Page 20 - DUT CONNECT Summer 2024
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DUT President’s Cup Golf Day Returns
with Purpose after Five-Year Hiatus
The much-anticipated DUT President’s Cup Fundraising Golf Day made a resounding comeback on October 11, 2024, following a five-year hiatus. Hosted at the prestigious Killarney Country Club, this year’s event attracted a dynamic blend of alumni, industry leaders, faculty, and friends of DUT, all gathered to support the vital work of the Advancement & Alumni Relations Unit (AARU). Proceeds from the event funded three key initiatives: The Phakimpilo Food Security Programme, the Alumni Business Fund (AlumBiz Fund), and the Alumni Bursary Fund. These three AARU initiatives have been instrumental in enhancing student well-being, supporting budding entrepreneurs, and creating access to quality education, marking the event as a powerful blend of sport and philanthropy.
The revival of the President’s Cup Fundraising Golf Day was met with palpable excitement, with participants enthusiastic not only for a day on the greens but also for the chance to make a tangible difference in students’ lives. Under the visionary leadership of Mr Zwakele Ngubane (Director of AARU) and Mrs Nishie Govender (Fundraising Manager), the AARU continues to champion initiatives that embody the values of DUT ENVISION2030, fostering positive and lasting impacts within the university and the broader community.
Supporting AlumBiz Fund, Alumni Bursary Fund and the Phakimpilo Food Security Programme
At the core of theAARU efforts lies the commitment to contribute towards the improvement of lives and livelihoods, guided by the values and principles in the Stewardship perspective of the DUT ENVISION2030 Strategy. The Stewardship perspective emphasises a collective responsibility as custodians of DUT’s people, infrastructure, resources, and environment, and it informs every aspect of AARU’s initiatives. The strategic objectives of Stewardship, Lived Values, Institutional Culture, and Creativity align with ENVISION2030, underscoring DUT’s commitment to creating a lasting, positive impact on its community and beyond. This commitment was evident in the recent President’s Cup Fundraising Golf Day, where funds were raised to support the three key initiatives. The Phakimpilo programme, designed to alleviate food insecurity among students, ensures that students focus on their studies without the hindrance of food shortages by providing essential food hampers. Equally impactful, the AlumBiz Fund nurtures entrepreneurial talent among DUT alumni by providing financial support and mentorship, fostering a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency within the alumni community. Additionally, the Alumni Bursary Fund addresses financial barriers to higher education, granting bursaries to deserving students and paving the way for their career success and personal growth. By supporting these initiatives, participants of the President’s Cup Fundraising Golf Day directly contributed to DUT’s mission of developing adaptive graduates and change- makers in South Africa.
A Successful Day on the Course
With perfect weather and the picturesque Killarney Country Club setting, golfers teed off in teams, engaging in friendly competition while supporting a worthy cause. Participants enjoyed not only a well-organised tournament but also a variety of networking opportunities, allowing them to connect with fellow alumni and industry professionals. The sense of camaraderie on the course and during the post-tournament celebrations underscored the enduring bond between DUT and its alumni and friends of DUT.
The tournament wrapped up with winners Damane Hlalele, Fedisang Shabalala, Steve Aphane, and Malesela Ledwaba, who achieved an impressive 89 points. Nearest to the pin honours went to Poleti Mankayi (hole 4), Micheal Kok (holes 6 and 17), and DeWet Botha (hole 14).The longest drive accolades were claimed by Malesela Ledwaba and Poleti Mankayi on holes 7 and 15, respectively.
The successful relaunch of the DUT President’s Cup Fundraising Golf Day underscores the university community’s commitment to initiatives that have a lasting impact on student success and alumni development. By raising funds for Phakimpilo, the AlumBiz Fund, and the Alumni Bursary Fund, the event has once again demonstrated the powerful role philanthropy plays in advancing DUT’s mission and supporting its students and alumni.
As the President’s Cup Fundraising Golf Day returns to the calendar, the future looks bright for DUT’s philanthropic endeavours, with the potential to grow in both participation and impact. For those who joined this year’s tournament, it was not just a day of golf but a meaningful way to give back to the institution.
See the online album: https://www.flipbookpdf.net/web/ site/0b798fb13090ff59ffbe6367fe2262c0041d6f27202410.pdf. html
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