Unisa Chancellor's Golf Challenge

ATFX ► Unisa Chancellor's Golf Challenge

ATFX’s Commitment to Education and Community Upliftment

Education and community upliftment are core values at ATFX. Our recent collaboration with Unisa and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation exemplifies this commitment. The 2024 Chancellor’s Shaping Futures Golf Challenge, hosted by Unisa’s Gauteng Region at the prestigious Houghton Golf Course in Johannesburg, aimed to raise funds to address the staggering R1.5 billion student debt affecting many Unisa students—predominantly high achievers unable to complete their qualifications due to outstanding fees.

ATFX Africa proudly sponsored the Golf Day with a generous donation of R400,000, contributing to an impressive total of R750,000 raised for this vital cause. Industry leaders and esteemed representatives from Unisa came together to explore strategies for alleviating student debt and pledged their commitment to long-term solutions. Additionally, ATFX is developing courses, internships, and scholarship opportunities with Unisa, aimed at fostering change for years to come.

“Education is the cornerstone of all success; without it, we have nothing. The leaders of tomorrow are where we must place our hope,” said Linton White, CEO of ATFX Africa. “We aim to support students who are excelling but facing financial barriers to completing their degrees. This initiative is a pathway to uplift the future leaders of our society.”

Dr. Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Chairperson of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, spoke on behalf of Unisa’s Chancellor, former President Dr. Thabo Mbeki, reaffirming Unisa’s dedication to making higher education accessible. Unisa plays a pivotal role in addressing socio-economic disparities through education, as many of its students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and continue to face financial challenges as they near graduation.

In discussing the Golf Challenge, Prof. Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, underscored the importance of partnerships in ensuring the success of this initiative. She expressed her gratitude to ATFX Africa for its support, highlighting that events like this are crucial for students on the brink of graduation who cannot settle their outstanding fees. “The economic difficulties in our country are immense, and this debt reflects the financial hardship faced by our students,” she stated. “Through initiatives like this, we remain committed to ensuring that education continues to be the transformative tool that changes lives.”

The event also featured the ceremonial tee-off led by Prof. LenkaBula, symbolising the collaboration between higher education and the private sector. ATFX was joined by sponsors including BMW, Royal McGrady, Van Schaik Bookstore, Unisa SBL, and several hotels and financial institutions, all of which played a vital role in the event’s success. LenkaBula urged others to join in these efforts.

The 2024 Unisa Chancellor’s Shaping Futures Golf Challenge stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the power of collaboration in overcoming financial barriers to academic success. With continued support, Unisa, backed by ATFX Africa, remains dedicated to transforming lives and shaping futures through education.

The event concluded with a gala dinner and prize-giving ceremony, where Moipone Masalesa, Regional Director of Unisa’s Gauteng Region, delivered a welcome address. She highlighted how this initiative embodies Unisa’s vision and mission: “As an institution, our commitment extends beyond producing graduates. We aim to uplift society. Through initiatives like these, we uphold the spirit of Ubuntu—’I am because we are.’”