Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka on Wednesday night took time out from the controversy surrounding her flight to the United Arab Emirates to open the Women’s World Cup of Golf, to be played at Sun City from Friday to Sunday.
”I’m wearing a special a hat tonight — or rather a special doek,” Mlambo-Ngcuka said, ”that of the honorary president of the Women’s World Cup of Golf.
”I have always been a great admirer of those who have raised the image of women through golf. I admire you for being pioneers in what has always been seen as a predominantly man’s sport.”
Joining the deputy president was the Premier of the North West, Edna Molewa, and the Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation, Gert Oosthuizen.
The crowd was entertained by Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Gloria Bosman and the Linden Hoêrskool choir.
Mlambo-Ngcuka emphasised the role women have played in post-apartheid South Africa.
”The record in South Africa as a women’s country speaks for itself. The ministers of agriculture, of commerce, trade and industry, education, foreign affairs, home affairs, health, minerals and energy, public service and public works are all women. In the nine provinces, four of the premiers are women. And, of course, we have moi as the deputy president.
”We take the role of women very seriously.”
She added that it is important to mobilise sponsors to put more money into women’s sport.
In declaring the Women’s World Cup of Golf officially open, the deputy president concluded by saying: ”May your drives split the fairways and may your putts find their holes.” — Sapa