By Tabisa Mntengwana
07 October 2008

CITY councillors from East London, King William’s Town and Bhisho teamed up in four-balls for the inaugural Councillors’ Golf Day, which is to become an annual event.

In all, more than 40 Buffalo City councillors gathered at the East London Golf Course, at Bunkers Hill, on Monday, 6 October for the day - a number of them first-time golfers. Council Speaker Luleka Simon had encouraged them to take part, “as this day is aimed at rebuilding, maintaining and establishing friendships and networking”.

The day was part of the Office of the Speaker’s team-building programme.

Speaking before tee off, Executive Mayor Zintle Peter said, “We might have taken the proposal lightly when it was first introduced to us but today it has come to be and we are looking forward to learning and playing the game of golf.”
Participants were divided into four-balls. “We mixed councillors from East London with those from King William’s Town and Bhisho to get them to interact and start getting to know each other better,” Simon explained.

This tactic would strengthen their relationships and get them to make new friends.

Ward councillor Mfundiso Nqelenga said: “The game was fantastic and I enjoyed myself. I hope [it] is carried over in the next year.”

Adding to these words, first time player Nocebo Xashe said: “I never thought I’d be able to swing a club but I’m now enjoying myself. I’m going to practise hard for next year’s game.”

Lunch was enjoyed at Halfway House, where golf rookie and ward councillor Siyabonga Jabavu said, “This is a different environment for the councillors but I’m grateful for a different set up from the office, coming together as Buffalo City officials sharing ideas and networking.”

Peter also got into the spirit of the day. “We need to relax and take it easy from time to time. Today, we are eager to tee off and experience the thrill of networking and planning in complete leisure and total relaxation,” she said.

Nqelenga’s team won the game, taking home club bags; second place winners Mzwandile Buzani, Mankomo Pango, Nomazizi Jakavula and Zelpha Jantjies won golf clubs.

“This has encouraged me to try new things and to be more active,” said proportional representation councillor Nomhizana Sityi.

The day ended with a prize-giving and a motivational speech by Andreas Estafiou, who encouraged the participants to find new methods of dealing with the demands of their jobs. They were also urged always to look at challenges as opportunities in disguise.

Prizes included golf balls, clubs, caps and cosmetics.

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