GOLF4CHANGE DRIVES YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES AS YOUNG STARS DOMINATE LEGACY INVITATIONAL

In a fitting tribute to the spirit of the 1976 generation, young golfers stole the spotlight at the inaugural Golf4Change Jozi Youth Legacy Invitational, proving that when opportunity meets talent, the future shines brightly.

Hosted by the Office of the MMC for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Thapelo Amad, the tournament took place at the prestigious Wanderers Golf Club on 19 June 2026 as part of the City’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the June 16 Youth Uprising.

Bringing together government leaders, business executives, sponsors, golfers, and young people from across Johannesburg, the event demonstrated how sport can be used as a powerful vehicle for mentorship, networking, and economic empowerment.

The 18-hole Stableford competition produced exceptional performances, with youth participants claiming the top honours. Ompile Selepe emerged as the Overall Winner with an impressive 43 points, while Tebogo Lefifi was crowned Best Lady after carding 37 points. Lefifi also claimed the Nearest the Pin prize, underlining the remarkable talent among Johannesburg’s young golfers.

Other notable winners included Hannes le Roux, who secured the Longest Drive title, while Etienne de Klerk, Simon Kruger, Willie Jacobs, and Yieke Ajulu featured among the day’s prize recipients.

Addressing participants during the opening ceremony, MMC Amad said the initiative was about far more than golf.

“As we commemorate 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising, we are reminded that every generation faces its own struggle. Today’s struggle is the fight for access to opportunities. Across Johannesburg, young people have the talent, qualifications, and ambition to succeed, but many lack access to networks, mentors, and platforms that can unlock their full potential.”

“Golf4Change is about creating those connections. A conversation can become a mentorship, a mentorship can become an internship, and an internship can become employment. Through initiatives like this, we are building bridges between potential and opportunity, ensuring that young people are not left behind in shaping the future of our city,” said MMC Amad.

Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, MMC Amad said Golf4Change was deliberately designed to create opportunities for young people beyond the fairways and greens. Golf4Change is a strategic platform aimed at connecting young people with professional networks, mentorship opportunities, internships, employment pathways, and entrepreneurial support. We want to create spaces where meaningful relationships can be built and where young people can gain exposure to opportunities that can transform their lives.

He welcomed the support of the private sector and acknowledged the contribution of partners who helped make the inaugural event a success.

“The awarding of a one-week vehicle experience from Hatfield Motor Group to both our overall male and female winners symbolises what becomes possible when young people are given access, exposure, and encouragement. It demonstrates that investing in youth talent can yield remarkable results,” said MMC Amad.

“We are grateful to all our partners, including the City of Johannesburg, Mr. Solar Installations, G&T Attorneys, Douwe Egberts, Hatfield Motor Group, Datamellon, and Morula Escapes, whose support has helped turn this vision into reality.”

Amad added that Golf4Change represents the kind of collaborative approach needed to address youth unemployment and exclusion.

“As Johannesburg continues to honour the legacy of June 16, Golf4Change stands as a practical example of what can be achieved when government, business, and communities work together to create opportunities for young people. Our commitment is to ensure that this initiative grows into a sustainable platform that delivers mentorships, internships, bursaries, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial support for the youth of our city.”

“The legacy of 1976 is not only remembered through reflection; it is honoured through action. Our responsibility is to create opportunities that empower the next generation and enable them to shape South Africa’s future with confidence and purpose,” concluded MMC Amad.

SUPPLIED.