Business leaders and media heavyweights from across the continent gathered on Thursday, 13 November 2025, at The Country Club, Woodmead, for the annual ABN Corporate Golf Challenge – a flagship charity event raising funds for the ABN Education Trust, a high-impact initiative committed to transforming lives through education, mentorship, and community upliftment.
Established in 2011 by Rakesh Wahi, Founder and Chairman of the ABN Group, the trust has become a powerful force for change in the lives of Africa’s youth. Since its inception, it has undertaken over 367 projects and made more than 50,000 donations to meaningful causes to expand access to education and opportunities.
Its programmes range from funding under-resourced orphanages and daycare centres to establishing safe transport systems and soup kitchens in disadvantaged areas. Additionally, the Trust has awarded bursaries to students in South Africa, Ghana, and Rwanda, many of whom were first-generation university graduates. It has also facilitated over 300 internships across ABN Group companies, offering youth critical professional exposure and pathways into formal employment.
“The ABN Education Trust was founded on the belief that education has the power to change lives and uplift entire societies,” says Mr Wahi, trustee and co-founder.
“The Corporate Golf Challenge reflects the spirit of collaboration, engagement, and generosity that defines the Trust’s work, bringing together leaders who understand that real progress begins with education and empowering our young people.”
Now in its fourteenth year, the Golf Challenge has grown into a signature event that unites corporates, the media fraternity, and philanthropic partners around a shared purpose. This year’s event will conclude with a charity auction, featuring handcrafted artworks by Mrs Wahi and other exclusive items and experiences, with all proceeds channelled directly into the Trust’s educational and community programmes.
Roberta Naicker, Group Managing Director of the ABN Group and a trustee, adds: “The Corporate Golf Day offers a wonderful opportunity for participants to network and share in an enjoyable day on the greens, while feeling the satisfaction of supporting something truly meaningful. Ultimately, every swing, every sponsorship, and every donation helps to change the trajectory of young lives.”
