Round Table International
A Brotherhood
Built to Last
Nearly a century old. Active on every continent. Over 30,000 members in 65
countries. And right here in Benoni, Golden East 181 has been part of this story
since 1974.
where it all started
Norwich, England.
14 March 1927.
A young caterer named Louis Marchesi known to his fellow Tablers simply as “Mark” had an idea. A member of the Norwich Rotary Club, he believed young professional men deserved their own space: somewhere to meet regularly, exchange ideas, and make a genuine difference in their communities.
On 14 March 1927, thirty men gathered at Suckling House in Norwich and launched Round Table No. 1. Within a year membership had grown to 85. Within two years new Tables had opened across England. Within a decade the first overseas Table had been founded in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The name came from a speech by the Prince of Wales who challenged young businessmen to come together round a table and adopt, adapt, and improve the world around them. Nearly a century later, that challenge still shapes every GE181 meeting.
“The young business and professional men of this country must get together round the table, Adopt methods that have proved so sound in the past, Adapt them to the changing needs of the time, and wherever possible, Improve them.”
HRH The Prince of Wales
British Industries Fair, Birmingham · 1927
A Century in the Making
The Story of Round Table
From a single meeting room in Norwich to a global brotherhood
spanning every continent the key moments that built the movement.
The First Table Norwich, England
Louis Marchesi founds Round Table No. 1 at Suckling House. The motto “Adopt, Adapt, Improve” is engraved on the meeting bell a gift from a fellow Rotarian. Thirty men at the first meeting; 85 members within twelve months.
Rapid National Growth
New Tables open across Britain. A national council is formed. By the outbreak of World War II, over 4,600 members are active across 125 Tables in Britain alone.
First Overseas Table Copenhagen
Round Table crosses the Channel for the first time. Denmark becomes the first country outside Britain to host a Table proof the fellowship has universal appeal regardless of nationality or language.
Round Table International Founded
RTI is formally established at a general meeting in Hastings, England with British, Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, and Swedish Tables among the founding members. The same year, Dr David Smith brings Round Table to South Africa for the first time.
Southern Africa Chartered
Round Table Great Britain & Ireland officially charters Round Table Southern Africa (ARTSA). The movement takes root across South Africa and Namibia growing into one of RTI’s most active regional associations.
Golden East 181 is Founded Benoni, Gauteng
GE181 receives its charter and joins a movement already spanning dozens of countries and tens of thousands of members. For over 50 years, GE181 has held its place as one of the East Rand’s most active service clubs.
GE181 International Club of the Year
Golden East 181 is recognised as International Club of the Year placing a club from Benoni among the very best in the entire global Round Table network of 30,000+ members across 65 countries.
A Truly Global Brotherhood
Over 30,000 active Tablers across 65+ countries. Non-political, non-religious, and open to men between 18 and 40 who want to do more than talk about making a difference.
The Global Network
What Makes Round Table Different
Round Table isn’t a local club with international connections it’s a global
movement. Every member of GE181 is part of something much bigger than Benoni.
Active on Every Continent
From South Africa to Singapore, Amsterdam to Buenos Aires Round Table operates in
65+ countries. The shared motto creates
instant common ground wherever you travel.
Non-Political. Non-Religious.
Always has been, always will be. The only
membership criteria are professional standing,
a commitment to service, and age between 18
and 40. Nothing else divides the Table.
Built for Young Professionals
Round Table was created specifically for men at the start of their careers. The retirement age the last day of March following your 40th birthday keeps every Table energetic and forward-looking.
Governed by Members
RTI is elected annually from within its own membership. No lifetime positions, no paid officials. The organisation is run entirely by Tablers, for Tablers.
Service Over Ceremony
Round Table has never been a ceremonial organisation. It exists to do things community projects, fundraising, hands-on service. Talk at meetings, act outside them.
ARTSA Our Regional Home
In South Africa, Tables belong to ARTSA 150+ clubs and 1,000+ members across South Africa and Namibia. GE181 participates in regional events and conventions through ARTSA.
A Passport Benefit You Didn’t Expect
Membership Opens Doors
Around the World
One of the most underrated aspects of Round Table membership is what happens when you travel. Every Table in every country is part of the same network. A GE181 member in Amsterdam, Bangkok, or Buenos Aires isn’t a stranger they’re a fellow Tabler.
Round Table International actively encourages what Tablers call “raids” organised visits by one Table to another across regions or borders. These are among the most memorable experiences in a Tabler’s time: genuine hospitality from men who share your values even if they don’t share your language.
Whether attending an international AGM, visiting a sister Table abroad, or simply making contact with the local club when travelling for work membership in GE181 connects you to a global network that very few professional organisations can match.
International Raids
Organised visits from one Table to another across borders a tradition as old as the movement. Guest hospitality, shared meetings, and friendships that outlast the age 40 cutoff.
RTI Annual General Meeting
Each year RTI holds a global AGM. Tablers from 65+ countries gather one of the largest young professional assemblies in the world, open to all active members.
A Contact in Every Country
Travelling for work or leisure? There’s likely a Table near you. The RT network gives you an instant connection a fellow Tabler who knows the city and is ready to welcome you.
Sister Table Relationships
Many Tables form ongoing friendships with Tables in other countries exchanging visits, sharing projects, and building cross-border bonds that last well beyond 40.
Round Table in Southern Africa
From Bath to Benoni
Our Corner of the Network
Round Table came to South Africa in 1948, carried here by a former Tabler who had
settled from England. Within three years, Southern Africa had its own chartered
association. GE181 has been part of that story since 1974.
Dr David Smith, a former Round Tabler from Bath, England, settled in East
London, South Africa in 1948. He brought the values, the motto, and the structure
of Round Table with him and within three years, Round Table Great Britain &
Ireland had formally chartered Round Table Southern Africa.
Today, ARTSA comprises over 150 clubs and 1,000+ members across South Africa and Namibia, organised into 14 regional areas. It is one of the most active associations in Round Table International recognised for strong community
service, well-run events, and genuine fellowship across borders.
Golden East 181, chartered in Benoni in 1974, has been an active part of ARTSA for over 50 years. Our 2018/19 International Club of the Year title placed a club from the East Rand among the very best in the entire global Round Table network a distinction we carry into everything we do.
RT Arrives in South Africa
1948 — Dr David Smith, East London
ARTSA Chartered
1951 — by Round Table Great Britain & Ireland
ARTSA Today
150+ clubs · 1,000+ members · SA & Namibia
GE181 Chartered
1974 · Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa
International Recognition
Club of the Year — 2018 / 2019
Continuous Service
50+ years active in the East Rand
The Motto That Started It All
Three words spoken by a Prince in 1927, engraved on a meeting bell in Norwich, and carried
around the world by men who chose to act on them. Nearly a century later, they remain the
standard every Tabler lives by at GE181 and everywhere else the Table gathers.
Round Table Golden East 181 · Benoni · Est. 1974