TEEING OFF FOR A PURPOSE

BY VERA ADAMS

A BLUSTERY WIND GREETED THE MORE THAN 100 GOLF PLAYERS who gathered for a day of sport and charity at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) Cape Town Golf Day on November 9, 2023. The event, hosted by the university’s Department for Institutional Advancement at the King David Golf Club in Mowbray, brought together avid golfers, local business people and philanthropists – all aiming to raise funds for the #AccesstoSuccess campaign.

THE CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON providing much-needed funding to students performing well academically but with historic debt that makes it impossible for them to graduate and join the world of work. After 47 years of UWC golf days, the support at the Johannesburg and Cape Town events continues to be overwhelming, says Vera Adams, manager of donor relations and fundraising. She says this year’s Cape Town event was especially poignant as it honoured Melissa Maans, the longstanding coordinator of UWC golf days, who passed away unexpectedly on October 13, 2023.

Beyond the competitive swings, the main objective of the day was fundraising. Through entry fees, donations and sponsorships, the event raised R242,000, surpassing the previous year’s records.

THE BUSINESS SECTOR CONTINUES TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE, with Pro Events as the platinum sponsor for the golf day. Edward Beeka, head of operations at Pro Events, says: “We are proud of our distinct culture and strongly embedded ethical values, with an uncompromising commitment to transforming society. We have embarked on collaborative initiatives with UWC to promote equality and opportunities for greater inclusivity.”

THE PRIMARY SPONSORS WERE SECURITAS. Adams also thanked the sponsors for the water holes and for the numerous prizes that were donated. As the sun set on a day filled with good sportsmanship, laughter and generosity, UWC rector and vice-chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius expressed his gratitude to all participants and sponsors. The prizegiving culminated in an impromptu auction featuring vigorous bidding. Louis Mkhethoni, CEO of Securitas, issued a call to establish the Melissa Maans Memorial Fund and for proceeds of the auction to go to the fund, which will support students. He also committed R3,000 to the fund. A special thank-you goes to Imas Finance, which sponsored the golf day commemorative T-shirts.

THIS YEAR’S CHAMPIONS were Jaftha Benjamin and Baldwin Kock from SA Quantum.