Corporate Giants Back TUT’s ‘Missing Middle’ Students at Annual Fundraising Golf Day

On 21 May 2026, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) hosted a highly successful staging of its annual fundraising golf day at the scenic White River Country Club. The event drew enthusiastic participation from alumni, corporate executives, avid golfers, and university stakeholders, seamlessly blending sporting competition with meaningful philanthropy.

The primary objective of the day was to raise vital funds for TUT’s "missing middle" students who do not qualify for government funding programmes like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) but still struggle to cover tuition and living costs. All proceeds from the event will directly fund bursaries, academic support initiatives, and student success programmes.

A Mission for Inclusive Education

In his keynote address, Mr Ivan Ka-Mbonane, Chairperson of the TUT Council, highlighted the university’s unwavering mission to provide inclusive, quality education.

"Today’s gathering is more than a game of golf; it is a powerful demonstration of solidarity and an investment in the future of our nation," Mr Ka-Mbonane said. "At TUT, we are committed to ensuring that no talented student is left behind due to financial constraints. The ‘missing middle’ represents some of our most determined young minds who simply need a helping hand to reach their full potential. Through partnerships like this, we are not only raising funds but building a stronger, more skilled South Africa."

His remarks resonated strongly with the attendees, reinforcing TUT’s strategic focus on developing future-ready graduates capable of driving innovation and economic growth.

Robust Corporate Backing

The fundraising initiative received strong backing from several prominent corporate entities, reflecting a shared private-sector commitment to higher education and skills development.

Telkom, the event's headline sponsor, expressed its dedication to the cause through a senior executive, Wendy Baloyi.

"Telkom is proud to partner with TUT on this critical initiative. Investing in higher education, particularly for students who fall through the cracks of traditional funding models, is essential for unlocking the country's economic potential. By supporting these resilient students today, we are empowering the tech leaders, innovators, and workforce of tomorrow."

The tournament concluded with an awards dinner, where participants and corporate partners pledged continued collaboration to help bridge the financial gap for South African youth.