EL golfer climbing the ranks
EAST London golfer, Lwazi Gqira, 25, is climbing the ladder of success.
Gqira, formerly of Duncan Village, is currently ranked 54th in South Africa and has been supported by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) in East London.
Port manager Sharon Sijako said Gqira had represented the Border men's side and made the SA Development side to play against Scotland and the South African team in Johannesburg last year.
Gqira said he did not consider giving up an option. Hard work was paying off and he believed that keeping his mind healthy was necessary for his success. “Commitment, hard work and discipline is the name of the game. Think like a professional, not like an amateur.”
The Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation have renewed his membership for the third year due to his satisfactory progress on the course under the watchful eye of coach, Michelle De Vries and TNPA.
De Vries said Gqira's life should serve as an inspiration to others to dream, to believe and to work hard to achieve.
“His significant improvement has brought him closer of becoming a professional golfer in the near future. His maturity in his game and in life is not only through good work ethics, but from TNPA believing in him. None of these achievements would have been accomplished without TNPA’s investment in this young man over the past five years.”
Gqira has since moved to Quigney and is working on developing his artisan skills of welding; as he is planning to complete his three-year welding qualification at Mdantsane Technical College.
“TNPA does not only support Gqira to enhance his golfing career and life skills, but also to develop his post school skills levels. The funding includes the supply of golfing equipment, clothing, coaching lessons, education, participation in golf tourneys. The Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation affords him the opportunity to participate in monthly national tournaments in the country, competing alongside other top South African amateur golfers,” said Sijako.