As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aspires to produce adaptive graduates that will participate productively in the development of our region, country and the world. S’bonelo Dlamini, DUT Communication’s team member, recently engaged with the DUT athletics star, Ayesha Goge to share her student experience through sports and academics and how he lives the DUT Living Values.
Name: Ayesha Goge
Place of birth: Durban, Umlazi
Sport code: Athletics
Qualification: Diploma in Management Science (Marketing)
Q: When did you join the DUT sport team?
A: “I joined the team in April 2024.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “I can’t pinpoint what exactly sparked my interest in the sport as I have been involved in various sports codes. However, I do recall when I was first introduced to athletics in Primary School when I participated in the inter-schools cross country races and sports day field events; from those moments I just loved the sport.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what is entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “Within the team, I am a racewalker. This event is not really recognised by many but it is definitely a growing sport. As the first female racewalker within DUT Athletics I believe it is a huge leap into the right direction. Not only for the club but for myself as well as it will showcase to the next line of female athletes that racewalking is a doable sport and you can learn and grow in it whilst having fun.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “I have a keen interest in rugby and soccer. With rugby, I used to be part of the DUT females rugby club, Warriors, and was at training level before joining athletics. I was exposed to the sport during lockdown with my cousins . My interest in soccer developed because of how much I am exposed to it in my community, also the passion and enthusiasm that soccer players have just really intrigues me. I really enjoy watching and following both sports.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “I have not participated in any big tournaments as yet, mainly because I’m still an athlete under development of which I have only competed at the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) league level.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sport?
A: “It is very vital for DUT to develop students in sports as it promotes development that fosters physical and mental well-being as well as essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline and leadership that one can use outside of the sports field. Sports initiatives also contribute to community engagement and social responsibility enhancing, DUT’s student impact.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “My role model is my training partner, her name is Amahle Cebekhulu. She is also a racewalker who is a multi-Gold medallist within KZN and a two times Bronze medallist nationally. Her ethics as an athlete is out of this world, her love and dedication within training and during competitions is inspiring and her willingness to share her knowledge with me shows her commitment to the growth of the sport as a whole.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with and why?
A: “Honesty and respect are the two main living values that I associate myself with. I believe as a young woman, student, athlete and a member of society; respect provides room for open-mindedness and appreciation for diverse perspectives and creates a foundation for strong relationships alongside with honesty where it prompts credibility, reliability and accountability not only towards others but to myself as well.”
Q: Do you see a future in Athletics?
A: “Yes, I do see a future in athletics but perhaps on a social level, not a competitive one. I would like to venture into the marketing and media side of this sport by incorporating the knowledge I have gained from the course as I am studying and I want to see how far I can possibly go”.
Q: As a DUT star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “My progression as a student-athlete has shown those in my community that there is more to life than the location and circumstances we are born under; that you can still look ‘cool’ while living a disciplined lifestyle and trying out new things not limited by age, gender and ethnicity.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “Sports as a whole has opened me up to a lot of opportunities, I get to travel and meet new people and it has made me someone who is open to change. I believe that sports has taught me discipline, respect, trust, patience and love respectively in different aspects of my life. It has also been a good way to balance my mental health with my fluctuating student life and daily obligations.
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sports?
A: “Collaborating with different organisations, sports codes and community groups would create a relationship with the public which will push them to come and support. Also, hosting a lot of home tournaments or workshops that keep the public connected and engaged. The use of social media to directly engage and to inform the public about varsity sports timely and to gain relevant feedback to improve from.”
