University of South Africa: An education lifeline for golf caddies
In South Africa today, the sport is said to contribute over R58 billion to the country’s economy. A significant portion of that contribution is derived from segments able to generate money from golf, such as golfing equipment, golf courses, taxes from wages for workers within the industry, and golf estate properties, including the development of new golf courses.
There is, however, a component that has not been duly recognised for being the backbone of the industry both in South Africa and the world. It is the caddie industry that has been pivotal to the sport. It is nevertheless a very informal industry but tied intensely to the success and fortune generated by the sport.
Caddies are an overall support structure for golfers. Their duties include carrying golfers’ bags throughout the course, navigating it and walking ahead to spot the next shots for golfers. They also clean the clubs and give well-rounded information about the sport. Some duties might seem menial, but more than anything, they help to motivate the golfers, provide advice and help keep the courses in mint condition. It is estimated that there are about 40 000 caddies in South Africa alone, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. They hang around golf courses waiting to be paired with players, often for a meagre fee at the end of the game.
In a first of its kind, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on Wednesday 25 January 2023, at the Johannesburg Country Club between Unisa, the Finding the Fair Way Foundation and Cornerstone Performance Solutions to address this shortcoming. The agreement is to equip golf caddies with skills beyond being golf caddies and to enable them to participate in education and training programmes. Moreover, it will help professionalise the industry.
Unisa’s College of Education will undertake the project through its engaged scholarship programme. According to Frankie Mojapelo, Acting Director for Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations, the signing of the MOA is significant as Unisa is turning 150 years this year. “The partnership with Finding the Fair Way Foundation and Cornerstone Performance Solutions will help to define futures and continue to do that for the next 150 years.”
Jeff van Rooyen of Finding the Fair Way Foundation – founded on a mission to address the plight of golf caddies across the country – said that the MOA would ensure that the promises made to caddies over the years will be fulfilled. He added: “Part of the process would be to bring big personalities within the golfing industry to be part of the initiative and to give caddies more capacity to shape futures through education.”
Cornerstone Performance Solutions will provide an online learning programme consisting of various modules connected to learning. In addition, the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa (ABASA), which is also interested in developing skills and training in the country, was present to celebrate the historic occasion.
Golf caddies from the Johannesburg Golf Club also witnessed the signing of the memorandum, which will ensure that the lives of caddies are changed forever.