By: Puleng Maphisa – 10 April 2024

What started off in the morning as wet weather with drizzling showers turned out to be perfect golfing conditions for the much-anticipated Vaal University of Technology (VUT)’s 2024 Alumni Fundraising Golf Day which was held on 5 April at the Maccaulvei Golf Club in Vereeniging, which boasts an attractive scenery with excellent green and fairways.

Spearheaded by the Alumni Relations Department, the event drew the attendance of the university’s alumni, Convocation, staff golfers, as well as friends of VUT from locally and from as far as Durban, Cape Town, Nelspruit and Mafikeng, to mention a few places. Described as a meeting of distinct stakeholders of the University, the day was also graced by the sporty presence of the VUT Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Stephen Khehla Ndlovu, alongside the Chancellor, Mr. Vincent Zwelibanzi Mntambo who teed-off the day, leading the way for close to one hundred golfers to strut their stuff from one hole to another – all for a worthy cause. Also in the midst were some members of the university Council and the management committee (ManCom).

According to the Peter Masombuka, Head of Alumni, proceeds of the event will be channelled towards two of the university’s charity drives; VUT Poverty Alleviation Project and the Phakamisi Ikhaya Nutrition Campaign. “The success of these initiatives owes it to their individual giving and support,” he said. He further appreciated and assured sponsors, partners, and golfers that their contributions will fuel the drive to a holistic development of students through mentorship, coaching, seminars, workshops, and guest lectures.

In his remarks during the prize giving ceremony later in the day, Prof Ndlovu articulated his vision of elevating VUT’s status, underlining the university’s profound impact in the Vaal region, particularly in tackling socioeconomic challenges like poverty, unemployment, and access to opportunities.

The same sentiment was echoed by Mr Mntambo who emphasized the significance of revisiting VUT’s historical roots, tracing back to its establishment in 1966, and reviving current alumni to play an important role in the university’s continuous advancement. He made a special plea to those in attendance to soldier on and make his wish of seeing a publication of the VUT alumni’s testimonies (their student life experiences and milestones), come true.

Both the Vice Chancellor and Chancellor expressed sincere satisfaction with the caliber and success of the event, cherishing the opportunity to witness alumni and business stakeholders forge meaningful connections throughout the day.

Winners across various categories include:

1st Place with 27 Pts: Lucky Mafuna and Boys Mancho – Voucher for Midweek Stay in Presidential Suite for 2 couples

2nd Place with 26 Pts: Solly and Patrick – Microwave Oven and a Goodie Bag

3rd Place with 25 Pts: Conrad Zwane and Shadrack Motswane – Portable braai and Goodie Bag

Nearest to Pin (16): Hendrik Bothma – Vouchers and Goodie Bag

Nearest to Pin (8): Solly Mabandla – Vouchers and Goodie Bag

Longest Driver (18): Dennis Schroeder – Vouchers and Goodie Bag

Longest Day: Ms Mokgadi Tlape: Flat Screen TV and Goodie Bag.

Ms Kediemetse Mokotsi, Director: Marketing and Public Relations extended her heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and sincere gratitude to the sponsors whose generous contributions made the day possible. The Day’s sponsors included: Xco Group, President Hyper, Mardo Photos, Tshungu Multimedia Enterprise, Prestige Youth Sport, Waterfront Country Lodge, Stone Dynamics, Emerald Resort and Casino, Gordon Harris Photography, NTEU, Maccauvlei Golf Club and Ambio.