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Unisa, local government and business collaborate to generate student funding through golf

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The first prize went to Jan Botha (left) and Wayne Mulligan (right) of Exxaro Grootgeluk Mine

The recent Unisa Shaping Futures Golf Tournament held at the Euphoria Golf Estate outside Mookgophong, Limpopo, brought together government, business, institutions of higher learning and golf players to promote the sport and use its proceeds to benefit students. 

This annual golf challenge is a collaboration between the Unisa Foundation, the North Eastern Region and the Waterberg District Municipality. It is aimed at raising funds to be used towards university student funding initiatives.

Approximately 80 golfers from various organisations, institutions and companies participated in the tournament. Mercy Mokgele, Head: Library Services, represented the North Eastern Region on the playing field.

Participants appreciated the collaboration through this tournament and indicated that they would want to see it grow.

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The Shaping Futures Golf Challenge in Mookgophong attracted golfers from various organisations and companies

In his welcome address, Dr Lesiba Molepo, Regional Director, North Eastern Region, informed the audience about Unisa’s Catalytic Niche Areas and thanked partner organisations for supporting the tournament as it was for a good cause.

"We appreciate the local government leadership, golfers and business partners for supporting the event. This event was born from a shared commitment to securing a brighter future for our students," he said.

Molepo’s sentiments were echoed by the Councillor Jeremiah Ngobeni, Member of the Mayoral Committee.

"This partnership is important because it brought together government, business, institutions of higher learning and golf players to promote the sport and use its proceeds to benefit students. We appreciate all the efforts the partners made to come together to support and/or this activity," he said.

According to Ngobeni, partnerships of this nature chart a way forward in improving the lives of communities.

"Golf is perceived as a sport for the affluent," he said. "Our approach is that of embracing golf development as a channel to make the sport accessible to communities. We should aspire to groom and produce our own Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Nick Price."

He reiterated that it is the wish of his municipality to see more women in the playing field as a way of continuing to strengthen women’s role in society.  

Lazarus Ramashilabe, General Manager of Exxaro’s Grootegeluk mine, informed participants of his company’s track record in this collaboration.

"We have been in this golf challenge for four years," he said. "When we were approached, we did not hesitate to come on board because we value education and its impact. Partnering with golfers to promote education is good because education can take society forward. Do not be shy to call us again."

Winners from various categories received goodies donated by the above-cited sponsors. The first prize went to Jan Botha and Wayne Mulligan of Exxaro’s Grootegeluk Mine. 

Various organisations offered sponsorships and donations to make the event successful. Sponsors and donors included  Grootegeluk Mine, Van Schaik Bookshops, Toer in jou Taal, Randela Wines and Art, Waterberg District Municipality, The Ranch Hotel, Sampada Avari Cars, Limpopo Tourism Authority, Unisa School of Business Leadership, Unisa’s North Eastern Region and the Unisa Foundation.

* By Gilbert Mokwatedi, Communication and Marketing Manager, North Eastern Region

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Publish date: 2025-09-05 00:00:00.0

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