Durban University of Technology (DUT) is proud to celebrate the remarkable rise of third-year student and rugby player Elami Zonele, whose journey from picking up a rugby ball for the first time in 2025 to being called up to the Springboks A camp is one of rapid growth, determination and opportunity.
Zonele, who is studying towards a Diploma in Business and Information Management at DUT, caught the attention of Springboks coaches during the Betway Women’s Club Championship, where DUT represented KwaZulu-Natal. The championship was held at Alberton Rugby Club in Gauteng, south of Johannesburg, in September 2026.
Her performances, enthusiasm and determination earned her a place in the Springboks A camp in Stellenbosch, where she is currently undergoing skills and position-specific training.
For Zonele, the opportunity is another significant milestone in a rugby journey that began just over a year ago.
On 5 April 2025, Zonele picked up a rugby ball for the first time. Growing up in the small village of Gxididi in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, she had never played rugby before.
What started as curiosity quickly developed into a passion after her coach recognised something special in her natural ability. Within weeks of taking up the sport, Zonele had already made an impression, earning Player of the Match recognition.
She soon became fascinated by the physicality of rugby and the courage and resilience required to play the sport. She also had to confront some of the perceptions surrounding women who play rugby, particularly those who play in positions traditionally associated with physical strength.
Zonele embraced the challenge.
Playing as a tighthead prop, one of the toughest positions on the field, she quickly began to make progress.
In July 2025, only a few months after beginning her rugby journey, she was selected for the University Sports South Africa (USSA) squad and travelled to Pretoria.
By October, she had earned selection to the KwaZulu-Natal Under-20 team, representing The Sharks. Just weeks later, she received a call-up to a test block for The Sharks Senior Women’s team, marking another major step in her development.
She has since gone on to become part of the WXV Sharks team, while representing the DUT Warriors at club level and The Sharks at provincial level.
Her latest achievement has taken her into the Springboks A environment.
The Betway Women’s Club Championship provided another opportunity for Zonele to showcase her ability. Playing for DUT, she came under the watch of Springboks coaches who recognised her potential.
Zonele was not the only DUT student selected for the Springboks A camp. Fellow DUT student and rugby player Sinoyolo Best was also selected, although an injury unfortunately sidelined her from continuing with the camp.
Commenting on the achievement, DUT Communications Manager Tiyani Mboweni said the university was proud to see its students making their mark at this level of the game.
“We are very proud of Elami and Sinoyolo. Being selected for the Springboks A camp is a big achievement, especially considering how quickly Elami has progressed in rugby. We must also recognise Sinoyolo, who was selected alongside Elami but was unfortunately sidelined by injury. We wish Sinoyolo a good recovery. For us, it is about celebrating our students and supporting them as they balance their studies with opportunities to grow and compete at the highest level.”
For Zonele, however, rugby is only one part of her journey.
She continues to balance her sporting commitments with her academic responsibilities at DUT. While attending the Springboks A camp, arrangements are being made to give her time to study and complete tests or examinations when required before returning to camp.
Her journey has also been shaped by the players who inspire her. Among those she looks up to is Babalwa Latsha, whom Zonele admires not only for her achievements as a rugby player but also for the person she is beyond the sport.
Zonele is also conscious of the challenges faced by fellow students and has a message for those working through a demanding academic year.
“I know this is a tough season. The pressure is high, the syllabus feels long, and you are tired. But you have already done the hardest part, you showed up, you stayed consistent, and you are still fighting. That alone makes you a winner. You’ve got this. Good luck everyone!”
Her journey from Gxididi to DUT, and from her first rugby ball to the Springboks A camp, has happened in a remarkably short period.
For DUT, Zonele’s story is a reflection of the talent, determination and opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. She continues to pursue her studies while building a promising rugby career, taking each opportunity as another step in her development.
For Zonele, the Springboks A camp is another milestone, but not the end of the journey.
Her ambition is to continue growing as a player, compete at the highest level and inspire other young women to believe that they too can find their place in sport.
From a young woman who had never played rugby to a DUT student training in the Springboks A environment, Elami Zonele has already come a long way. And she is only getting started.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Tiyani Mboweni/Waheeda Peters
