Durban Deputy Mayor Salutes 80 Years of Golf

Speech by Councillor Logie Naidoo, Deputy Mayor of the eThekwini Municipality, at the Durban Golf Club’s 80th Anniversary Golf Day and Opening of the Driving Range, Papwa Sewgolum Golf Course, Sunday, 14 December 2008 at 14h00.

Thank You, Programme Director.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen and dignitaries.

I could begin this speech by declaring that golf is my only handicap, but I am not going to put on my back foot this time.

In the past few years, the golf bug has hit me.

I am pleased to say that I organized the ANC’s Golf Day at the Mount Edgecombe Golf Course six months ago; I have learnt that if you play golf just for the exercise – there are better ways to exercise.

Thank you, to the Durban Golf Club and your president, Mr Siva Padayachee, for supporting the ANC’s fundraising golf day.

So we you hear us say a “Better Life for All” in the coming weeks, we mean just that – our citizens playing golf, having fun and networking with each other to change the economic and human landscape.

Ladies and Gentlemen and Dignitaries, I wish to recognize among you, the Honourable Judge Thumba Pillay, and one of the club’s pioneering activist-presidents along with other stalwarts like George Singh, Ramhori Lutchman, Benny Naidoo, Lambie Rasool, Louis Nelson, and so many legends since the 1940s.

Therefore it gives me great pleasure on behalf of the eThekwini Municipality to extend our goodwill and good wishes to the Durban Golf Club on this momentous occasion.

I am indeed privileged as Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development Committee to witness some of the amazing capital and infrastructural development and transformational changes at this once marginalized golf club that produced famous golfing heroes like Papwa Sewgolum, Vincent Tshabalala and hundreds of good golfers in the past 80 years.

This afternoon, the City of Durban salutes all of you for your stoicism in the face of adversity.

Like good golfers who know how to weather the storm and hit a perfect shot, you have turned adversity into advantage.

Today, you are the proud custodians, activists and architects of what a golf club should look like.

There’s no telling what the city can expect as you tee off for the start of the next 20 years of success stories leading up to the centenary celebrations in 2028.

Let me assure you that the city is proud of the club’s transformation policy and progress.

We are aware of the club’s free coaching programme for youths on Saturdays under the tutelage of another veteran, Links Poonsamy.

But, no golf speech is complete without a quip.

So let me share my perspective of golf with you.

Being a Day of Sabbath when most golfers also pray to the Gods of Golf, either for good weather or hitting a birdie or eagle, I am reminded about what American evangelist Billy Graham once said: “The only time my prayers are never answered is on the golf course.”

However, as some of the successful putters and hitters are soon to be honoured in the club house, may I add: “Golf should be learned starting from the cup and progressing back to the tee!”

I take this opportunity of congratulating the Durban Golf Club for achieving 80 years of playing and promoting non-racial golf as our “One City, Many Cultures” city knows it.

The opening of the driving range is another feather in the club’s cap.

On this score, I wish to salute your hard-working President Siva Padayachee, his deputy Robert Manjoo, and all the members, for making a difference to the golfing landscape.

Now I now where to come to improve my golf.

I have immense pleasure and pride in performing this privilege this afternoon.

The city looks forward to working with the improving conditions at this picturesque golf club and may progress be the buzz word as you navigate the next two decades.

I take this opportunity of wishing all of you a well-earned festive break, a merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

I Thank You


Speech researched and written by Marlan Padayachee, GreenGold Africa Communications, on behalf of the Mayor’s Office/Deputy Mayor’s Office on 14.12.2008 greengold@telkomsa.net 083 796 1762/ 083 797 1762