The Head of Sports Administration at DUT, Nomsa Mahlangu, received the Shotokan Karate-do International South Africa (SKISA) Commendation Award which was handed over to her by the First Lady of South Africa, Dr Bongi Ngema-Zuma, during a recent Women’s Day gala dinner.

Mahlangu is no stranger to accolades. She has been an inspiration to young women in sports throughout her career and has been on the frontlines of promoting sports among previously disadvantaged communities.

“It’s not about me, but about the people who enjoy the benefits of what I do. I’m humbled and encouraged to realise that what I do does not go unnoticed and it challenges me to try and do more because I know I can,” she said. Mahlangu is inspired by her belief in making a difference. One of her pillars of motivation is that ‘one life changed is reward enough’.

Kyoshi Pillay; SKISA President, paid tribute to Mahlangu for the significant role she has played at DUT in encouraging students to participate in sports. He said the organization is proud to be associated with DUT, hence their recognition of Mahlangu.

Mahlangu has previously held positions including 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee Director (2009-2011), South African Students’ Sports Union (SASSU) Free State Chairman (2001-2004) as well as SASSU Football National Men’s Team (CUCSA) Zambia Manager (1999-1999). In 2011, she was nominated for the 2011 SA Sports Awards Sports Administrator of the Year Award. During the same year, she scooped CEO Magazine’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government Award.

Reflecting on gender parity in South African sports which remains male dominated, Mahlangu said there was a lot of room for women to grow, encouraging them to work hard and change the course of the country’s destiny. “As women, we need to do more and we need to push the boundaries because we tend to place limitations on ourselves especially in sports. It is about time that more women become leaders of sports federations and I would really like to see the day when rugby in South Africa is chaired by a woman,” she said.

-Gift Nyamapfene

Pictured: DUT Sports Administration Head, Nomsa Mahlangu, shows off her SKISA Commendation Award which was recently handed to her by the First Lady of South Africa, Dr Bongi Ngema-Zuma.