Minister of Public Service and Administration, Roy Padayachie, hosted the annual Presidential Address Golf Challenge (PAGC) 2012, in partnership with co-anchor Multichoice, which took place at the Dezalze Golf Estate in Stellenbosch. Golfers included President Jacob Zuma who officially opened the tournament as well as several Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, senior government officials and corporate executives.
Every year subsequent to the State of the Nation Address (SONA), a golf day is dedicated by the President of South Africa to raise funds for a charity organisation of his choice.
Hosted under the theme, "A Hole in One for Education: A Learner Today, A Leader Tomorrow", proceeds of the golf day will go to the Jacob G. Zuma RDP Education Trust which has positively changed the lives of thousands of young people from rural areas in South Africa.
Sponsors of the event Metropolitan and Multichoice handed President Jacob Zuma cheques worth R3 million to contribute to the education fund.
Speaking to the media, Minister Roy Padayachie emphasised the significance of this event, “this golf challenge which follows the state of the nation address is to promote engagement between the private sector and government to network and to utilise the resources to assist disadvantaged students especially those from poor backgrounds”.
The trust, which has helped over 20 000 young people, provides bursaries to students and learners on an annual basis so that they are able to study and build a better future for themselves. It does not only enable young people to have access to the best educational opportunities available in the country, but it also strives to teach them life and work skills in collaboration with various employers in South Africa, wherever possible.
Currently, the organisation supports 1 200 beneficiaries. Amongst its success stories, it has produced various engineers, social practitioners, business people, accountants, nurses and teachers to count a few. Its objective is to reach all provinces of South Africa within the next two to four years. Its aim is to increase access to educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth from rural areas, and to sensitise graduates to the need for their professional input in the development of their communities.
The trust continuously strives to remain relevant in addressing the skills needs within the South African economy.
For more information, contact:
Dumisani Nkwamba
Tel: 012 336 1704
Cell: 082 885 9448
E-mail: dumisanin@dpsa.gov.za
Minister of Public Service and Administration, Roy Padayachie, hosted the annual Presidential Address Golf Challenge, Stellenbosch
