District Governor Ann

Born and raised in Krugersdorp, Frances began her career as a Foundation Phase teacher and later qualified as a school librarian. She married Brian, whose involvement in the Johannesburg Rotaract Club soon introduced her to the world of Rotary and service.

In 1978, the family moved to White River when their daughter was just a few months old. Within months, Brian joined the Nelspruit Rotary Club, and Frances became actively involved in many of their initiatives—most notably the well-loved Camp Quality project. Due to work commitments, she could not join the Anns at that time, but her support and participation remained constant.

Frances spent 30 years at Uplands Prep School, where she taught Grade 1, ran the school library, served as Head of the Foundation Phase, and completed several terms as Deputy Head. After retiring from Uplands, she extended her passion for education into the community, working with rural township schools and facilitating adult education programmes, including professional training for courier drivers. She now teaches a home-school group, covering all high-school subjects for Grade 8 learners.

In 1999, she made Rotary history in White River by becoming the club’s first female member. Two years later, she became its first woman president—a role she held again in 2017/18. She has also served as Assistant Governor for the Lowveld area during a period when the region comprised five clubs. Deeply connected to both Rotary and the Anns, she became Ann President for two consecutive years, 2020/21 and 2021/22. Most recently, she served as DGAR for the 2023/24 year.

Dedicated, community-minded, and passionate about education, Frances continues to serve wherever she sees a need