SOJO Business and Tourism recently celebrated a major milestone when it hosted its 20th annual charity golf day at Glenvista Country Club. The popular event brought together local businesses, community members and supporters for a day of golf, networking and fundraising, all in support of the charitable work of SOJO Helping Hands Foundation across the South of Johannesburg.

This year’s golf day was particularly special as it also marked the first anniversary of the SOJO Helping Hands Foundation Threads Up Charity Store at the Mall of the South. The charity store has become a valuable resource for residents in the area, and organisers expressed their gratitude to the many donors who have supported the initiative over the past year.

A day of golf with purpose

A total of 23 four-ball teams, comprising 92 players, took part in the event. Participants enjoyed a day filled with friendly competition, community spirit and meaningful connections. Players wore branded shirts and caps generously sponsored by Gold Reef City, while the shotgun start got underway at 11:15. The event was made possible through the support of 16 sponsors and prize donors, as well as numerous businesses and individuals who contributed to the success of the day.

Organisers extended their appreciation to companies including Gold Reef City, Balwin Properties, Bidvest Prestige, Bidvest Steiner, DS Digital Surveying, Howden Chart Industries Company, Marist Brothers Linmeyer, the Apartheid Museum, Glenvista Residents Association, Adendorff Machinery Mart, Amalgam AutoBody Repairs, Carmi Hatters, VumaCam, together with Centr., Hanwha Vision, New Concept Mining Powered by Epiroc, Stomps Logistics, Mayfield Park Service Station and Mawele Metal Works.

Special recognition was also given to individual players Luis Pereira, Promise Maema, David Greyvenstein, Brent Worth and Ryan Wildman, who formed the singles team. CEO of SOJO Business and Tourism, Nicky Vakaloudis, thanked sponsors and supporters for their ongoing commitment to the community.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support from local businesses and community members,” she said. “The funds raised will support our local non-profit organisations, community charitable projects and the SOJO Community Farm Project. Through the SOJO Helping Hands Foundation, we remain focused on our key pillars of sustainable environmental initiatives, education and training, youth engagement, enterprise development and support for SMMEs. Together, we are working towards a better South of Joburg.”

Celebrating success on and off the course

The golf day produced some impressive scores, with Stomps Logistics claiming first place with 104 points.

A team sponsored by Mawele Metal Works finished second with 95 points, while Mall of the South secured third place with 90 points. Individual achievements were also celebrated. Justin Hudson of the Apartheid Museum won the Nearest to the Pin competition on the fourth hole, while Werner Dornbrack of Howden Chart Industries Company claimed the prize on the 15th hole.

Emerson Ferris from Mall of the South recorded the longest drive on the second hole, while Le Roux Odendaal of Adendorff Machinery Mart took honours on the 17th. Organisers estimate that approximately R94 000 was raised during the event. In addition, sponsors donated prizes valued at an estimated R51 180, which were awarded to the 20 participating teams.

The day concluded with a lively prize-giving dinner featuring golf-themed centrepieces sponsored by ExpoGuys and entertainment by the popular Soweto Family Band from Finca Entertainment. Additional fundraising was supported through auction items donated by ProFans, artist PK Artesian and golf professional, Shawnelle de Lange.

Reflecting on the success of the event, organisers said the annual golf day continues to demonstrate the strength of community partnerships and the willingness of local businesses and residents to support worthwhile causes.

For more information about SOJO Business and Tourism and the SOJO Helping Hands Foundation, visit www.sojo.co.za or contact the office on 071 336 7531.