The Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC) and its partners upped the standard once again at its 6th Annual Golf Day by raising a record R400 000 for community upliftment projects. This was a significant increase from R310 000 raised the previous year and R250 000 in 2021.
The beauty of ubuntu was captured through collective effort by ZAC and its partners to raise funds for charitable causes during the event hosted at the Richards Bay Country Club in KwaZulu-Natal on 15 November. This year, 112 golfers took part in the tournament.
The eight title sponsors for the event included The PumpSmith, Kulu Mining, Conveyor & Plant Services, Conax Machine Solutions, Hlomani Mining Services, JA Engineering Works, United Mining & Gilberts Cables, and SA Minerals Laboratories Ithuba.
The Golf Day’s format was a scramble drive four-ball alliance. After the first tee-off, golfers completed a successful round on the 18-hole course while participating in different challenges to win prizes.
John Scobbie, Menar chief operating officer responsible for ZAC and Kangra Coal, thanked the sponsors for their contributions. “One thing we are pleased about is that we have more sponsors this year with 112 players, compared to last year’s 92. This shows there is strong collaboration between the mine and its suppliers with regard to community development.”
A ceremony was held to announce winners of the many prizes on the table, including camping stoves, speakers, braai sets, camping chairs, knife sets and more.
The ZAC floating trophy auction proved to be an event highlight, as guests cheered and put up a good challenge to grab the prize. Conveyor & Plant Services was the ultimate winner, setting a R200 000 record, which is the highest in the history of the Golf Day event.
Izindunas representing four Traditional Councils around the ZAC mine – Mlaba (Ximba), Zungu, Mandlakazi and Matheni – were also present at the event. “We have seen how ZAC has assisted our communities by building school toilets, donating uniforms and school shoes, which makes us very proud to have the mine in our area,” remarks Induna Mhlanzi from Ximba.
Proceeds from previous editions of the event benefited community centres such as the Zisize Care Centre in Ulundi, which received a 300 litre/hour yield borehole, equipped with a water filtration unit; and the Njomelwane Primary School, which received R265 000 worth of renovated facilities. This year, 18 laptops were delivered to Mvalo Secondary School, assisting the school to start developing its first digital learning centre. The laptops were supplied through funds collected in 2022.
ZAC general manager Wiets Beukes thanked sponsors for the fantastic turnout. “The ZAC Golf Day is always about assisting the community. These contributions will make it possible for us to identify and assist more people around the Mahlabatini area.”
