World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated on 5 June each year. This year WED focused on ending plastic pollution, as this particular environmental scourge, exacerbates the deadly impacts of the triple planetary crisis – climate change, nature, land and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.
In addition to marking WED, it is also appropriate to celebrate with UMHLALI COUNTRY CLUB on its achievement of winning the John Collier TOP CLUB sustainability award for environmental compliance, social responsibility and good governance (ESG) for South African golf courses and Special Mention Awards to Reading Country Club and De Zalze Golf Club.
Winning a TOP CLUB AWARD is achieved through the support of committed and passionate people, who embrace the three pillars of sustainability (ESG). What UMHLALI COUNTRY CLUB did so well, in their survey questionnaire, was to illustrate its understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the relevance of the ESG principles. This understanding was demonstrated by the club’s strategic alignment through their published vision, values and mission statements.
The club’s vision is to be the venue of choice for sports and recreation on the KZN North Coast, and to strive to provide members, guests and visitors with an affordable and beautiful
eco-friendly club, with a top-rated golf course and sporting and recreational facilities, which in combination offer an enjoyable experience, with quality service, in a hospitable and family-friendly environment.
In addition, the survey document submitted reflects the club’s values, which include, inter alia, a non-discriminatory organisation with professional management and service at its core, a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, in and through golf, a recognition of the importance of playing the club’s part to protect and restore nature, conserve resources, take meaningful climate action and strengthen communities.
Furthermore, the UMHLALI survey report illustrates how the club seeks to use its reach to raise awareness and positive action amongst golfers, partners and the wider public, and live the commitment to make an important difference, and help golf become a valued leader in sustainability.
UMHLALI’S understanding, and implementation of the three pillars of sustainability (ESG), sets a standard that many clubs in South Africa would want to emulate.
Therefore, special congratulations must go to UMHLALI COUNTRY CLUB, its Chairman, Andre Boje, and Governing Body, and subcommittee members, the general manager Derick Reinke, sports manager Jason Herbst and the course management team.
Article Link: Dear Club Manager, Director of Golf, Course Superintendent,