Emalahleni Local Municipality held a Golf day at Indwe Golf club. This was the first time for the local authority to host the tournament of this kind. There were about 85 players on the day which comprises of golfers and non golfers coming from all over the Eastern Cape Province. There were a number of male teams and one female team.
The event was sponsored by different companies including Standard Bank, Vukani Community Radio, Twizza, Lithaba Travels, Cornish Brothers, VW Queenstown, Toyota Weirs, Mayolie Trading, Nubhana Trading, Mica, Danowa and LISCO.
Games started at 07:30 in the morning until 18:30 in the evening since there was also a prize giving and the formal programme in the form of the launch.
Mayor Nomveliso Nyukwana and Municipal Manager Dr Sithembele Vatala were the first people to hit the ball opening for the games to begin, after that team A started playing.
Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere which was conducive for golf as it was not too hot.
“This is the first time we are hosting this event as the local authority and we are committed to hold it annually. With the support of our business partners we will be able to sustain this initiative”, Mayor Nomveliso Nyukwana.
“We are committed to making this programme an annual event to be played here at Indwe. The motto of our municipality says, ‘unity in development’, we are here today in that spirit. All of us here need to make a commitment that we will be here next in this fashion” said Nyukwana when launching the Tournament.
“We are here to play our role as the municipality to ensure that there is an improved access for all to the golf facilities”, said Nomveliso.
Municipal Manager Dr Sitembele Wiseman Vatala addressing golfers and other attendees said, “It is important to appreciate the sponsors and the support we get from everyone, the political leadership, Indwe golf club management. We developed the concept and presented it to them with the elements of development to give an opportunity to the previously disadvantaged communities. We are aiming to unite our communities especially at Indwe”.
“We are very thankful to Indwe Golf Club management as they have embraced our concept with open arms. We even proposed that we must have a driving range as we cannot practice on the golf course”.
“The sponsors made this day a success as well as it was not going to be like this without their support. Although it is the first of its kind sponsors get on board and supported us a lot”, said Municipal Manager
Vatala said you can have all the ideas from the administration point of view but if there is no political buy in your plans will be in vain.
“Thank you very much for making this day a success, we hope that as the municipality made a commitment it will be organized next year as well. We appreciate what our sponsors have done for us”, said Mr Sharl Stotter President of Indwe Golf Club.
After the speeches winners were awarded with the golf kit or items relevant to the code as the event was aimed at motivating non-golfers to take golf to the next level.
