MODIMOLLE-MOKGOPHONG: Approximately 140 golfers from Limpopo and primarily Gauteng-based businesses convened at Euphoria Golf Estate on Friday, raising substantial funds for educational bursaries aimed at provincial students studying Hydrogeology and Water Resource Engineering.
This annual charity golf day, organized by Lepelle Northern Water in collaboration with the Limpopo Premier’s educational bursary initiative, is dedicated to assisting students from families struggling to afford their higher education costs.
Despite a hectic schedule on Friday, Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba participated in the event, teeing off alongside Limpopo Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism MEC Tshitereke Matibe and fellow members of the Lepelle Northern Water board.
At the conclusion of the event, Ramathuba commended the golfers and corporate partners for their contributions toward the education and futures of young people in the province.
During the Gala Dinner, she was joined by the mayor of Modimolle Mokgophong, various MECs, and the Executive Mayor of the Vhembe District.
Ramathuba expressed that this initiative highlights the critical role of collaboration in tackling challenges related to water provision and human development.
“Water is life and sanitation is dignity. We gather here today to emphasize the essence of life, moving beyond just bulk water delivery and reticulation. It’s about fostering young minds and providing them access to opportunities that elevate them,” Ramathuba stated.
She highlighted that the theme of the event, “The Power of Collaboration,” is vital because no individual or institution can deliver services effectively in isolation.
“Even in golf, you cannot play alone. Success is impossible without a collaborative effort,” she remarked.
Reflecting on past water issues in Polokwane, she recalled times when residents had to collect water in buckets due to shortages.
Ramathuba noted that she had subsequently urged the Department of Water and Sanitation, Lepelle Northern Water, and the Polokwane Municipality to collaborate in resolving the crisis.
“I realized that everyone was working in isolation,” she said.
According to Ramathuba, this collaboration has led to significant improvements in water security, with provincial reservoirs now around 90% capacity.
She also addressed the people of Polokwane, apologizing for her previous remarks during a media interview regarding the water situation, admitting that she had been “political” in her presentation.
Ramathuba reiterated her administration’s commitment to prioritizing communities historically deprived of basic services, particularly townships and rural areas.
“Limpopo cannot afford to focus solely on major urban areas while neglecting poorer communities,” she emphasized.
“In Limpopo, our focus begins with the townships and villages, not just the affluent areas,” she insisted.
The Premier congratulated Lepelle Northern Water for its ongoing partnership with the Department of Water and Sanitation, showcasing the potential achievements from cooperative efforts.
Ramathuba disclosed her decision to refrain from participating in the charity golf day in 2025, believing that reliable access to water for all communities was still lacking.
“I cannot partake in a tournament while people are without water,” she stated.
She expressed a desire not to associate herself with failure while communities awaited basic services.
Ramathuba highlighted developments in the Vhembe District, particularly in the Kutama-Sinthumule area, where residents who had long faced water shortages are now enjoying access to potable water.
She suggested that the success of the charity golf day should be assessed not just by the funds raised, but also by the opportunities it creates for youth and contributions to Limpopo’s overall development.
On a lighter note, she humorously remarked about her golfing skills, stating:
“I must say, my tee-off was better than that of the Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie.”
The funds generated from this annual event will provide bursary assistance for students pursuing degrees in critical water-related fields, preparing them to address Limpopo’s water and infrastructure challenges.
