Golfers came out in support of a worthy cause at the COSATU Second Annual Charity Golf Challenge, held at the Country Club Johannesburg (CCJ) in Woodmead on Thursday, 4 December.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was among those who took part in the event. He played a few holes before departing for commitments in Bloemfontein.
COSATU President Zingisa Losi said the charity golf day forms part of the federation's fundraising efforts to assist pupils with school shoes and sanitary packs.
She said the initiative aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people in Gauteng, the North West, and farm communities, where children often walk long distances to school, sometimes barefoot.
Losi said the annual charity golf day was launched in December last year, with President Ramaphosa also in attendance.
"We managed to raise about R1.5 million, and from that, we supported a school in the North West and another in Joburg, benefiting 460 pupils with school shoes and dignity packs for both boys and girls."
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She added that the fundraising initiative also helps COSATU support vulnerable workers, including domestic workers who face abuse and exploitation, as well as families of workers, such as seafarers, who lose their lives whilst on duty.
"Affiliation fees alone are not enough for us to address the challenges faced by ordinary and vulnerable workers, so we decided to establish the charity golf day."
Losi said this year's goal is to reach over 1,000 schoolchildren, focusing on rural and farm areas where pupils face the harshest conditions.
"Climate change has made the weather unpredictable, and we cannot expect children to walk long distances barefoot.
"We are calling on everyone not just today, but beyond this day to help us give back to our communities, transform the lives of children, and support those struggling with addiction by helping them access rehabilitation," she said.
She said the initiative also reflects COSATU's roots.
"When the federation was formed on 1 December 1985, we received support from traditional leaders, kings, queens, churches, and communities.
"We are going back to those roots. Our members are part of these communities, they are children of domestic workers and farm workers. It would be naive to fight for workers' rights at the workplace whilst ignoring the hardships their families face at home," said Losi.
As COSATU marks 40 years, Losi said the charity drive is a powerful reminder of the role society must play in fighting poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
She called on corporates, trade unions, and community leaders to join the federation in supporting vulnerable children and workers across the country.
Up-and-coming golfer Mtha Losi, who played a few holes with President Cyril Ramaphosa, said it was an unforgettable experience.
"We played a few holes, and it was great fun. I'm truly humbled to have shared the course with the President.
"It's a pity we only played a few holes, but it was the experience of a lifetime," said Mtha.
Another young golfer, the eight-year-old Kgosi Mochocho, said he was thrilled to play alongside the President.
"It was an amazing experience, especially with the crowd following the President. When I had to hit the ball on the first tee, I had butterflies in my stomach and felt nervous, but I told myself I could do it. I was very happy when I hit the driver perfectly," he said.
