public speaking was terrifying.

“I used to freeze - heart racing, voice gone -  even in front of a small group,” he said.

Initially, his only goal was to survive the stage. What he didn’t expect was how much he would come to enjoy it.

For Mr Will, the secret to Toastmasters’ impact lies in its community and the feedback-driven learning model.

“Toastmasters isn’t just about speaking. It’s about growing in a community of people who genuinely want to see you succeed,” he said. “The feedback is gold.”

Toastmasters International is the parent organisation, with District 74 serving as a regional division.

Founded in 1985, the Cape Town Toastmasters Club has supported people from all walks of life - students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees - in developing communication, leadership, and personal growth skills.

Over the years, the club has hosted public speaking workshops, youth leadership programs, and community outreach initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on the city.

“We are incredibly proud to be part of this remarkable club,” said Mr Robinson.

“For 40 years, our members have inspired one another, creating a legacy of growth, connection, and empowerment. Being part of Toastmasters is about more than just speaking - it’s about building confidence, forming friendships, and making a difference in our community.”

Mr Robinson said that the pandemic drastically changed how members connect and learn. Before Covid-19, all meetings and training sessions were held in person, with only limited online resources.

However, the global shift in circumstances pushed Toastmasters, like many organisations, to adopt online platforms.

When asked about the broader value of Toastmasters, Mr Robinson reflected that “most people join with a specific objective, but often end up gaining far more.

“When someone joins a Toastmasters club, they always have a specific reason for joining. But as time goes on, you begin to realise that you are getting much more from the organisation far beyond your initial reasons for joining,” said Mr Robinson.

“Whether you’re seeking an evening of fun and learning, or looking to challenge yourself personally, come experience the supportive spirit of Toastmasters and discover the power of your voice,” said Mr Robinson.

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

Meetings take place at the Western Province Cricket Club in the Chairman’s View Room, with arrivals from 6.30pm for a prompt 7pm start.

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

You can also visit https://cttoastmasters.github.io/CTwebsite/