A Symbol of Service – IDSA
by Anisha Pemjee - TDS
9 September 2025
The members of IDSA have been involved in a number of projects as was reported by Karem Ruiz de Livieres, IDSA’s President at the recent Coffee Morning hosted by Desiree Gastaldi, an honorary member. Karem also highlighted upcoming projects for the members to participate in.
IDSA unveiled their beautifully designed caps which features a butterfly of the South African flag. Explaining its significance, Karem said that it represents unity and transformation and going forward it will be seen as a symbol of service. She urged members to purchase, and wear, the cap as all proceeds will be donated to earmarked charities.
A planned project for September, celebrated as Heritage Month in South Africa, is a collaboration with the SA Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to plant trees. This is in line with the directive from The Presidency of South Africa to plant Ten Million Trees, two million trees per annum, for a period of five years. IDSA plans to participate in the planting of fruit trees at a school in the Brits area later this month.
An ongoing project is the compilation of a commemorative ’25 Years of IDSA Heritage Book’ which will feature portraits of members as well as non-members. It entails being professionally photographed on location, with all the required extras including lighting, hair and make-up. This initiative also contributes to IDSA’s fund raising and will be a legacy of the organisation.
The Coffee Morning featured an Italian theme where Manuella from Create Cucina Italiana, a restaurant in Pretoria North, shared her family secrets on how to make the best cannoli. Some members enthusiastically participated in the preparation and filling of these delicious pastries while others were happy to just enjoy and savour these sweet tubes of scrumptiousness.
Wendy Bashford, of Wendy Bashford Designs had on display her beautifully crafted collection. The ladies eagerly tried on items from this comfortable, yet stylish selection. While her flagship store is in Durban, Wendy pointed out that her proudly South African line is available to shop online, a growing trend that has brought convenience into the lives of many.
Desiree served up a delectable variety of bites. When prodded on whether she single-handedly prepared the spread, she admitted to getting some help from Food Lover’s Market’s food emporium that offers freshly prepared food.
IDSA is an active group, providing new members with an introduction into South African life, providing a networking platform and organising a variety of events, all while giving back to communities in need.