CHARITY GOLF DAY: Raising funds for students with disabilities as part of UL’s 65th anniversary celebrations
By Reuben Maake | reuben.maake@ul.ac.za
The University of Limpopo (UL)’s 65th anniversary served as a pivotal platform to raise funds for students with disabilities, thanks to a collaborative Charity Golf Day hosted in partnership with Shynebright Entertainment
Held at Euphoria Golf Estate near Mookgophong in the Waterberg District, the Charity Golf Day was part of the weeklong celebrations marking the University’s milestone of existence, consistently finding solutions for Africa. It attracted 68 alumni and friends of the University, who took part in both the 4-hole and the main 18-hole courses. Beyond its fundraising success, the event offered alumni from various generations a chance to reconnect.
Victor Kgomoeswana, Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at UL, extended his gratitude to Shynebright Entertainment. “They deserve a resounding round of applause for making this charity event possible. Building strong relationships with our alumni is a key strategic goal, and events like this play a crucial role in strengthening the University.”
Kgomoeswana highlighted that such events not only raise funds but also help attract talented students and reconnect alumni with the University. “By fostering an engaged alumni network, we can host events like these to secure resources for our students, reducing their dependence on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS),” he said.
He added that UL is known for its world-class facilities for students with disabilities, and the goal is to build on this excellence to all other areas of the institutional value proposition. The Reakgona Disability Centre supports students with a range of disabilities, including blindness, partial sight, immobility, and albinism. The money raised will significantly benefit the Centre by providing much-needed assistive devices and services.
Justice Phukubje, Director at the Centre, stated that the funds will greatly enhance the support provided to students. “A considerable number of students with disabilities are NSFAS beneficiaries, yet still face challenges with inadequate funding for assistive devices. This can negatively impact their education and, in severe cases, hinder their ability to complete their studies,” Phukubje explained.
In addition to financial contributions, alumni also pledged items such as chairs and flags to help improve the University’s golf course. Oupa Ramaswiela won the tournament with 38 points, taking home a trophy and golf hampers. “It’s an honour to have played in this tournament for such a worthy cause. Despite the challenging weather, we persevered, and I’m proud to have supported this charity,” Ramaswiela said.
Bruce Diale, a self-taught golfer, BSc Agriculture graduate from UL, and Director of Brucol Global Development, noted, “Golf is a sport frequented by successful business people who are generous but often less visible on social media. Charity events like this offer a valuable opportunity to engage with them and encourage their contributions to society.”
Commenting on his support for UL’s Charity Golf Day, Adv Rabbi Mashabela, owner of Shynebright Entertainment and a UL alumnus, said, “I always see a need to support my alma mater because that’s where my education began. I will continue to contribute to their programmes whenever I am called upon and voluntarily, and with great enthusiasm.”
UL stakeholders, including alumni, students, and businesspeople, unite for a worthy cause of raising funds for students with disabilities through the Charity Golf Day