UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL with Luke Smith

WHICH PLACE DO YOU CALL HOME?

I reside in the western tip of Johannesburg in an area called Florida Lake. Although not “too long ago” I was born in Central Johannesburg. Florida/Roodepoort is where I spent my childhood, schooled and where I hope to remain for a couple more years. I have considered relocating locally but I’m a Jozi boy at heart and Joburg is my home.

WHEN DID YOU JOIN THE DEPARTMENT? TAKE US THROUGH YOUR JOURNEY.

In 2013 I joined the department as an in tern in the Sport Development & Co-ordination unit headed by Ms. Marissa Rose. Placed under the care and guidance of Mr Hugh Draai, I gained work exposure within the Academy unit. Towards the end of my internship, I applied for a post within the sub-directorate Club development.

Through the experience gained in my internship coupled with my qualifications I was appointed as a Sport Promotion Officer within the Ekurhuleni region, managed by Ms Boikanyo Tlhaole and Mr Riedwaan Mangera I received great support to excel in my role where I spent a few years until the Department’s restructuring gave me an opportunity to run back to Jozi where I’m currently 1 of 5 Club Development S.P.Os in the Central Corridor.

HOW HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED YOUR WORK AND HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO DEAL WITH THAT?

Sport as we know took a major knock during the pandemic and as difficult as it was, we had to encourage our development athletes to stay at home, noting that the sad reality is that some of our athletes use sport as an escape from the social ills they are faced with at home.

We had to reduce the risk of transmission by cancelling all activities. We implemented virtual programmes such as online trainings and once regulations allowed, we slowly returned to our outdoor activities.

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ABOUT OUR “NEW NORMAL”?

I have embraced the “new normal”, as my job demands that I am available and flexible, and this has in turn helped me to build resilience to rapid change. Working from home expects a level of innovation which I have seen as a positive challenge.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHANGE OR IMPROVE IN YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT?

I would like to see more recognition given to our elders in the sport industry that have not necessarily made it to a National or Provincial platform but have contributed greatly to the development of sport clubs/leagues/ athletes at a local level.

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU CAN’T GO A DAY WITHOUT?

I can’t go a day without interacting with my pets, they’re a part of my family and spending time around them helps me to de-stress.

WHAT IS THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE?

I’m not someone who really puts myself in crazy situations but one moment that comes to mind was last year December I took a canoe out on the Langebaan lagoon during a windstorm and found myself battling to return for over 2 hours.

WHAT WOULD YOU DESCRIBE AS YOUR LAIDBACK MOMENT?

I enjoy the outdoors as well as nature so a laidback moment for me would definitely be a weekend at the Dam, catching fish with no cellular signal.

DO YOU THINK YOU’D STILL BE THE SAME PERSON IF YOU HAD A DIFFERENT NAME?

Not at all, because in the department the name Luke Smith has been converted to so many different nicknames such as Lucas, Look Around, Locksmith and the last but not least “Malume Umlungu.”

SHARE FIVE FACTS ABOUT YOU THAT YOU BELIEVE YOUR COLLEAGUES DON’T KNOW.

• I am terrible at speaking Afrikaans though I act like I can. • I own a vehicle that’s older than I am. • I have a wide range of exotic tropical fish. • I am an avid lover of golf. • I have a great interest in car spinning and drag racing.