The Durban University of Technology (DUT), Sports Officer, Michael Mbatha who is also a National Executive Committee member for University Sports South Africa (USSA), has been selected as one of four delegates to represent South Africa in the upcoming International University Sports Federation (FISU) Forum, which will be held from 06 to 10 August 2018 in Russia.

The main theme of the FISU Forum is, “Student sport – springboard for innovative leadership”.

This Forum brings together students, officials and other key stakeholders involved in the university sports movement. The forum combines academic sessions with cultural, educational and sporting activities, it is a pivotal engagement platform for various university sports communities across the world. The forum is a platform that allows universities to exchange ideas.

Mbatha said he is thrilled by the opportunity to engage with international university sports officials and students during this Forum. “I’m looking forward to representing my country as well as the DUT sports community. But most importantly, I want to learn from the best international university sports administrators, and benchmark against their best practices when it comes to university sports administration,” said Mbatha.

Mbatha added that the discussions at the Forum will include planning of international sporting events hosted by FISU, such as the World Student Games, and also engage on how university sports can be improved and professionalized.

“USSA is part of international bodies such as FISU, so we need to share ideas and experiences with all our counterparts around the world so that the South African university sports can be of high standard, and internationally recognised,” added Mbatha.

Other South African universities that will be represented in this Forum include University of Western Cape, University of Limpopo and University of Pretoria.

Pictured: Michael Mbatha will jet off to Russia for FISU Forum next month.

Nduduzo Ndlovu