Lemogang Moote, secretary general of the South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABO) in the North West, has added another accomplishment to her growing list of achievements by graduating with an MSc degree in agricultural economics from the North-West University (NWU).

Lemogang, who is also a lecturer at Taung Agricultural College, joined the boxing fraternity at the NWU in 2016 after being recruited by the late Onalenna Tsae, renowned boxing coach and administrator. Since then, she has grown into one of the most recognised leaders in the sporting circles in the province.

“The sport has played a significant role in shaping my leadership abilities and teaching me discipline,” says Lemogang.

Her other academic qualifications are a BSc in agricultural economics (with distinction) and a postgraduate certificate in education in the further education and training and senior phase.

Lemogang has also held several leadership positions within the NWU and the boxing fraternity. She served as NWU Boxing Club chairperson in 2019 and NWU All Sports Council public relations officer from 2019 to 2020, and currently serves as SANABO North West secretary general. She has also been the secretary of the SANABO Athletes Commission since 2021.

“Balancing academics, sport and leadership was not easy, but I have always been passionate about both agriculture and boxing. Education gave me structure, and boxing gave me the strength to stay the course.”

Her accolades include being named the NWU Mahikeng Campus Best Performing First-Year Student in 2016, NWU Sportswoman of the Year in 2017, North West Provincial Sports Newcomer of the Year in 2017, and Sportswoman of the Year in 2019.

“I believe in using every platform I have to grow, and I hope my story shows that with commitment, it is possible to pursue excellence in more than one field,” she says.

 Lemogang Moote (in red) during her boxing days.