Swinging clubs with the youth of Soweto- Businessman TT Mbha launches Soweto Youth Golf Day on June 16
Property mogul and businessman TT Mbha has decided to uplift the Soweto community through a golf tournament 45 years after the 1976 Soweto Uprising.
Mbha, a professional golfer, wants to use the event to raise funds for the Soweto Kliptown Youth Foundation (SKY) and empower young entrepreneurs and the people of Soweto.
Mbha, who is from Pimville, will stage the event at the Soweto Country Club. The Soweto Youth Golf Day, set to take place on June 16, will see 72 young people being employed as caddies and 10 young photographers from Soweto getting a taste of capturing the moment. People like T-bo Touch, Thomas Mlambo, Andile Ncube, OG Molefe and Stanton Fredericks will be part of the 72 players who will be playing, including members of the public and business people. The event is being staged in a partnership between Mbha, Brand SA and the Gauteng government.
Swinging clubs with the youth of Soweto
Mbha said he decided to bring a sport deemed for elites to the township. Growing up in Pimville, Mbha was exposed only to soccer but later to other sporting codes, including golf. The businessman believes golf is the perfect sport for networking.
“I have been thinking about hosting this event for many years and this year it finally happened. I am playing my part to uplift my community. I wanted this to happen in Soweto where I come from. I wanted to create employment opportunities – that is why all golfers will use caddies not golf carts. We also employed young photographers who will do videos and take pictures for the event,” Mbha said.
“We also have about 10 young entrepreneurs who will get an opportunity to showcase their businesses and products on the golf day. Through #SowetoYouthGolfDay, I am creating opportunities for the youth and this project is close to my heart. I wish to lend a helping hand where I can in bettering the lives of the youth for them to become future leaders. We plan to host the annual #SowetoYouthGolfDay until the youth is off the streets and poverty is alleviated.”
Sport MEC Mbali Hlophe said: “Sport has helped this great nation forge unity across race, class and gender lines during our most difficult time. We continue to use it as a critical tool for transformation as we build on our developmental state.” (Swinging clubs with the youth of Soweto)
Sithembile Ntombela, Brand SA acting chief marketing officer, said: “At the helm of active citizenship is passion and a will to serve others. The legacy began with the youth of ’76 and it our responsibility to play our part in preserving the heritage.”
Thabo Molefe, aka Tbo Touch, said: “As we remember the youth of 1976, let us be mindful of their Struggle and ensure we live to be the manifestation of their dream and aspirations.”
TV presenter Andile Ncube said: “On June 16 1976, they died and laid a red carpet with their blood for you and me. On June 16 2021, we honour them.”
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