CHAMPIONING SPORT

BY JOSHUA HENDRICKS

TOGETHER, WE STRIVE TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERY ATHLETE’S POTENTIAL IS NURTURED AND COLLECTIVE ASPIRATIONS ARE ACHIEVED.

IN THE VIBRANT LANDSCAPE of the 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.

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.

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: SOBAHLE MABUZA

EMPOWERING WOMEN IN SPORT

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

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

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

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.”

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.