A statement was made by the eThekwini Maritime Cluster as it hosted its highly anticipated 4th Annual Golf Day this past Friday.
The premier networking and sold-out event was held at Cotswold Downs Golf and Country Estate, in Hillcrest, bringing together major stakeholders, international business figures, and local enterprises to promote regional growth and innovation.
The local oceans economy figures swapped boardroom tables for golf carts and a day of friendly competition on the greens as the flagship event served a vital strategic purpose – to drive economic transformation and raise funds to support the region’s essential maritime development programmes.
EMC Chairman, Mr. Sandile Khoza made the ceremonial tee-off before players hit the course. High profile industry champions, including key leadership figures from Sandock Austral Shipyards and global shipping titans like MSC Cruises, joined local small business owners to build high-level industry connections.
There were also major brand partnerships with elite local and international brands lining up the fairways. BMW Umhlanga stepped in as the official automotive sponsor, ISIQU foundation as the apparel sponsor and the on-course hydration was provided by aQuelle, while Womaritime Experts was the day’s Halfway House sponsor. 
To conclude the day, an exclusive gala dinner and prize giving ceremony was sponsored by freight logistics powerhouse, Grindrod Limited where on-course excellence was celebrated and providing a last invaluable platform for leaders to consolidate partnerships. The awards were given for 1st to 3rd place, Nearest to the Pin, Longest Drive, Best Female Team, and Best Dressed.
Two iconic photographs were donated by Mining CSI’s Managing Director, Moses Sibiya. One of Tiger Woods’ clutch drive, executing an approach to 18 feet, and sank a birdie putt to finish at 16 under par in 2001 Masters, was sold for R5 000 and Michael Jordan’s last winning jump shot in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, the 87–86 win with 5.2 seconds remaining, was sold for R9 500.
The eThekwini Maritime Cluster continues to strengthen Durban’s position as a world-class global maritime hub.