The 2024 UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor Winter Golf Tournament teed off under a cold weather, aim-ing not just for birdies, but for a more noble cause. Each swing was a step towards raising funds for students facing financial difficulties in paying their university fees. The sun set on a day filled with laughter and generosity, embodying the spirit of community and solidarity. As the final putt dropped, the tournament succeeded not just in showcasing skills on the greens, but in paving the way for brighter futures for those in need.
The Vice-Chancellor’s prestigious golf tournament, which was played in Four Ball Alliance format, took place on Friday, 12 July 2024 at the Polokwane Golf Club. This is the 3rd year the University is hosting this great initiative and is a worthy cause to be supported.
During the Prize giving ceremony, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni recognised the sponsors and players for their wonderful support since the tournament started. He also told them that their participa-tion in this Golf tournament is a worthy cause. He indicated that each year there is a huge improve-ment in terms of the turnout and the amount of funds raised.
Prof Nthambeleni further expressed gratitude to all the players and sponsors, because without them, this event would not have been successful.
Prof Nthambeleni stated that “You are participating in a worthy cause that changes the lives of students. You are not only changing their lives but also making impact in our country.” He said UNI-VEN has taken a decision not to turn back a deserving student because of lack of funds for their studies. Instead, as a University, “we told ourselves that we will help these students to raise funds towards their studies. We seek funding to support these deserving students.” He assured sponsors that the donated money will go to the cause for which it was donated.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal remarked that “there is no better way, to change the people’s lives, than empowering them with education. it is only through education that we can change our future. He thanked the organising committee team for making this event a memorable one.
Players of all skill levels participated, from seasoned pros to first-time golfers, united in their shared goal of making a difference in the lives of students. The tournament was not just about competi-tion, but about coming together as a community to support those in need.
The Captain of the Tournament, Mr Razwinane announcing the winners
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the course, the final scores were tallied, and the winners announced. But beyond the winners and losers, the true victory was in the generosity and compassion shown by all who participated. The funds raised would make a meaningful impact on the lives of students struggling to fulfil their academic dreams, ensuring that no one would be left behind.
88 players participated in this 2024 UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor Winter Golf Tournament. The winners were announced during the Prize giving ceremony. The winners were arranged as follows: Longest 2 ladies won by Shertina Maremane; Longest drive 2 men went to Mpho Makhado. Nearest pin 4 won by Peter Masehela, Nearest pin 8 by Mpho Matsi, Nearest pin 11 won by Neville Mawaha and Nearest pin 16 won by Leo Gama.
On photo: Number one team of the tournament pose for a photo with the Vice-Chancellor and
Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni (middle)
Winners of the tournament who took position one during the 2024 UNIVEN Vice Chancellor Winter Golf tournament was the four ball team comprising of Richard Pila, Pakati Selatjie, Phill Mashakane, Meriam Malebo with 108 points; followed by the team of Sarel Nong, Tapiwa Gomwe, Atang Malat-jie and Hulisani Dabishi who took position number two with 98 points. Position three went to the team of Leo Gama, Joe Legora and Baldwin Ramasobane with 93 points. The team of Shertina Maremane, Jonas Tshikundamalema, Rali Razwinane and Regionald Tshikota got position four with 91 points; Position five with 90 points won by the team of Sakia Makhafola, Pascal Saanago, Rudzani and Nzumbu. Lastly, the team of Mpho Matsi, Musa Ngobeni, Makhafola and Mphephu got position 6 with 88 points.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal when congratulating the Golfers on their impressive tournament said “your commitment and dedication have truly paid off. Keep up the great work.”
The prizes were sponsored by Nedbank. UNIVEN Management expresses gratitude to Nedbank for this generous support. This year’s Tournament was blessed by the presence of the following Chief Executive Officers:
Mr Thakhani Makhuvha, Group CEO of Limpopo Economic Development Agency,
Mr Selvan Govender, CEO of PURCO,
Mr Moses Ngobeni, Limpopo Tourism Agency,
Dr Nndweleni Mphephu, Chairperson of Lepelle Northern Water Board,
Ms Shertina Maremane, Landbank Provincial Head and
Dr John Mudau, CEO of UIGC.
The CEO of UIGC, Dr John Mudau (on the left photo), announced the sponsors who were in four categories. The Gold sponsorship by ABSA Bank, followed by Standard Bank. PURCO and RICO were in the silver sponsorship, respectively.
Standard sponsors were the following companies: UIGC; West Gate Residence, Masana Lodge; The Creative Axis Architects; Point Services; Star B Plastics; Joshua Maroge Quantity Surveyors; Nine-ty-One SA and The Ranch Resort, Mokopane.
The last category, Four Ball, were the following companies and individuals: Argon Assets Manage-ment; Lifestyle Apartment Residence; Marara Risk Solutions, Porchevilla Hotel; Johannes NEST Res-idence; Nyeleti Administration Trust; SANLAM, Lepelle Northern Water; Dabishi Nthambeleni; Dr Terry Ramabulana and Ms Salome Makgoka, UNIVEN Convocation EXCO Member.
ABSA Regional Segment Head, Mr Stanley Godi (on the right photo), representing sponsors thanked the University for organising this golf day. He mentioned that “the University is serious about getting engaged scholarship right. We want to help those students to complete their studies. We feel that by doing so we get in touch with communities and make impact,” highlighted Mr Godi. He expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and his organising team for hosting a memorable tournament.
In the previous two years, the University held successful golf tournaments as part of the University’s initiatives to raise funds in support of the missing middle students. UNIVEN calls on various stake-holders to support the institution in its endeavour to create future leaders. The golf tournament is also a proud occasion for everyone connected to this institution to give back and contribute to the advancement and sustainability of this University.
In closing, the Director Revenue and Financial Aid, Ms Tshilidzi Ramulondi (on the left photo) said because she works with students, she knows the challenges that students are confronted with in terms of funding. “There are students who experience serious financial challenges, and we need to give them the necessary support. This tournament is really making an impact. There are more than 2000 students, including the missing middle, who are not funded, and they need assistance, ” explained Ms Ramulondi.
Issued by:
Department Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
