UKZN Golf Day Funds Bursaries

BY: .

The recently hosted UKZN Golf Day has raised R180 000 to fund studies for 18 academically deserving students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Each student received a R10 000 bursary.

The 14th Golf Day was held recently at Cotswold Downs Golf Course in Hillcrest.  The annual golf day has become a popular event on the golfing calendar with many players returning every year saying ‘golfing for a purpose’ draws them back. This year, a total of 108 golfers participated in the event which is played on an individual stableford points format.

Delivering his welcome address, UKZN Vice-Chancellor Dr Albert van Jaarsveld said: ‘This event embodies the partnership that the University enjoys with its alumni, the business community, our service providers and so many friends who share in the vision and mission of our Institution. At the heart of this event lies the commitment of all participants here today, to make a difference to communities and to empower those who are less fortunate.’

Standard Bank’s involvement with this initiative is now in its seventh year. Mr Fumani Mathebula of Standard Bank said: ‘We strongly believe that the cornerstone of a proud and economically active society is built on a foundation of education. There has to be a systematic process of making sure that we are producing individuals with maths and literacy skills and that universities are producing the right talent. The fact that this event supports students who excel and who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, makes us as a bank a proud lead sponsor.’

Physiotherapy student and bursary recipient, Ms Emihle Dlanjwa thanked the golfers for their generosity. She said: ‘This bursary was literally an answer to my prayers. I had been praying just the day before and asking God to make a plan for me and open a door of hope. I got a call the following day informing me of this bursary. This bursary means that I get to have renewed hope that I can finish my degree and graduate. It means that I get to make something of myself and provides me with an opportunity to give back one-day. It also means I get to inspire other young people to reach for their dreams and pursue Higher Education.

Speaking on behalf of her fellow recipients, she added ‘For all of us as the recipients, this bursary alleviates a bit of our financial burden concerning fees making it a slightly lighter load. Each and every one of us have become one step closer to fulfilling every dream we ever had and becoming UKZN graduates.’

The winner in the Guest Category and overall winner being Mr Andrew Morgan. UKZN’s Mr Randy Phalad from Legal Services was the winner in the Staff/Convocation Category.

This year attracted the participation of three women golfers. Ms Kusthuri Srikewal from the Pietermaritzburg campus won the Women’s Category.

Chair of the Golf Committee, Ms Shakila Thakurpersad, who has organised the event since its inception, said: ‘I am delighted with the overall interest and support the University community has shown in the Golf Day.

‘The overwhelming response from both players and sponsors every year has contributed significantly to the continued success of this event. The Golf Day also provides us with the opportunity to interact informally to consolidate existing relationships while raising funds for bursaries for deserving students.’

 Words by: Indu Moodley