The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has expressed immense pride following Dylan Naidoo’s groundbreaking triumph at the Investec South African Open Championship. The Minister acknowledged Naidoo’s historic win as not only a remarkable personal achievement but also a defining moment for South African sport, marking the first time a South African golfer of colour has claimed this prestigious title.
On Sunday, 2 March 2025, at the Durban Country Club, Naidoo secured his place in history and took a significant step forward in his professional career. His victory earned him a coveted DP World Tour card, along with one of just three sought-after spots for The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in July.
Minister McKenzie further highlighted the historic significance of the Durban Country Club, the very venue where Sewsunker "Papwa" Sewgolum made history in 1963 by winning the Natal Open. He was the first person of colour to win a professional tournament on South African soil. The Minister praised Naidoo for following in Papwa’s legendary footsteps, while forging his own path on the global stage.
Born on 21 February 1998 in Johannesburg, Naidoo’s journey to success is a testament to perseverance, talent, and unwavering dedication. From competing on smaller development tours to his breakthrough victory on the Sunshine Big Easy Tour in 2016, where he became the youngest-ever winner on the circuit. Naidoo has consistently demonstrated that hard work and determination can turn dreams into reality.
Since turning professional in 2019, Naidoo’s career has continued to flourish. In 2022, he celebrated his first Sunshine Tour victory at the SunBet Challenge Hosted by Sun Sibaya. As a product of GolfRSA’s development programme and a member of the Papwa Sewgolum Class, an initiative supporting golfers of colour, Naidoo’s success reflects the transformative power of development programmes in unlocking South Africa’s sporting potential.
Minister McKenzie highlighted that Naidoo’s victory is a source of inspiration for aspiring young golfers throughout the country, particularly those from previously marginalised communities. The Minister expressed full confidence that Naidoo will continue to make South Africa proud at The Open Championship and beyond.
“Dylan Naidoo’s triumph is not only his own; it belongs to every young golfer who dreams of representing South Africa on the global stage. His success is proof that South African excellence knows no limits, and we look forward to seeing him shine even brighter in the future,” said Minister McKenzie.
For media enquiries:
Ms. Stacey-Lee Khojane, Spokesperson: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: StaceyK@dsac.gov.za
Cell: +27 77 608 7579
Ms Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za
Cell: +27 72 172 8925
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