Papwa: An Unsung Golfing Legend
Publish date: 12 October 2015
Issue Number: 648
Diary: IBA Legalbrief Africa
Category: Corruption
Papwa: An Unsung Golfing Legend
By Maxine Case
Kwela Books. R259
Papwa is the story of Sewsunker ‘Papwa’ Segolum, the South African child golf-prodigy of Indian descent, who was discriminated against during apartheid because of the colour of his skin. He was the first golfer of colour to win a provincial open in South Africa, and became a symbol of the sports boycott movement as he was not permitted to enter certain premises because of the Separate Amenities Act and other ‘petty apartheid’ legislation. A memorial plaque in honour of Sewgolum was erected at the Durban Country Club in 2005. But ultimately no memorial, no biography, no written account or account of any other nature will be able to reflect the ignominy, hurt and shame that the crippling racial laws inflicted on the emotions of the majority of South Africans restricted from participating in the broadest possible opportunities – such as to play golf when they wanted to, loved it and were good at it. Case has at least achieved giving one a glimpse of the reality of their triumph and their loss. The story of Papwa is a glowing example.
