By Brian McKechnie, Chairman of the Rand Club 

As Chairman of the Rand Club, I’m often asked about our institution’s remarkable transformation over the past three decades. 

This Women’s Month, I want to share how our journey from male-only exclusivity to inclusive leadership reflects the very spirit of “Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo! You strike a woman, you strike a rock!”

When I consider our club’s evolution, I see more than policy changes. I see a living testament to South Africa’s capacity for meaningful transformation whilst honouring our heritage.

Understanding Our Historical Context

The Rand Club was founded in 1887 during Johannesburg’s gold rush era, and like many institutions of that time, it reflected the social norms of colonial society. For over a century, we operated as a gentlemen’s-only establishment, with women facing significant restrictions, including being directed to side entrances and discouraged from common areas well into the late 1980s.

I don’t share this history with pride, but with honesty. Understanding where we came from is essential to appreciating how far we’ve travelled and why our current mission matters so deeply.

The Pivotal Moment: 1993 and Our Democratic Alignment

In 1993, we made what I consider one of the most important decisions in the Rand Club’s history: we opened our membership to women. This wasn’t merely about changing rules; it represented a fundamental shift in our institutional philosophy that aligned perfectly with South Africa’s democratic transition.

This decision came as our nation was rediscovering the powerful legacy of 9 August 1956, when over 20,000 women from all backgrounds marched to Pretoria’s Union Buildings. Led by extraordinary women like Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, that historic protest established women as equal partners in shaping South Africa’s future.

We realised that to remain relevant and true to the spirit of the new South Africa, we needed to embrace the same values those brave women championed.

Our Modern Vision: Character Over Demographics

Today, when I describe what defines a Rand Club member, I emphasise that we seek “persons 18 years and over of good character, considerate and open-minded, embracing of diversity, critical thinkers, decision-makers, conversation shapers, thought leaders, passionate about Johannesburg’s heritage and future, with an eye for the unusual.”

Notice that nowhere in this description do you find references to gender, race, or any demographic qualifier. We’ve evolved from exclusivity based on who you were born as to inclusion based on who you choose to be and how you contribute to our community and city.

This isn’t just idealism. It’s been strategic to our success. As businesses moved out of Johannesburg’s Central Business District in the 1990s, many heritage institutions struggled to remain relevant. Our embrace of diversity became key to not just surviving, but thriving in modern South Africa.

Celebrating Women’s Leadership Through Meaningful Programming

One of my proudest moments as Chairman was our Women’s Day Afternoon Tea on 9 August 2023. This wasn’t a tokenistic celebration. It was a substantive event featuring trailblazing speaker Cynthia Stimpel and the beautiful performance by soprano Marina Botha-Spies.

These events represent what we’ve become: a prestigious platform where contemporary women leaders can connect, share insights, and shape conversations about our country’s future. We’re not just opening doors; we’re creating spaces where women’s leadership can flourish.

Rediscovering Hidden Histories

As we’ve embraced our new identity, I’ve become fascinated by the untold stories of women who contributed to early Johannesburg, even when institutions like ours excluded them.

Take Constance “Connie Madcap” Wood, who arrived in Johannesburg in 1889 at age seven. Her mother, Catherine Cleveland, built a successful dressmaking business, creating elaborate gowns and theatrical costumes for our city’s growing elite. Remarkably, Connie’s stepfather, Henry Arthur Cleveland, served as our club’s librarian during the severe 1898 drought.

This connection moves me deeply – it highlights how women’s entrepreneurial spirit and hard work sustained the very institutions that excluded them. Understanding these stories makes our current inclusivity not just policy, but justice.

Why This Transformation Matters

Some might ask why a historic club should change its traditions. My answer is simple: we haven’t abandoned our traditions – we’ve fulfilled them. The Rand Club has always been about bringing together Johannesburg’s most thoughtful, influential people to shape our city’s future.

The difference now is that we recognise those qualities aren’t limited by gender, race, or background. When we opened our doors to women, we didn’t diminish our prestige – we enhanced it by accessing the full spectrum of our city’s talent and wisdom.

Our revival and continued relevance directly correlate with this embrace of diversity. We’ve proven that inclusivity isn’t just morally right – it’s strategically essential for institutional success in modern South Africa.

Looking Forward: A Living Legacy

Today, I’m proud to say there’s “no such thing as a typical Rand Club Member.” We represent contemporary South African society in all its diversity, united by shared values of intellectual curiosity, civic engagement, and commitment to our city’s heritage and future.

As we observe Women’s Month 2024, I reflect on how the women who marched in 1956 demanded recognition as equal partners in South Africa’s future. The Rand Club now provides exactly the kind of platform where that equality flourishes – through meaningful dialogue, professional development, and cultural celebration.

Our transformation embodies the spirit of “Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo!” We’ve learned that when institutions embrace women’s leadership, they don’t just survive – they thrive.

An Invitation to Be Part of Our Story

Suppose you’re reading this and recognising yourself in our values. In that case, if you’re a critical thinker, decision-maker, conversation shaper, or thought leader passionate about Johannesburg’s heritage and future, I invite you to explore membership with us.

By joining the Rand Club, you become part of a continuing story of transformation, one that honours our past while actively building a more inclusive future. You contribute to a legacy that celebrates both our storied history and our commitment to the principles that make South Africa great.

The Rand Club today stands as more than a dining establishment or social club; we’re a symbol of what’s possible when heritage institutions choose evolution over stagnation, inclusion over exclusion, and hope over fear.Interested in learning more about Rand Club membership or attending our upcoming events? Contact us via email or visit us at our historic location in Johannesburg’s city centre. We’d be honoured to welcome you to our community.