THOHOYANDOU – The Telkom Charity Cup was officially launched during a ceremony that was held in Johannesburg on Monday. Voting for the four teams that are to take part in the prestigious one-day tournament started on Tuesday morning.

The voting lines will be closed at midnight on 19 July to allow the auditors to ratify the final vote lines results. During the launching ceremony the chairperson of the Charity Trust, Mr Leepile Taunyane, stated that this year's event is expected to be the best ever with prize money having been increased from R320 000 to R384 000.

Mr Taunyane stated that they were looking at adding more organizations to receive donations from the proceeds and to increase the money from R26 000 to about R30 000 per organisation. According to him 35 charitable organizations benefited from the event, a number which he said may be doubled this year.

During the ceremony the marketing executive, Mr Philip Zondo, stated that they have put the necessary safeguards in place to preserve the integrity of the voting system. According to him the safeguards will eliminate the risk of multiple entries being generated via computer, fax modem and cellular phones.

Not only will charitable organisations benefit from the event this year, but special awards have also been introduced to honour the media's role in building soccer heroes and making the competition a success. The awards will be decided by the Cup Committee, sponsors and the PSL members.

The teams' vote lines are Ajax Cape Town 086 2233 800, Amazulu 086 223 3801, Bush Bucks 086 2233 802; Thembisa Classic 086 2233 803, Free State Stars 086 2233 804, Hellenic 086 2233 805, Jomo Cosmos 086 223 3806, Kaizer Chiefs 086 2233 807, Golden Arrows 086 2233 808, Black Leopards 086 2233 809, Manning Rangers 086 2233 810, Moroka Swallows 086 2233 811, Ria Stars 086 2233 812, Orlando Pirates 086 2233 813, Ria Stars 086 2233 814, Santos 086 2233 815, Sundowns 086 2233 816, Super Sport United 086 2233 817 and Wits University 086 2233 818.