CONSERVATION CUP
Conservation Cup supports Wildlife initiatives
T HE CONSERVATION CUP played at Pearl Valley in September is a unique tour- nament, now in its third year, aimed at supporting wildlife conserva- tion and education. It attracted sports legends and business leaders to a one- day “Ryder Cup-type tournament” be- tween Team Pangolin, captained by business personality Ethel Nyembe, and Team Rhino, led by former Bafana Bafana footballer Neil Tovey. The format was an unusually busy one, the two teams – each with 44 players – competing over 27 holes playing three separate 9-hole matches in singles, betterball and greensomes. Team Pangolin won 50-38 for a third consecutive year. Everyone involved was supporting the work of The Fisher Foundation to promote the message of conservation and education among the youth liv- ing in communities adjacent to South Africa’s national parks and protected wildlife areas, as well as the relocation of vulnerable species. Community upliftment programmes include drilling boreholes and arrang- ing football clinics with former stars such as Tovey, Doctor Khumalo and Mark Fish. “It’s an initiative that generates awareness and educates the coming generations to look after our wildlife,” said Odwa Ndungane, former Sharks and Springbok wing, who has played in all three of the matches. Richard Fisher, the founder and executive chairman of City Logistics, and president of The Fisher Foun- dation, said he was humbled by the overwhelming support. “In three short years, the Conservation Cup has grown into a community of sports stars and business leaders who have a passion
for our wildlife and natural heritage, and who actively want to help make a difference,” he said. “Conservation is not just about protecting what we have now. It’s also about protecting the future. That’s where the education element plays such a vital role.”
102 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
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