April 13, 2005
By Anish Abraham
DRESSED in bright pink shirts and red caps emblazoned with the City's logo, council officials, business executives and sponsors spent Wednesday, 13 March day walking the fairways of the Houghton Golf Club.
But it was for a worthy cause. They had all turned out to take part in the second Mayoral Charity Golf Day, a fund-raising event that was "part of the City's ongoing efforts to build a more caring society", according to the mayor's spokesperson, Zandile Nkuta.
Funds raised will be used to assist needy families and individuals who are infected and affected by HIV/Aids. The funds will also be used to help elderly residents of the city who find themselves having to support grandchildren who are Aids orphans.
Money was raised through the 'sale' of holes on the course, enabling the sponsor to advertise at the hole, and through the sale of tickets to a gala dinner scheduled later in the evening at Gallagher Estate.
Participants of the golf day came from the local and wider business community, sponsors and members of the mayoral committee, as well as those who invested in the two bonds issued by the City to date.
The day was a perfect Joburg autumn day, warm and sunny.
Johannesburg mayor, Councillor Amos Masondo teed off first in the early hours of the morning in a group that also had the City Manager, Pascal Moloi.
Enjoying the day out, the City's Chief Operations Officer, Sibongile Mazibuko, stopped between shots to discuss the purpose of the event. She pointed out that raising funds for those affected by HIV/Aids is a mayoral priority.
"This is an excellent means by which to engage the business community within the City," she added.
After the first nine holes, the golfers took time off to enjoy a plate of breakfast. Then it was back into the sun for the gruelling second nine.
A hard day of golf ended back at the clubhouse with the mayor thanking those present for their participation followed by the prize giving.
For some it was the first time they had ever picked up a golf club, while for others it was familiar territory, with the joy of a good shot or the groan when they landed in the rough.
The funds raised are will be distributed through the City's "Buckets of Love and Care" campaign in partnership with faith-based organisations, non-governmental organisations and the Johannesburg Aids Council.
Last year's event raised R121 000 and Nkuta is optimistic this year's event will raise even more.
For more information contact Jimmy Mosefowa on 082 331 2075.
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