By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK, October 9 – The 2023 Nedbank for Good Series concluded on Friday, October 6 at the Omeya Golf Club, raising a total of N$250,000 for the Rössing Foundation.
The final event crowned Heinrich Schmidt and Wilna Bredenhann as champions of the 2023 golf series in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. In the men’s category, Schmidt secured the top spot with an impressive score of 44 points, followed by Weitz van Niekerk in second place with 40 points, and Desmond D’Emiljo in third place with 38 points. In the women’s category, Bredenhann claimed victory with 44 points, while Claris Chipfupa and Tiekie de Wet tied for second place, both scoring 37 points.
During the prizegiving ceremony at the Nedbank Campus, Schmidt expressed his satisfaction with the tournament’s organization, stating, “My strategy was to manage the course well and play my normal game without taking any chances. The weather was very hot compared to the windy conditions two weeks ago when I won the Windhoek leg of this tournament.”
Bredenhann, on her part, expressed her joy at the win, saying, “I am happy that I won today. The older I get, the better I am at this game. It was one of the best rounds of golf that I have ever played. I was struggling with my drive in the past few months, but today, everything fell into place.”
Both winners emphasized the significance of playing for a charitable cause supported by the Nedbank for Good Series, recognizing the substantial impact it has on the lives of young Namibians.
During the prizegiving ceremony, tournament organizer Dan Zwiebel paid tribute to all participants, including players, managers, golf clubs across the country, caddies, groundsmen, and sponsors, for their contributions to the event. Zwiebel explained the transition from the “Nedbank for Autism Series” to the “Nedbank for Good Series” in support of the Rössing Foundation, highlighting the broadened scope of support for various charitable initiatives.
Uparura Kuvare, the Executive Director of the Rössing Foundation, expressed gratitude for the contributions received through the Nedbank for Good Series, emphasizing the positive impact on learners in communities. He mentioned the foundation’s plans to expand its work to enhance science-based learning in schools.
Cornell Meeks, Head of Private Wealth at Nedbank Namibia, highlighted the success of the previous fundraising golf series and the expanded focus of the Nedbank for Good Series. He mentioned that this year’s funds would support laboratories and educational resources for learners in remote areas, benefiting 8,000 learners and 300 teachers in rural Namibian schools.
Friday’s event marked the conclusion of the 2023 series, which began in February at Omeya. The tournament witnessed the participation of 700 out of 1,100 active golfers in the 10-round golf series.
The 2023 Nedbank for Good Series received sponsorship from Pupkewitz Motors as the official vehicle supplier, Future Media as the official media partner, and co-sponsorship from AfricaOnline, Engen Namibia, Safintra Roofing, Gondwana Collection Namibia, CB Enterprises, Zebra Trailers, Pupkewitz Megabuild, Windhoek Lager, and Imperial.
