A groundbreaking partnership between Hermanus Golf Club and Citizen Leader Lab is opening doors to opportunities previously beyond reach for local learners, as the Junior Golf Academy officially launched on 29 September.
This first-of-its-kind initiative brings golf – traditionally an exclusive sport – directly to students from six Overberg schools: Botrivier Primary, Lukhanyo Primary, Mount Pleasant Primary, Hawston Primary, Hawston Secondary, and Ohayiya Secondary. For the past four months, learners have been atten-
ding weekly coaching sessions, mastering not only golf fundamentals but developing crucial life skills including focus, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork. The initiative tackles significant challenges facing Overberg communities, including high poverty levels, unemployment, and limited access to extracurricular activities. By utilising community spaces, the academy creates new possibilities for young people.
“This initiative is part of our outreach programme,” explains Sharon Sleigh, General Manager at Hermanus Golf Club. “Golf offers learners from under-resourced communities access to facilities and skills they wouldn’t normally experience. We aim to expand this programme to include more schools across the Overberg as it grows.”
Jessica Batts, Citizen Leader Lab facilitator in the Winelands, emphasises the broader vision: “Citizen Leader Lab’s work is rooted in strengthening school leadership and building partnerships that create better opportunities for our youth. This initiative demonstrates what’s possible when schools, communities and local organisations work together. “Batts hopes to inspire further business community involvement: “My role was to facilitate the conversation between the schools and the golf club. Schools cannot operate in isolation – they need community support to transform young lives. “The academy represents a model for sustainable community development through sport and education.
