UWC
STUDENT SPORTS COUNCIL
social media presence and content creation. Mthethwa aims to build her public-speaking skills and instil selfconfidence while shaping the narrative around UWC sports. TRANSFORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER: KHAZIMLA NKOMANA MAKING SPORTS ACCESSIBLE
CHAMPIONING SPORT BY JOSHUA HENDRICKS
I
N THE VIBRANT
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: SOBAHLE MABUZA
LANDSCAPE of the
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN SPORT
University of the Western Cape (UWC), a group of dedicated individuals forms the backbone of athletic excellence and positive societal change. The UWC Student Sports Council is a dynamic group of students committed to enhancing the university’s sporting culture. Let’s meet the faces behind the council.
Sobahle Mabuza, from Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, is a BSc Sports and Exercise Science student and passionate about empowering women in sport. Her goal is to create a more inclusive environment for women in sports leadership roles and elevate their recognition in the sporting world. SECRETARY-GENERAL: AKHONA TOMOSE BRIDGING THE GAP
CHAIRPERSON: SIHLE MAPHUKATHA PIONEERING LEADERSHIP
Sihle Maphukatha, from the Eastern Cape, is a final-year master’s student in the Institute for Social Development. He has an impressive academic background, including a BSc in Environmental and Water Science and postgraduate diplomas in Integrated Water Resource Management and Software Development. He is now studying for an MSc in Integrated Sustainable Design. Maphukatha, who’s been a part of UWC Sport since 2013, now leads as the chairperson. His role involves advocacy for student athletes, ensuring support from the university and fostering a vibrant sporting environment. Maphukatha’s vision transcends the playing field; he aims to apply sport’s unifying principles to address societal concerns such as mental health and gender-based violence.
Akhona Tomose, with roots in the Eastern Cape, is pursuing a BSc in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. As the secretary-general, Tomose is the bridge between the sports council and university departments, clubs and organisations. Her role focuses on effective communication and administration, aiming to align objectives for the betterment of the sporting community. Tomose’s aspiration is to foster a culture of inclusivity, excellence and sportsmanship, leaving a lasting legacy of achievement. MEDIA OFFICER: ZIYANDA MTHETHWA SHAPING THE NARRATIVE
Ziyanda Mthethwa, from Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal, is pursuing a degree in Sports, Recreation and Exercise Science. As media officer, she is responsible for the council’s
Khazimla Nkomana, from Alice in the Eastern Cape, is in her third year of LLB studies. As the transformation and development officer, her mission is to make sports at UWC accessible to all. She aims to develop each sporting code, including initiatives for people with disabilities, and establish regular fundraising programmes to support code development. AS CHAIRPERSON Maphukatha aptly puts it: “Our team embodies the epitome of dedication and passion. Together, we strive to create an environment where every athlete’s potential is nurtured and collective aspirations are achieved.”
TOGETHER, WE STRIVE TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERY ATHLETE’S POTENTIAL IS NURTURED AND COLLECTIVE ASPIRATIONS ARE ACHIEVED. THE UWC STUDENT SPORTS COUNCIL is more than a group; they’re a family working towards a future where sports transcend boundaries, uniting the UWC community and instilling values of discipline, teamwork and resilience. THEY ENVISION A VIBRANT CAMPUS, bound by the spirit of sports, and their dedication seeks to make that vision a reality. Through their efforts, they are quietly producing extraordinary results, shaping not just athletes but leaders and changemakers. B+G
THE OFFICIAL UWC SPORTS MAGAZINE
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