In the realm of junior golf, Simthandile “SimTiger” Tshabalala has emerged as a prodigious talent, captivating the world with his exceptional skills on the golf course. At just 7 years old, this South African golf sensation has shattered records and garnered international acclaim for his remarkable achievements.
2019: A Rising Star Emerges
SimTiger’s journey to golf stardom began in earnest in 2019 when he, at the tender age of 7, secured a place in the top 15 of the world kids’ golf rankings. Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, SimTiger’s ascent was rapid, having only competed for eight months at that point. In a testament to his prowess, he clinched over 20 trophies locally and internationally, including a notable second-place finish at the 2019 Australian Open Golf Championship.
Representing Mzansi at the World Golf Championship in Malaysia, SimTiger’s outstanding performance earned him the moniker “SimTiger,” drawing comparisons to the legendary Tiger Woods by US golf officials.
SimTiger’s introduction to sports occurred at the age of 2, courtesy of his parents, Bonginkosi and Bengoka Tshabalala. While exposed to various activities such as tennis, swimming, and soccer, it was golf that captured SimTiger’s passion. By the age of 4, he was fully immersed in the game, with golf becoming his unwavering focus.
Bonginkosi Tshabalala, not only SimTiger’s father but also his caddy and coach, recounted, “When he was four, he was hooked on golf and he never looked back.” The family’s support has been integral to SimTiger’s success, with both parents actively involved in nurturing his talent.
2020: Continued Triumphs and Recognition
Fast forward to 2020, SimTiger, now 8 years old, solidified his status as South Africa’s youngest top golfer. At the S.A Kids Golf Order of Merits 2020, he walked away with an impressive haul of four awards, including Player of the Year, Best Average Stroke Player of the Year, Most Points, and 1st Place Stroke Average in the boys’ 7–8 category.
Coach Tumo Motaung at Steyn City Club commended SimTiger’s calm and focused demeanor amidst media attention, highlighting his hard work, dedication, and natural talent. With a global ranking of 14 in his age category, SimTiger is poised to continue making waves on the international golf scene.
Presidential Acclaim and Beyond
Even South African President Ramaphosa recognized SimTiger’s extraordinary talent during a meeting at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate. The President dubbed him “our Tiger Woods of the future” after witnessing SimTiger’s prowess on the golf course. Having accumulated over 20 trophies, including a second-place finish in the Australian Open 2020, SimTiger’s reputation as a golf prodigy has spread globally.
SimTiger’s father, Bonginkosi, who has played an instrumental role in funding and supporting his son’s journey, shared insights on raising a prodigy. He emphasized the importance of exposing children to various sports, identifying their talents, and providing unwavering support throughout their journey.
SimTiger’s influence extends beyond the golf course, as he was named the official Global Honorary Youth Ambassador for 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, showcasing his commitment to philanthropy and inspiring others.
As SimTiger continues to capture hearts with his extraordinary talent, his dreams of becoming the best golfer in the world seem well within reach. With dedication, support, and a love for the game, Simthandile “SimTiger” Tshabalala is undoubtedly a rising star destined for greatness on the global golf stage.
Emani Stanton and Jayla Jackson are two young Black women from Atlanta who have made history by becoming the first Black female duo to win the prestigious international debate competition at Harvard University. The competition, which is held every summer, attracts more than 100 debaters from 15 countries who compete in 10 rounds of argumentation on various topics.
Stanton, 17, and Jackson, 16, went undefeated for all 10 rounds and defeated their opponents with their eloquence, logic and evidence. The topic of the final round was “Resolved: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization should substantially increase its defense commitments in the Baltic States.” Stanton and Jackson argued in favor of the resolution and convinced the judges that NATO should enhance its military presence and cooperation in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to deter Russian aggression and protect democracy.
Stanton and Jackson are both students of the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project (HDCDP), an Atlanta-based program that recruits, trains and mentors Black youth to participate in the Harvard debate residency. The program was founded in 2017 by Brandon P. Fleming, a Harvard debate coach and former teacher, who wanted to create a pipeline of talented Black scholars who could excel in academic spaces that are often dominated by white and privileged students.
The HDCDP has been remarkably successful in achieving its mission. Since its inception, it has sent four cohorts of Black students to Harvard, and each cohort has won the debate competition. Stanton and Jackson are the latest champions, but they are also trailblazers as the first Black female duo to claim the title.
