Walter Sisulu University Senior Sports officer at WSU’s Butterworth Campus, Yonela Ntongana, will be jetting off to the International University Sports Federation’s (FISU) annual University Combat Sports Games to be held in Turkey from 24 September to 1 October 2022.

Ntongana was selected by University Sports South Africa (USSA) to form part of the team that would ensure smooth logistical operations for USSA’s team travels to the FISU Combat Sports Games.

Years of involvement and dedication to the USSA Karate division, in which she has held championships, have culminated in Ntongana being recognized as a key individual to the body’s objectives.

“This means a lot to me, as a woman living in South Africa. Talent is not enough for us as proof that we are capable. We must not only take our light out from under the table, but also hold it high for everyone to see it. This will expose me to the higher level of administration and new ways of doing things in sport; I will use the experience in developing WSU Karate Team,” said Ntongana.

This is not the first time the sports enthusiast has served USSA within and outside the borders of South Africa.

“In my time a secretary of USSA Karate I was dealing with both full and Semi Contact Karate. I Managed USSA Full Contact Karate Team to Zimbabwe in 2016 and also managed I.K.O Nakamura National Team to an International Friendship Tournament in Japan 2017,” she said.

Ntongana hails from Ngqamakhwe, in the Eastern Cape. She holds a National Higher Certificate in Accountancy, a Bachelor of Technology in Internal Auditing, and has also completed an Executive Programme in Sports Management.

Her passions lie in sports, as well the development of young African minds, through sports and education.

“I feel honored and very excited to be part of this team, I am looking forward to add value in the development of Karate in WSU,” concluded Ntongana.

By Yanga Ziwele