University of Johannesburg: Mpumalanga honours UJ Sport Senior Director, Nomsa Mahlangu
Ms Nomsa Mahlangu, Senior Director of Sport at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), has been honoured for her outstanding contributions to sports. On Saturday, 26 September 2021, the Mpumalanga Provincial Government honoured Ms Mahlangu with a Legendary Sport Administrator award during the Mpumalanga Province Sports Awards (MPSA). She was recognised for her many years of professional contribution to sports on national, continental and international levels.
The MPSA, in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, honoured several sporting legends who put Mpumalanga at the forefront of sports development through their selfless work. Among the honoured legends were coaches, administrators and promoters.
“The recognition award comes at a time when sport has been challenged to reinvent and innovate. Time has forced us as sport practitioners at the different levels to embrace technology a bit more. I am grateful to the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation for the recognition,” says Ms Mahlangu.
“Indeed, this award will propel me to do more. Congratulations once again to all other fellow colleagues who were honoured. Let us continue using sport to change lives. It is our responsibility to ensure that our province continues to contribute to the national agenda.”
Ms Mahlangu is a passionate and goal-driven leader who occupies various professional sport roles in South Africa, Africa and the world. Currently, she serves as the president of University Sport South Africa (USSA), the Federation of Africa University Sport (FASU), and a Continental representative at the Federation of International University Sport (FISU). She became the first female elected FASU president in March of 2019. At FASU, Ms Mahlangu has pivoted her vision on inclusion, innovation and providing opportunities to students in sports.
With experience spanning almost three decades in sport, Ms Mahlangu was involved in various national and continental sport structures. Some of the organisations she has served in include the South African Football Association (SAFA), Confederation of African Football (CAF) as Match Commissioner and General Coordinator, respectively, as well as FASU.
Under her stewardship, the UJ Sport division has grown in many ways. Her vision on sports development has transcended to the growth of various sporting codes on the African continent. Through her presidency at FASU, student-athletes have benefited greatly by participating in competitions such as FISU Volunteer Academy, African Championships, and other accredited world competitions which enable sports athletes to qualify for international participation.
Among other sport legends who hail from Mpumalanga honoured at the Awards were former footballer, David Nyathi, and legendary boxing promoter Thinus Strydom.