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. Mnqobi Ngobese, DUT Communication’s editorial team member, recently engaged with the DUT Netball star Sandiseni Madela, to share his student experience through sports and academics and how he lives the DUT Living Values.

Name: Sandiseni “Sandy” Madela

Place of birth: Pongola

Sport code: Netball

Position: Goal Keeper (GK)

Qualification: Emergency Medical Care and Rescue

Q:  When did you join the DUT Sport Team?

A: “I joined this year around May.”

Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?

A: “I like challenging myself and I had a particular interest in the sport that I couldn’t describe. The sport is severely lacking  male recognition and the passion to actually play netball became definitive.”

Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?

A: “I play goal keeper and goal defence. It’s part of the back line and helps defend the opposing team from scoring against us.”

Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?

A: “Swimming, I have a strong passion for swimming as well. I usually swim for leisure or for just completing a requirement for my qualification.”

Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?

A: “I have participated in the Netball Super League.”

Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sports?

A: “It’s vital that DUT not only recognise the importance of sports development in student which develop them holistically and promotes healthy exercise and provides an escape from academic pressure and other external stressors in life. DUT should recognise that the talent and passion students have for sports is an opportunity for them to reach new heights and should properly invest their resources to enrich their students. We could be harbouring the next athlete or sportsman/sportswoman that can take not only the DUT community but South Africa to new heights.”

Q: Who is your sport role model and why?

A: “It is our very own Caster Semenya, a member of our LGBTQIA+ community who has accomplished and achieved many feats and milestones. She has continuously made herself fearless in her field and also in her identity, which is a good representation for my community. Tom Delay also has a profound influence on me. His passion for his craft and his influence in the LGBTQIA+ community has inspired me that I can also do it.”

Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles do you associate with and why?

A: “Fairness, the equal chance to compete and the opportunity for all of us to be given the same chance to compete in a sport of our choice. I’m a strong believer of change and this sport definitely has changed from being particularly endorsed by females to everyone regardless of sex or gender.”

Q: Do you see a future in this particular sport?

A: “I definitely can see a future where I can take this sport from being more than just a hobby or recreational.”

Q: As a DUT sport star, how does your role benefit your community?

A: “⁠I’m seen and that on its own plays a pivotal role where people in my LGBTQIA+ community can take these positions and enter these sports codes which no fear of being discriminated or excluded. This is the time where people can showcase themselves authentically, proudly, unapologetically and shamelessly.”

Q: What impact has sport made on your life?

A: “⁠It has provided me a chance to enjoy my DUT journey and enjoy my experiences with being a student. I get to refocus my life when I get to use sport as a way to enrich myself. I get to challenge myself every day and the possibilities I can attain are endless. Sport is the building block where we get to discover and grow as individuals.”

Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?

A: “Introduce more inclusive sports codes that support my LGBTQIA+ people in sports, recognise my people with disabiities in sports codes and give equal opportunities to all sports codes that exist in DUT. Invest in the students who commit themselves to their various sports activities. Res League has the potential to introduce students to sports such initiatives that makes students and non-professional players to feel part of something, it helps students to want to participate and support each other. Advertising these various sports codes on various DUT outlets and using social media is a very influential way of getting supporters.”

Pictured: DUT Netball goal keeper, Sandiseni Madela.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese