The ninth annual Everest Financial Services Golf Day concluded on a high note at Middelburg Country Club on September 3, seamlessly blending sport, high-level networking and vital community support.

The highly anticipated annual event brought together local business leaders, golf enthusiasts and municipal officials to foster professional connections while raising essential funds for regional charitable initiatives.

Reflecting on the milestone ninth edition, Everest Financial Services chief operations officer Eleanor Petersen underscored the organisation’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and regional development.

“Our 9th Annual Everest Financial Services Golf Day was about far more than a day on the golf course,” Petersen said. “It was an opportunity to bring people together, strengthen relationships, create new connections and, most importantly, make a meaningful contribution to the communities we serve. Success is not measured only by what we achieve, but also by the difference we make along the way.”

Backing those words with action, Everest Financial Services announced significant direct financial contributions to three key local organisations.

The Paul Mthimunye Bursary Fund received R30 000 to assist local students in pursuing higher education opportunities, the Arrayah Centre received R20 000 to support ongoing community care and specialised developmental programmes, and the By Grace Foundation received R10 000 to aid grassroots welfare and support initiatives.

Adding municipal weight to the proceedings, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela commended the organisers for maintaining a platform that actively benefits the local community.

Addressing the guests, Masilela expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisers, drew laughs with a few light-hearted jabs at his own performance on the fairway and highlighted broader municipal priorities around community safety, economic growth and sound governance.

During the formal proceedings, Masilela read an official letter from the municipal manager confirming that the local government would extend its full support to the beneficiaries highlighted by the host organisation.

“We wish to donate R10 00 to the Paul Mthimunye Bursary Fund, R10 000 to the Arrayah Centre, and R10 000 to the By Grace Foundation. The said donations will be deposited as soon as bank accounts are received; this will be paid directly into the beneficiaries’ accounts,” confirmed Masilela.

The combined contributions from both Everest Financial Services and the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality ensure that all three beneficiary organisations receive substantial financial boosts to continue their critical work across the region.

During the day, the Everest staff took to the green, with Gert Swanepoel and Wayne Jooste securing the top spot in the men’s event with a score of 56.

In the women’s category, Zodwa Nkambule and Lizzy Nthane won first place with a matching score of 56.

Lukhanyo Ndube was praised for the longest drive on hole 7, followed by Nkululeko Khuzwayo on hole 17.

Mthokozisi Ncongwane and Kagiso Setsetse enjoyed the friendly competition and won closest to the pin on holes 3 and 11, respectively.

The event concluded with live entertainment from local singers.