Update May 2025 Philanthropic outreaches IC SA VOSLOORUS Tennis Club report – prepared by Rosanne Duke Firstly, a big thanks to the IC SA’s Mike Dunk for all his years of dedication to the Vosloorus Tennis Club and the tennis community in Vosloorus. He has ensured that the IC support of the Vosloorus tennis programme has remained strong and that the children in the community have had a solid foundation into the world of tennis. Thank you so much Mike! The coaching at the Vosloorus Tennis Club by head coach Michael and his assistant coaches Nyaniso and Wellington, has continued to be well attended by the children from the local Vosloorus schools. Coaching is provided 6 days a week, which includes Play and Stay for the young children and more formal coaching for the older youngsters. The IC club provides them with new balls and strings every term. Thando, Iwandile, Tshepang and Siya continue to attend the Gauteng East squads on a Saturday morning and are provided with transport to the Benoni Tennis Centre and given refreshments to ensure they play well. (Squads will start again on the 10th May due to all the public holidays.) The highlight of the term was one of the young Vosloorus players Siya Silinga being selected to play Nationals in Bloemfontein in the school holidays. She will be trying out for a place at the Balderstone Sports Institute, where Tshepang continues to shine. The Gauteng East Round Robin, which was supposed to take place on the 5th April was sadly rained out, but there is a Dunlop Grand Prix tournament taking place from the 1st to the 4th May in Benoni, and Siya and Tshepang will be competing. There is also a Dunlop Rainbow Kids tournament for players under 10 years taking place on the 3rd and 4th May which will have 6 Vosloorus players participating. Rosanne will be handing over to Nomsa, the dynamic chairlady of the Vosloorus Tennis Club on Tuesday 22nd April, donations from the Bryanston Tennis Club members comprising of old racquets, balls and tennis clothes. Going forward, any donations of good second-hand tennis equipment will always be welcome. The IC SA Vosloorus project, under the auspices of the IC International’s Philanthropy division, provides an important tennis development centre for the children living in the Vosloorus Township and for the broader Ekurhuleni Municipality. Leonie Grondel’s Instagram video about the Kenton-on-Sea outreaches Watch this fantastic video in Instagram about the Kenton-on-Sea Philanthropic outreach. Well done to Leonie and team. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI1dL94PZN-/?igsh=bnp3a282N2h6Ymd2 Gauteng Social Day: A Morning of Tennis, Treats, and True IC Spirit Sunday, 12 January 2025 – Marks Park, Johannesburg Under the rainy skies of Johannesburg, the IC South Africa community gathered once again for one of its most beloved traditions — the Gauteng Social Day. With 28 players in attendance, the courts at Marks Park buzzed with laughter, energy, and the unmistakable spirit of international friendship. True to the IC motto — “hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” — this event welcomed not only local members but also a special guest from IC Australia, reaffirming our club's global camaraderie. The friendly competition kicked off early, and we managed to enjoy two solid rounds of spirited tennis before the summer rains made its appearance, bringing the games to a graceful halt. But the day wasn’t only about tennis — it was also a celebration of community, connection, and, of course, a fantastic breakfast spread. Stealing the show off the court was our very own Demetri, who traded his racquet for a coffee apron. As the day’s resident barista, he brewed, frothed, and served up joy in every cup — keeping players energized and spectators warm during the brief rain delay. Though the weather played its part, it couldn’t dampen the warmth of friendships rekindled and new bonds formed. It’s events like these that reflect the essence of the IC: tennis as a bridge between people, cultures, and continents. Here’s to many more mornings like this — filled with great tennis, hearty laughter, and connections that go far beyond the baseline.
