Alumni

Pitching and putting to shape futures

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The Unisa Midlands Region, in partnership with the Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations, hosted its first annual Shaping Futures Golf Challenge on Friday 21 June 2024 at the Magalies Park Resort, Hartbeespoort. The day brought together industry leaders, business professionals and golf fanatics for business networks and friendly competition to raise funds for students' study fees.

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Golfers ready for the challenge

During the prize-giving dinner, the Midlands Regional Director, Mathews Kokong, stated that "the golf day helps to raise funds to support students who are unable to produce their certificates to potential employers for their completed qualifications due to outstanding fees. As such, this may hinder students from getting job opportunities offered by various employers." He appealed to stakeholders to contribute to student fees and also collaborate with the university to establish and build stakeholder relationships.

The Unisa Foundation Development Officer, Lloyd Modjadji, stated that the Midlands Region followed other Unisa regions that over the past years had successfully hosted the golf challenges, raised funds and supported over 627 students who benefited and graduated in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

"Over 40 000 students graduated during the 2024 autumn graduation ceremonies across all Unisa regions," he said. "Most students will need job opportunities; therefore, Unisa requests collaborations with stakeholders to assist the institution and provide students with opportunities for work-integrated learning."

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Golfers ready for the challenge

Modjadji also highlighted that Unisa was working on ten catalytic niche areas that will change the face of academia in South Africa and the world. Unisa seeks to Reclaim Africa’s Intellectual Futures through the following niche areas: marine studies, aviation and aeronautical studies, automotive studies, energy studies, space studies and the Square Kilometre Array, Fourth Industrial Revolution and digitalisation, biotechnological studies, health/pharmaceutical studies, feminist/womanist/bosadi theorisations, student support and co-curricular activities.

The following were the winners of the challenge:

First 

  • Henk du Plessis
  • Arno du Toit

Second

  • Johnny Lekwalo
  • Mzobanzi Nduku

Third

  • Shaka Sebola
  • Sam Mabitsela

Nearest to the pin

  • Bernard van Rensburg

Longest drive

  • Sam Mabitsela

Best player of the day

  • Henk du Plessis

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From left: Mathews Kokong (Midlands Regional Director), Henk Du Plessis (Best player of the day) and Frankie Mojapelo (Deputy Director: Unisa Foundation).

The challenge was sponsored by Fundi, Van Schaik Bookstore, Harties Harbour, Magalies Park, Hisense HVAC and Peermont.  

* By Thotogelo Masenya, Communication and Marketing Officer, Unisa Midlands Region

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Publish date: 2024/07/24

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