In these trying economic times, the support from big business and corporate companies is crucial if sports development is to succeed.
The Herald recently reported that Impala Platinum Refineries (Implats) has made an investment in the growth of future champion golfers at Royal Oak Country Club through the Kenneth Dube Golf Academy, which helps underprivileged children from areas like KwaThema and Tsakane become competitive players.
Pravin Naidoo, PMR manager, at the Springs-based Implats, said: “We are extremely involved with the community, we have a lot of social projects when it comes to education (maths and science), building crèches, but we are also heavily involved in sport as well.
“Now, we have got involved with golf, because we think that out of all the sports, golf in the disadvantaged communities has been lacking for years.
“We believe that Kenneth is one of the top professionals in South Africa and we are fully supportive of him.
“Golf teaches discipline and most importantly self-discipline and that’s why we are here.”
Naidoo said that this year the company has invested up to the tune of R40 000 in junior during the financial year.
On the support offered by Implats, Dube said: “It means a lot to me and is a huge uplift for me.
“Without financial support, we cannot even help some of these children from disadvantaged areas to get something to eat while they are here or even to get transport to the course.”
He thanked Implats for showing faith in the academy.
