WINDHOEK, Jan. 18 — The coveted Nedbank for Autism Series, which has had an amazing impact in only three short years, will soon don a new identity and live on as the new Nedbank for Good Series.
The Nedbank for Autism Series, wrapped up in November 2022, having raised over N$656,000 for the Autism Association of Namibia (AAN), in three years. The series empowered the Autism Association of Namibia through fundraising since its inception in 2020. The success of the series inspired Nedbank Namibia to broaden the scope using the same medium of golf to capacitate more institutions, initiatives and projects. The Nedbank for Good Series, which is set to launch in February this year, will be the successor of the Nedbank for Autism Series.
The Nedbank for Autism Series bows out on a high note having achieved numerous accolades in its three-year period. Apart from the funds raised over the three-year period, the golf series over time grew in popularity to a point where organisers added more venues to its running order and accommodated golf players with an official handicap. Over 1 000 golf players made up of former caddies, club captains, children, and experienced golfers, played during the three-year tenure of the series.
DZ Golf Coordinator and Nedbank for Autism Series event organiser, Dan Zwiebel says that he is optimistic about the new venture and is already planning on delivering only the best golfing experience the country has seen.
“I am proud to say we have done it all in the Nedbank for Autism Series, and this spirit of excellence will be carried forward into the new Nedbank for Good Series, as well. We have travelled far and wide during our 10-stop event program together with the Autism Association of Namibia, and with every event, we always made sure to exceed expectations. The Nedbank for Good Series will be one for the books, as we will continue using golf as a medium to support more initiatives and make a collective impact in our communities,” Zwiebel says.
When asked whether there are any new additions to the structure of the new golf tournament, Zwiebel says that a lot will remain the same as it has been the winning formula in the past.
“We will be delivering the same exceptional service, with improvements of course, to ensure players have the best experience. One major step in the right direction for this series is adding a women’s category to the program with the aim of growing women’s golf in the country,” he stated.
The new Nedbank for Good Series will be one of the bank’s biggest corporate social investment initiatives, as there will be direct involvement from its Social Investment Committee which will oversee the awarding criteria of the charitable causes, said Nedbank Namibia’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Gernot de Klerk, who also shed light on how the bank’s purpose is in line with the initiative.
“Our purpose of using our financial expertise to do good for individuals, families, businesses, and society, will continue to be demonstrated in the Nedbank for Good Series. As golf’s number one supporter in Namibia, the series gives us an excellent opportunity to host quality golfing events across our country, and in so doing raise funds that will shine a light on causes such that it ultimately impacts communities in the most positive way. Golf Clubs around the country where the Series will be hosted will be encouraged to nominate charitable causes in their communities, so a portion of funds raised through the auctions will be used to plough back into those communities,” De Klerk mentioned.
“I would like to thank DZ Golf for journeying with us on this exciting new venture. To our co-sponsors, M+Z Motors, AfricaOnline, ComputerKit Namibia, Engen Namibia, Imperial, Gondwana Collection Namibia, Safintra Roofing, Taeuber & Corssen, Pupkewitz Megabuild, Zebra Trailers, and Future Media; thank you for your backing in making this tournament one of the best the country has ever seen,” De Klerk concluded.
The 2023 Nedbank for Good Series will take place as follows, Omeya Golf Club on Saturday, 25 February 2023; Gobabis Golf Club on Saturday, 13 May 2023; Oranjemund Golf Club on Saturday, 03 June 2023; Tsumeb Golf Club on Saturday, 24 June 2023; Mariental Golf Club on Saturday, 22 July 2023; Oshakati Golf Club on Saturday, 05 August 2023; Rossmund Golf Course on Saturday, 26 August 2023; Henties Bay Golf & Lifestyle Estate on Saturday, 02 September 2023; Walvis Bay Golf Club on Saturday, 09 September 2023; Windhoek Golf & Country Club on Saturday, 23 September 2023; with the final taking place at Omeya Golf Club on Friday, 06 October 2023.
