22/03/2017 Soweto Country Club is the new home of the Joburg Pro-AM Golf
Yesterday marked the end to the two day 2017 Joburg Open Pro-Am Golf Tournament. As an administration, we are proud to have co-organised such a successful event that contributed to creating employment to 120 caddies from the greater community of Soweto.
It is particularly fitting to have had this event on the day we commemorate Human Rights Day, when we remembered the 69 lives that were lost at Sharpeville in 1960.
I think we can all agree that without the sacrifice of these and others fighting against racial oppression in this country, most of us would not enjoy the freedoms we have presently.
Indeed, having a Pro-Am Golf Tournament at the Soweto Country Club would not be possible.
Yesterday, the business community came out in support by participating in the tournament. Amongst others, we were honoured to have Dr Thandi Ndlovu, CEO of Motheo Construction and United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader, General Bantu Holomisa, who came out to play.
We were also fortunate to have Political Activist, Rivonia Trialist and Robben Island Prisoner, Mr Andrew Mlangeni attending the tournament.
We are changing the face of golf and as an administration, are committed to ensuring that golf and broad sports development occurs in previously marginalised and forgotten communities.
Just a few weeks ago on the 22nd of February, we joined the Soweto Golf Association in officially opening the newly revamped Club House as part of the activities hosted by the City during the 11th edition of the Joburg Open.
A lot of work has been put in by partners and funders to ensure that the Soweto Golf Club becomes a world class facility, and I have committed my administration’s support to the Sunshine Tour, as long as the Pro-Am is hosted at the Soweto Golf Club for subsequent tournaments.
We have to be deliberate in ensuring that we support initiatives that foster a sense of social cohesion, empowerment and the development of our communities.
Bringing events such as these to the community also goes a long way in showcasing and exposing potential sponsors to the Soweto Country Club for the further development of part 2 and 3 of the project.
This will also create the exposure needed to inspire the people of Soweto to see this facility as one that can be used for their own special events. This will contribute to revenue generation necessary to run and maintain the Country Club.
None of this can be sustained without the involvement and the commitment from the people of Pimville in taking ownership of this facility and protect it from criminal elements who would see it destroyed.
Of the 120 players present over the two days of the tournament, and of the 30 professionals, 4 female professionals golfers participated, namely; Nobuhle Dlamini, Lejan Lewthwaite, Ivanna Samu and Michelle Leign; and of the 90 amateur golfers, 34 were women.
This too is a step in the right direction.
The winners of yesterday’s leg of the tournament are:
Top Professional player:
• Zander Lombard
Top Three Amateur Players:
• Sam Bhembe
• Bongi Shabalala
• Patricia Swarts
We will continue to invest in the sporting development of our people, especially those who have for too long lived on the fringes of our society.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
For more information please contact:
Luyanda Mfeka
Media Specialist: Office of the Executive Mayor – City of Joburg
Tel: (011) 407 6727 | Cell: 081 744 3171
E-mail: Luyandam@joburg.org.za
Website: www.joburg.org.za
