Michael Back becomes a Paul Harris Fellow

Friday, 29 March, 2013
Backsberg
During a formal dinner hosted by the Paarl Rotary Club, Michael Back was named a Paul Harris Fellow.

The Paul Harris Fellow is awarded in recognition of an individual who has made a substantial and tangible contribution towards the betterment of the community or the country. The honour is bestowed on behalf of a Rotary International Club and is handed to persons who fulfill the Rotary Motto of “Service Above Self” within the community. Paul P Harris was the founding member of Rotary International in 1905 and the title of being a Fellow stems from sharing the founding members’ beliefs.

The award recognises Michael’s generosity and financial contribution towards community upliftment, and specifically the tertiary education of disadvantaged students over the last 30 years. Michael accepted the title with honour, saying: “This award has been made possible through the efforts of not only myself, but all who work at Backsberg. I am humbled to receive this award in the midst of people who contribute an extraordinary amount of time and energy for the good of others.”

Michael Back is among several other prominent South Africans who have received Paul Harris Fellows, including, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Raymond Ackerman, George Bizos, and Nelson Mandela.