There are no shortcuts to success in the sporting world.

“For those females who would like to make sport their career, know that talent alone is not enough, you have to put in the extra work (training) to get even better,” says Shela Lekalakala, a Sports Development Officer in the Department of Student Affairs.

Lekalakala’s words of advice stem from her own experience in the sports world, having been an active member of the national netball community since her university days when she first started playing at provincial level for the under 19 team.

Her natural talent on the court saw her being awarded coveted sports opportunities, from representing South African at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland to participating at the World Student Games in Russia and South Korea.

After enjoying a successful career as a netball player, Lekalakala is now using her experience to drive the development of netball at CPUT as well as in the rest of the country.

“I love using sports to contribute positively to the lives of young people,” says Lekalakala.

In the past few years she has managed to grow the CPUT netball team, and under her leadership they have experienced a winning streak, having clinched the top title in the premier section three times in a row.

Several of the netball players coached by her have also been selected in provincial teams, while another has secured a coveted spot in the under 21 team that will compete at the national netball championships.

Apart from coaching the CPUT team, Lekalakala has coached Team SA as well as the Spar Netball team. She has also held post in various sports structures, such as the Vice President of Western Cape Provincial Sports Confederation, Vice President Western Province Netball and Treasurer University Sports South Africa Football.

Lekalakala has no regrets when it comes to her career choice.

“My main reason for choosing sport as a career was because it is a dynamic area. Your day is never the same. Things evolve all the time and as a sport administrator, you must always keep up with the changes.”

Lekalakala says females who would like to become involved in the management side of sport, must get involved with the sport they have an interest in as well as volunteer their services.

Written by Candes Keating
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news

Do you want to surf the waves, save the environment or summit a mountain, then CPUT’s Department of Student Affairs can help you. The department offers a wide range of sporting and cultural activities.

Sports

From athletics to judo and chess, students have access to more than 20 competitive sporting codes, with each boasting an excellent performance record. CPUT students annually participate in national and international events, with some having competed against the world’s top sports people at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. This February CPUT’s rugby team will make their debut in the Varsity Shield.

• To view the list of sporting codes see: http://www.cput.ac.za/student/sport/
• For those who just want to have fun, there are various recreational sport codes offered at CPUT.

For more information contact:

Cape Town Campus
Railien Neilson
Tel: +27 21 460 3844 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wellington Campus
Bulelani Mlakalaka
Tel: +27 21 864 5247/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bellville Campus
Shela Lekalakala
Tel: +27 21 959 6377/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Student Development

In addition to academic skills, CPUT is focused on developing well-rounded graduates. To reach this goal, the university offers a range of programmes, events, activities and clubs that are aimed a developing responsible and compassionate citizens who are equipped with important skills such as leadership and teamwork. Some of the activities include:

• Environmental awareness activities
• Community outreach programmes
• Adventure-related experiential learning, e.g. hikes

For more information contact:

Anette Grobler
Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Melani-Ann Hara
Tel: +27 21 959 6010 /This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

For an overview of the various activities, see: http://www.cput.ac.za/students/life/development

Written by Candes Keating
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.