Driving Access to Success: UWC Gauteng Golf Day Fundraiser 2017

A summery mid-winters day greeted the participants teeing off at the annual University of the Western Cape (UWC) Gauteng Golf Day fundraiser on Wednesday, 23 August 2017.

The Killarney Country Club once again played host to this iconic event with 96 players joining a number of corporate sponsors - some of them alumni themselves - in support of the Jakes Gerwel Education Endowment and Development Fund, which offers bursaries to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

This year launched a multi-year sponsorship agreement between UWC and Standard Bank South Africa, growing toward new levels of success.

The day culminated in a prize-giving dinner, where the theme of the evening was in honour of women. Prizes were sourced with the mandate to pass them on to the women who played significant roles in the lives of the prize-winners.

The winners of the 2017 Gauteng Golf Day were the team of Destry Woods and Gary Levingston - who were taking part in the competition for the very first time.

The evening’s presentations captured the current socio-economic realities in the country.

Craig Polkinghorne, Head of Commercial Banking at Standard Bank, related the challenges facing households and discussed how increased collaboration between various sectors of society is necessary to navigate the current uncertain landscape.

Professor Tyrone Pretorius, UWC’s Rector and Vice-Chancellor, drew the attention of the audience to the polarization of the haves and the have nots.

“For a 15-round boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor over R2,6 billion was spent, and for a struggling state-owned airline tranches of hundreds of millions are paid to secure its debt,” he noted, “yet students and parents are struggling to ensure they receive life-changing education.”

Despite this, young people strive to make a success of their tertiary education.

“Every year thousands arrive at university with ambitious dreams, ready to do whatever it takes to pursue and realise those dreams,” he said, even if that means facing significant challenges related to basic necessities like food and shelter.

However pessimistic the current forecast may be, there is still hope.

“Because of the passionate support of UWC’s alumni, friends and partners, the dreams of some students will continue to be realized,” Prof Pretorius said. “While we may have limited means to invest socially, one does, what one can - and together we can do more. Every gift, large or small, makes a meaningful impact into the current lives of deserving South Africans and the future.”

This was the most successful Gauteng Golf Day yet, with revenue of just over R200 000 being received in support of this very vital cause.

With over twenty corporate and funding participants, and with a field of 24 four-ball teams, this year has seen the #AccesstoSuccess fund grow even more.

PICTURES of UWC Golf Day 2017: Johannesburg

The Cape Town version of the Golf Day will take place on 7 November 2017 at Bellville Golf Club - the aim is to continue reaching new heights for a great cause. All enquiries for participation and support can be made by contacting Ms Melissa Maans at mmaans@uwc.ac.za or 021 959 2627.