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Rays of Hope Golf day Helps the people of Alex

Sihle Mooi, Rays of Hope’s executive director, congratulated everyone involved in the day. “This was a fine effort by all concerned. In particular, I would like to thank the Bytes Technology Group for their support, in terms of finance, logistical support and state-of-the-art technology. They are a valuable partner of ours.”

The annual Rays of Hope golf day took place on Friday, May 12, at the Bryanston Country Club. Partnering with the Bytes Managed Solutions, the event helped ensure that the valuable work done by Rays of Hope in Alexandra Township continues.Twenty-seven four-balls took part in the competition, which took place in warm, sunny conditions, just hours before a cold front arrived in Gauteng, bringing with it wind, rain and icy conditions. Sihle Mooi, Rays of Hope’s executive director, congratulated everyone involved in the day. “This was a fine effort by all concerned. In particular, I would like to thank the Bytes Technology Group for their support, in terms of finance, logistical support and state-of-the-art technology. They are a valuable partner of ours.” Rays of Hope has been operating in Alex for 26 years. “Our mission is to partner with Alex for lasting change. We do not believe in quick fixes. We go the distance with the people. We believe that, in successfully bridging the gap between Sandton and Alex, we are creating a model for the rest of South Africa to follow,” explained Mooi. Sihle underlined the reasons why corporates should partner with Rays of Hope. “After working there for more than 25 years, we have an unrivalled reputation in Alex, particularly as we consciously foster long-term relationships with the Alex communities. We are not in and out, we go the distance and have a variety of different initiatives in the area. From a practical point of view, we have excellent corporate governance, contributions from companies are tax deductible and we are a Level 1 BEE organization.” Fourie van der Merwe, Managing Director of Bytes Managed Solutions, explained the basis for the partnership. “As a company, it is our social responsibility to uplift those in need around us. This partnership with Rays of Hope enables them to continue the great work they are currently doing in Alex by empowering and up-skilling young people. At Bytes Managed Solutions we have an internship programme where we take in 50 young, previously disadvantaged learners, every two years, from all walks of life and introduce them into our organisation. This provides them with an opportunity to gain skills, experience and employment. This golf day is also an occasion for us to showcase some of our innovative technology solutions. .” The event was a success from beginning to end. At the registration desk players registered using Bytes Managed Solutions’ kiosks for on-line registration, upon which players were notified via SMS as to their 4 ball team and their respective tee-off times. From there, their goodie bags were checked out using the latest self-checkout machines, also from Bytes Managed Solutions. Participants were also encouraged to deposit any loose change into the Bytes Managed Solutions cash recycling machine. An awesome array of technology resulted in a successful “Technological Golf Day”. All hard- and software was provided by Bytes Managed Solutions. Later that day, after the golf was completed, players and guests enjoyed a sumptuous prize-giving dinner, during which a number of holiday packages at premier resorts were auctioned to raise extra funds. “We are grateful to everyone who participated today,” said Mooi. “The players, our loyal team of volunteers and especially our sponsors, Bytes Technology Group, can be proud of themselves for making a difference to the lives of children in Alex.” Once all the calculations had been done, it emerged that the Golf Day raised R200 000 for Rays of Hope.

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