Raising funds on the fairway

Valentine’s Day had its limelight stolen this year by a very deserving cause – the annual Edutrans golf day hosted by Charmont Media. The teams came, saw and conquered at the Randpark Golf Club – all in the name of charity and fun. BLAIR BURMEISTER reports.

The South African automotive and transport industry captains arrived at Randpark Golf Club on the day of love, February 14. The players turned their roses in for clubs and geared up for a picture perfect day on an immaculate course. 

The charity event enjoyed overwhelming support, with 31 four balls booked. Tina Monteiro, FOCUS on Transport publisher, comments: “Thanks to all the industry players who took the time to enjoy the day with us and for giving their support and contribution to the cause.”

Edutrans, the cause in question, is a social investment initiative and annual career guide published by Charmont Media. It aims to inform the school leavers of today about various career opportunities available in the transport and trucking industry.

“There is a dire need for the motor and transport industry to attract South Africa’s up and coming young professionals,” says Monteiro. “Edutrans aims to bridge the gap between a shortage of skills and a lack of employment, by introducing young people to the industry and by educating them on the career choices available.”

Edutrans seeks to attract young, potential-filled individuals to the global giant that is the automotive industry. South Africa has an automotive sector which is one of the best performing in the world – something to be proud of and something to build upon.

Each team and sponsor involved in the golf day contributed to a wonderful cause that is doing its best to reach as many students as possible.

A delicious breakfast sponsored by Scania kick-started the day – and away the teams went. At various holes on the course, players were greeted by sponsor displays and there was no shortage of food and drinks. Max T Solutions sponsored a lunch at the halfway house to recharge the teams.

Debbie Martin manned the Dunlop stand at the 17th hole, and turned her display into a Dunlop “chip and tyre” game – which went down very well with the players. Martin managed to raise close to R1 000 through her interactive competition.

After an eventful day the participants and organisers gathered for an early dinner, sponsored by MAN Truck & Bus, where the teams were honoured for their efforts. The Hino team won the tournament with a score of 92 points and walked away with the first prize, sponsored by Apollo Tyres.

However, no team went home empty handed as everyone was able to pick a prize for the position they finished in. Hennie Theron, from the North Star Alliance team, won the longest drive competition. There was also a “nearest to the pin” competition which was won by Isuzu team member, Johan van der Merwe, on the 15th hole. Well done to Anne Pienaar, from the UD team, who made her “nearest to the pin” win on the sixth hole.

Elite Fibre sponsored four 12-year-old bottles of Chivas Regal that were auctioned to raise further funds for Edutrans. Stuart Dickson from the MAN Truck & Bus team, Jaco Malan and Marius Kramer from the Hino team and Siyabonga Mauqamane from the Vodacom team are now the proud owners of the vintage bottles. Monteiro sends out big thanks to them for their generous contributions.

She adds: “We would also like to give additional credit to Hino team member, Jaco Malan, who set off wild laughter in the room when his eye for the auction prize distracted him from the actual bid. He ended up in a bidding war against himself and it took a while before he made the realisation – we hope your wallet didn’t endure too much damage, Jaco!” 

More giveaways were handed out with the draw of the raffle winners – well done to Leigh Raath from the Freightliner team, who won the first prize: a week’s accommodation in a six-sleeper unit at any of the five-star Dream Vacation Club resorts around the country. Francis Harnie, MD of Peugeot South Africa, took home the second raffle prize – an elegant wine box set sponsored by MAN Truck & Bus.

Jeff Hawkes, an ex golf professional, delighted all the guests during the evening with his fabulous hosting skills. He also participated in the golf day as a FOCUS special guest and made up the ladies team with Hiromi Kobayashi and Dawn van Vianen. Hawkes has been on the greens since 1974 and still shows an inspiring sense of passion for the game.

He notes: “I won my first professional tournament at Randpark Golf Club and thoroughly enjoyed playing the course again especially considering it’s in such fantastic condition. We are extremely lucky to have such beautiful golf courses around South Africa.”

He adds: “Golf is a game that will continue to grow – it is a wonderful platform for doing business but it is also a way to give back. It has been an absolute pleasure to participate and contribute to such a good cause. Thank you to you guys for being the backbone of the industry.”

Monteiro responds: “On behalf of the team at Charmont Media, we would like to say: It’s an absolute pleasure – and thank you! Without the support and participation from each and every individual involved, we wouldn’t be able to make it happen. Thank you for recognising the importance of Edutrans and we look forward to many more fun-filled events.”

We would also like to thank and recognise all the participants and sponsors: AFRIT; ALCOA; APOLLO TYRES; BARLOWORLD; BPW AXLES; BRIDGESTONE; DREAM VACATION CLUB (for sponsoring the holiday); ELITE FIBRE; FAW; FREIGHTLINER; GEA; GREENGAIN; HINO; HYUNDAI; IMPERIAL LOGISTICS; INTERNATIONAL; IRIZAR; ISUZU; JOST; KANU COMMERCIAL; MAN TRUCK & BUS; MAX T SOLUTIONS; MERCEDES-BENZ; MIX TELEMATICS; NORTH STAR ALLIANCE;  PEUGEOT; RANDPARK GOLF CLUB; SCANIA; TRANSVAAL HEAVY TRANSPORT; UD; VODACOM; VOITH; WABCO and ZF.