“My Neighbours Think I am Very Cool to Play Golf and be Fetched in such a Fancy Car”

Cape Town, 28 September 2026.  A television story showing a police van transporting young golfers to the course struck a chord with a Cape Town-based Hyundai Dealer Principal, resulting in the dealership getting involved in solving the youngsters’ transport challenge.

Hyundai Plumstead Dealer Principal, Junaid Daniels said the television report immediately resonated with him since Hyundai operates in the mobility business.  He then contacted Jehad Kasu, founder of the Mitchells Plain Golf Foundation and that conversation resulted in the usage of Hyundai STARIA.

“I immediately thought, if transport is one of the barriers preventing growth and success of these young golfers from pursuing their talents, then this is something we can help address.  Mobility should never be the reason a young person cannot pursue their sporting talent.”

What makes the Foundation particularly distinctive is that it has built its programme without the traditional infrastructure.  It operates without its own golf course or clubhouse, using available open spaces for practice and working with established golf clubs to provide access to proper coaching and competition. 

“We started the programme to give young people in high-risk communities an alternative sport that ordinarily does not resonate with a township.  A sport that could positively occupy their time,” stated Kasu. 

“Hyundai’s partnership means more to us.  When people see our Hyundai-branded vehicle at a traffic light or in traffic, we receive enthusiastic thumbs ups from passersby.  Hyundai is not just transporting these youngsters but moving an entire community into spaces they have never imagined to be at.” 

The Foundation’s success is evident as it now has 25 young golfers between the ages of 5 and 18, with one graduate progressing to play for Western Province, others are members of the Rondebosch Golf Club.

Morné Thomas, aged 16 said Hyundai’s sponsorship has made travelling to tournaments a more comfortable and dignified experience, particularly when competing at prestigious golf courses. 

“It is really nice to have this Hyundai STARIA because when we go to the very fancy golf courses, then we do not feel bad because we came in a taxi or a police van like we used to.”

Meanwhile, 13-year-old Zayaan Samuels said the vehicle has also brought a sense of pride, allowing her to arrive at practices and tournaments in a way that reflects her growing journey in the sport. 

“I feel very proud to be fetched in this nice bus because when my neighbours see it come fetch me for practice.  Then they think I am very cool to be playing golf and to be fetched in such a fancy car.”

Ends.