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By Ilhaam Groenewald, Chief Director Maties Sport
Through a comprehensive approach, sustainable development and sustainability have become concepts that can assist in solving the detrimental economic, environmental, and social repercussions in this generation and future ones. Sustainability has been promoted by organisations (civil society, businesses, public sector organisations, such as universities. The sports environment has made strides, too. However, we must do more within our South African context, and Maties Sport is committed to the cause.
Our five strategic objectives remain our guide to fulfilling our vision: 'To be the leading university, contributing to a holistic and diverse experience through sport'. Our commitment for 2025 is to drive participation, performance, education, and research through leadership that will advance performance at all levels as follows:
To advance participation and performance through our various units responsible for high performance, competitive sport, recreation, and active lifestyle;
Creating a healthy organisation focused on succession planning, supported by training, development, and staff wellbeing;
Aligning to a sustainable business model, realised through (i) fundraising initiatives with purposeful partnerships, (ii) a destination of choice supported by our world-class physical resources, and (iii) operational excellence supported by technology and innovation; and
Focusing on research for impact and innovation: our two uniquely positioned Centre for Sport Leadership and the South African Centre for Olympic Studies and Social Impact (SACOSSI) will drive initiatives to advance research for impact, training and development, and social impact.
The new five-year vision that led to my re-appointment as the Maties Sport Chief Director aims to continue navigating the ever-evolving landscape of higher education and the essential to reimagining university sport as a catalyst for positive change. To achieve this, we must consider including sustainable practices to shape future generations of leaders, athletes, and engaged citizens.
The #MaroonMachine remains committed to unlocking Maties Sport's full potential to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.
I remain grateful for the privilege of serving sport at Stellenbosch 中国体彩网 and our beautiful country. I appreciate the leadership of Professor Stan du Plessis, Chief Operating Officer, our line manager, the Operations and Finance team, the #MaroonMachine family, and the broader sport fraternity of South Africa.
2025 will be another fantastic year, and may we collectively, through meaningful collaboration, continue to make a difference.
