Mayor calls on business to make Soweto Country Club great
28 August 2017
Johannesburg Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba says the Soweto Country Club has the potential to be on the same par with some of the best golf courses in the world.
Speaking during a Soweto Golf Club evening sponsorship drive at the Killarney Country Club, north of Johannesburg, on Friday August 25, Mayor Mashaba called on the local and international captains of industry to dig deeper into their pockets to help the club realise its dream.
Earlier in the day, Mashaba teed-off at the Killarney Golf Course, where he was joined by the 2016 Joburg Open winner Haydn Porteous, Soweto Country Club members Sipho Bujela and Musiwalo Nethunzwi, 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman, BMW SA Open champion Graeme Storm, Sunshine Tour and PGA South Africa professional Clifford Ndou and other Sunshine Tour and European Tour professionals.
The evening was also graced by City of Johannesburg Council Speaker Vasco da Gama, City Manager Ndivhoniswani Lukhwareni, Members of the Mayoral Committee Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba and Cllr Ntombi Khumalo, Golf RSA CEO Grant Hepburn, Sunshine Tour Executive Director Selwyn Nathan, Soweto Country Club Deputy President Madoda Nels, United Democratic Movement President Bantu Holomisa and African National Congress stalwart Andrew Mlangeni.
The Soweto Country Club needs about R22.2-million to reach new heights – R17-million for upgrades, R2.4-million to build a conference centre, R1.8-million to erect a fence and R1-million to support the Andrew Mlangeni Chapter of the SA Golf Development Board.
Mayor Mashaba called on the business community to help. “This golf course is a jewel. It has a potential to stand tall and proud with the rest of the world. Let us reach out and dig deeper into our pockets for this dream to be realised,” he said.
He said support by the business community was vital for the golf course’s success. This would not only ensure its legacy but it would also enhance its ability to transform the local community.
Nels said the Soweto Country Club had served been a beacon of hope for disadvantaged black professional golfers. “The late Vincent Tshabalala, winner of the French Open on the European Tour, found expression for his talent on these fairways.”
He said Theo Manyama, another of its products, rose to become Africa’s most decorated rules official who commanded respect worldwide and officiated at major world championships.
“Thank you for believing that we, as township golfers, can also make a contribution to this great game.”
Ndou said the clubhouse had played a big part in shaping several careers, including his. “This was a shack when I started. Now it looks so amazing. When I look at it now I’m so proud this is where I come from.”
“When this clubhouse was just a shack, members supported me in my journey from caddie to professional. It was the foundation of my success in golf.”
Nathan, who spearheaded the revitalisation of the golf club, said this was the opportunity for business to change the face of golf in South Africa.
“This is where the players come from. It’s now our responsibility to put them in the right environment to hone their skills now at home, instead of having to drive 50km or 60km to go to practise. Here’s a great opportunity for the kids. It’s a beautiful facility and we’ll get a winner out of here very soon,” he said.