The vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Prof Bismark Tyobeka, extended a warm welcome to participants in the 22nd Southern African Universities Staff Sports Association (SAUSSA) Games at the NWU during the official opening that took place at the Great Hall on the Mahikeng Campus on 11 December 2023. The event, promoting sportsmanship and camaraderie, is set to take place from 11 to 15 December 2023, showcasing athletic prowess and fostering a sense of community among universities in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Eight countries are taking part.
NWU vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka said that the SAUSSA event is promoting exercise and a healthy work-life balance. He highlighted the broader impact of sports in uniting people, driving positive social transformation and empowering individuals within the higher-education space.
The holistic nature of education extends beyond textbooks and lectures.
“As I stand before you, I am mindful of the objectives outlined by the SAUSSA, encapsulating a shared vision of a comprehensive educational experience. Although our participants predominantly function within the education space, it is crucial to recognise that education goes beyond textbooks and lectures. It should create dynamic spaces where physical well-being, cultural enrichment and the spirit of sport converge to shape cohesion within universities on the African continent,” said Prof Tyobeka.
Addressing the bonds formed on the field and the shared experiences of triumphs and challenges, Prof Tyobeka underlined their significant contribution to the sense of community, particularly within the SADC region. He resonated with the emphasis that the SAUSSA places on promoting mutual friendship and professional relationships, aligning with the inclusive ethos ingrained in the culture of the NWU.
Prof Tyobeka connected the event to global imperatives, citing the UN International Platform on Sport and Development report from the early 2000s. He highlighted the alignment of the mega project with local and global goals for education, health, development and peace, emphasising its positive contribution to the UN's overarching objectives.
Traditionally convened in December, the SAUSSA games follow a rotational hosting pattern, offering participants a platform for engaging in recreational sports, arts and cultural activities. The diverse array of activities includes soccer, netball, volleyball, basketball, tennis, athletics, tug-of-war, aerobics, table tennis, darts, chess and pool/snooker, providing an exhilarating competition for showcasing athletic prowess.
