Joburg Ladies Open gifts dignity to Alex girls

6 March 2023 – Female learners from Zenzeleni Primary School in Alexandria received more than 1,300 dignity packs, thanks to the #dignity campaign that ran during the 2023 Joburg Ladies Open, co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Ladies Tour and Ladies European Tour at Modderfontein Golf Club in March.

“The Joburg Ladies Open has always been a tournament with purpose,” explained City of Joburg Event Tournament promoter Bongi Mokaba. “This year we launched two #dignity campaigns during the event, which was aimed at restoring dignity for young girls who attend the Zenzeleni Primary School in Alexandria.”

The “Splash for Dignity” initiative that ran during the pro-am and competitors paid R50 fines for every ball that found the water. With additional donations, the pro-am raised over R10,000. During the 72-hole tournament, retail giant SPAR committed to donate a dignity pack for every birdie or better made with the “Birdies for Dignity” campaign.

“The Joburg Ladies Open raised 1 313 dignity packs, containing toiletries and female hygiene products, which was sponsored by SPAR,” said Mokaba.

“City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Cllr Thapelo Amad, handed the dignity packs over to the school and they were very well received.

“The dignity campaign initiated at the Joburg Ladies Open fits with the City of Johannesburg’s bill as a caring city. We see potential leaders, doctors, and attorneys in you and we urge you not to allow your circumstances to dictate your destiny,” Mayor Amad told the dozens of schoolchildren.

“You must concentrate on performing well in your studies and achieving high marks so that possibilities will present themselves to you. Since I also come from a disadvantaged background, everything is possible.”

Mokaba was delighted to hand over the packs.

“I am short of words to describe how I feel, however, I am happy to see the smile on those young girls as they receive their packs from the Executive Mayor. Girls should never miss class because they are going through their menstrual cycle,” Mokaba said.                           

Zenzeleni School Principal, Thandi Gumede said she was thrilled with the donation.

“This is a highlight and memory the school will cherish forever. There is a Zulu saying: lokhu enisenzele kona nikwenze nakwabanye. How I wish I could differ with that and say, you should do it again with us,” said the delighted Gumede.