The legacy of Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke continues to thrive 84 years after she departed.
Maxeke, who was the first black African woman to graduate with a BSc from Wilberforce University, Ohio in America in 1903 left a huge legacy for people around the world.
Born on April 7 1871 in Ga-Ramokgopa, Limpopo, and growing up in Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape, Maxeke, who was a social and political activist, had pushed for the success of African people, particularly women.
In honour of her legacy the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) recently held the Mother Of All Golf Days, an annual event at Randpark Golf Club in Randburg, in order to raise funds for community development programmes and nurturing young golfers, especially girls who wish to take their golfing talent forward.
The golf day was established in 2018 by CMMI as an initiative for young girls under the age of 13 , to help them develop into future professional golfers and leading sports stars with the aim of them representing South Africa on international stages.
CMMI chairperson Thulasizwe Makhanya said the organisation was currently working with girls from Kliptown in Soweto, which was the last the home of Mama Maxeke.
The kids were identified through a robust and intensive programme to identify talent.
Makhanya said opportunities were still available for other young girls who aim to play golf professionally.
“The golf lessons include putting basics, chipping, pitching, swing introduction, swing hybrids/woods, swing driver in the first phase of the skills programme. We are calling for parents to fill in entries for the possibility of their young ones becoming part of the new cohort of young ladies under 13 to this golf programme.
“Our vision is clear in this regard as we have realised that many black girls have not had an opportunity to be professionals in the sport, and through Mama Charlotte’s legacy, we aim to nurture future stars of the game.
“As CMMI, we pride ourselves in helping youngsters to realise their dreams as we are aware that previously there was a lack of opportunities for our people to reach for the stars.
“Our annual Mother of All Golf Days honours all mothers of the revolution. We seek to acknowledge and honour female icons, particularly Africans, and their various inputs to the country, continent and the world, through our various programmes. This golf day is about highlighting revolutions begun by women in their respective fields.”
He added that CMMI also remembered Maxeke’s contribution to South African society and is tasked to continue the work she began.
“Her own achievements in education inspired many and her mission to ensure that all women and men of South Africa have access to education, skills, work and equality in all facets of life was a positive move and remarkable. The organisation is at the forefront of advocating for leadership, education, empowerment, legacy and sports to push for the success of youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
CMMI runs a number of programmes aimed at preserving, promoting and elevating the legacy of Maxeke, which include the annual Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Week, coinciding with her birth date and culminating in an annual memorial lecture, Bring Her Up, Top 100 Girl Camp, Preserving the Legacy and Intergenerational Dialogues during Women’s Month in August.
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