This year’s S4 Charity Golf Day was the biggest yet, bringing together 32 fourballs and 20 hole sponsors for a memorable day of golf, generosity and community support.
Heavy rain transformed the course and may even have introduced golfers to a new water sport, but it did little to dampen their enthusiasm. All 32 fourballs arrived on the day, with an impressive 30 teams seeing the event through to the end. Their commitment and positive spirit created an unforgettable atmosphere despite the challenging conditions.
Through S4 Integration’s continued collaboration with Community Chest of the Eastern Cape, R235,000 was raised in support of Little Angels Daycare in Kuyga and the Gelvandale Rugby Academy.
Supporting Little Angels Daycare
Education, particularly during the foundation phase, is one of Community Chest EC’s key pillars. Situated in an under-resourced area of Nelson Mandela Bay, Little Angels Daycare was a natural choice as one of this year’s beneficiaries.
The daycare has a pressing need for a safe and suitable play area where children can exercise, improve their mobility and develop in an environment that supports learning.
“This support will give more children the opportunity to dream, enjoy themselves and play in an environment that is conducive to learning,” said Selwyn Willis, CEO of Community Chest of the Eastern Cape.
Investing in Young Rugby Talent
A portion of the proceeds will also support the Gelvandale Rugby Academy, founded and led by Enrico Grootboom, who is currently dedicated solely to the academy and its young players.
The academy develops junior and youth rugby talent in the Northern Areas of Gqeberha, using sport to keep young people off the streets and steer them away from gangsterism. Registered with the South African Rugby Union, it accommodates several age groups, from junior development divisions through to U21.
The academy currently has an urgent need for assistance with transportation costs. Funding is also required to provide tracksuits for its top 10 students attending provincial matches and to support its U13 and U16 teams ahead of their upcoming matches in Kareedouw.
According to Grootboom, the funds will make a significant difference in the lives of the young players by giving them access to opportunities they may otherwise not have had.
The academy has already helped more than 300 young players earn rugby and academic scholarships at prominent local and international schools. Former players have progressed to represent several major South African provincial unions, while others have secured professional contracts in countries including Germany, Scotland and Spain.
Its teams also participate in prominent regional and international youth competitions, creating valuable opportunities for players to develop their skills, broaden their experiences and pursue their sporting ambitions.
More Than Just a Golf Day
The partnership between S4 Integration and Community Chest EC has grown significantly over the years, with each event strengthening their shared commitment to supporting local communities.
“We are extremely grateful for the support S4 has given Community Chest EC and for the trust the company continues to place in us,” Willis said.
This year’s event demonstrated that the charity golf day is about far more than golf. The participants’ determination to continue despite the heavy rain reflected their commitment to the causes and the difference they hoped to make.
“What stood out was that this was more than just a golf day, it was about the cause,” Willis added. “I would like to applaud everyone who pushed through the heavy rain for their resilience and commitment to making a difference.”
The success of the event would not have been possible without the generous support of the sponsors, participating businesses, organisers and golfers. S4 extends special thanks to the event’s main sponsors, Standard Bank, NoMuda, SICK Sensor Intelligence, Kempston and Rubicon, as well as all 20 hole sponsors whose contributions helped make the day possible.
“A massive thank you to everyone who contributed and participated, and to S4 for organising such a memorable, although very wet, golf day,” Willis concluded. “It will be remembered for a long time. We truly appreciate working with S4 in support of this incredible event.”
The response has already been so encouraging that several participants have begun asking about the 2027 S4 Charity Golf Day, even though this year’s event has only just concluded.
After its biggest golf day yet, S4 is excited to build on this momentum and make the next event even more memorable and impactful.
