Nedbank for Good golf series tees off
Nedbank Namibia is gearing up to drive change on the greens with the fifth instalment of the Nedbank for Good Series.The prestigious eleven-event golf series not only celebrates sporting excellence but also raises awareness and funds for chosen charities through pledges and donations. Over the past four years, the competition has grown from strength to strength, establishing itself as the premier charity golf series in the country.
Starting on 16 March at the Omeya Golf Club, the 2024 series concludes with the final on 4 October at the same club.
Previously known as the Nedbank for Autism Series, the tournament rebranded last year as the Nedbank for Good Series after raising N$656 000 for the Autism Association of Namibia during its initial three-year tenure. While the primary focus of the series may be golf and hosting events of exceptional quality at golf courses across the country, the ultimate winners are those who benefit from the funds raised through the generosity of the golfing community.
Dan Zwiebel, owner of DZ Golf, and the organising partner of the series, says that even though the Nedbank for Autism Series had become a household name, “we thought it was time for a change, hence the rebrand to Nedbank for Good Series. Through a wider description, we can support several charities should the need arise.”
Last year, the Rössing Foundation was the primary beneficiary, raising N$250 000 to aid learners and teachers in rural areas with limited access to educational resources.
This year, the players will battle it out in aid of Agra ProVision. Theo Ickua, manager of the organisation, emphasised their excitement ahead of this year’s event. “Agra ProVision’s involvement in the Nedbank for Good Series will mean that underserved communities will directly benefit from the agricultural training, services, and support that Agra ProVision provides.”
Showcase
Beyond its charitable aspect, the Nedbank for Good Series serves as a showcase for Namibia's top golfing talent, and the increasing number of participants reflects the initiative’s impact.
“We reach approximately 70% of all listed golfers throughout the 11-event series. But every year, we strive to grow,” Zwiebel says. “Last year we added the ladies' section, which saw a major influx of female participants in the series. Having 45 ladies in total participate in the 2023 series was a major accomplishment, and we look forward to building on it.”
In a show of commitment to developing local golfing talent in Namibia, Zwiebel adds that this year’s series will include golf clinics at four of the events, as part of the organisers’ quest to grow the game and identify new talent.
The spirit of inclusivity in this series is reflected in the past winners, who have hailed from all corners of the country.
Kyle Johnson from Walvis Bay Golf Club won the inaugural series in 2020, followed by Emile Vilbert from Walvis Bay Golf Club in 2021, and Kiewiet Dreyer from Gobabis Golf Club in 2022. Last year, Wilna Bredenhann from Henties Bay Golf & Lifestyle Estate won the first-ever women’s final, while Heinrich Schmidt from Windhoek Golf & Country Club took the men’s top honours.
“With the continued support of Nedbank Namibia, our valued co-sponsors, and the participants, we remain committed to maintaining the momentum generated over the past five years. We’ve already managed to raise N$906 206 for worthy causes and we’re aiming to reach the N$1 million mark midway through this year’s series,” Zwiebel says.
The 2024 Nedbank for Good Series is co-sponsored by Pupkewitz Toyota as the official vehicle supplier, Vivo Energy, AfricaOnline, CB Enterprises, The Logistics Company Namibia, Africa Personnel Services, Agra, Erongo Marine Enterprises, Pupkewitz Megabuild, Gondwana Collection Namibia, and Future Media as the official media partner.