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13 August 2018
Proteas next goal for Khanyisa
Khanyisa Chawane is going places with her netball career. She finds inspiration from God and the people she surrounds herself with.
Netballer Khanyisa Chawane singles out friends, teammates and her Kovsie coach as the ones who have had the biggest hand in promoting her career.

“Coach Burta de Kock has had an impact on me as a player and person. She took me in, groomed me and taught me the ins and outs of becoming the player I am today,” Chawane says.

They picked me up when I was down

“Maryka Holtzhausen (Free State teammate) has played quite a role in my career as a teammate and mentor. Tiisetso Mashele is a very good friend who has always been there to lend a helping hand during the tough times and remind me where my strength comes from. Then there’s Khomotso Mamburu and Sikholiwe Mdletshe who’ve become more than teammates. They understand me and always manage to pick me up when I’m down and there’s never a dull moment when they are around.”

At the age of 22 Chawane is making huge strides on the netball court.

Crowned player of the tournament

Hardly a month after she was named Player of the Tournament of the Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League, her performances at the National Championship mid-July earned her the Player of the Tournament once more. She is the first player to receive these accolades at both these tournaments in the same year. 

“The people I surround myself with keep me motivated in every aspect of my life. The grace of God upon my life is what inspires me to keep going. 

“I would love to represent the Proteas at the Quad Series and Diamond Challenge later this year and also to win the Varsity Netball Series,” Chawane says about future goals.  

 

Video production: Barend Nagel

News Archive

Student gives hope to childhood cancer patients
2015-10-16


Siphokuhle Jama believes that the underprivileged are also destined to reign.

The inaugural ‘Dance and Musical Childhood Cancer Fundraising Day’, held on Saturday 26 September 2015 at the Free State Childhood Cancer (CHOC) Foundation, was “a huge success,” according to Siphokuhle Jama, the organiser.

Siphokuhle is a second-year BSc Agricultural Economics student at the University of the Free State (UFS), who has devoted his life to bettering the lives of the less fortunate. The 21-year-old self-proclaimed motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and budding author was inspired by his humble beginnings to found the Destined to Reign Foundation, which champions various community initiatives in both his home town of Mtata and Bloemfontein.

To support the fight against childhood cancer, the young philanthropist took it upon himself to invite music and dance fanatics either to perform or to enjoy spectatorship for a good cause. The impressive support received from the UFS, Universitas Academic Hospital, and Central University of Technology (CUT), various artists, and the community has contributed towards ensuring that the inaugural fundraiser was a prelude to annual events to come.

Singers, dancers, and poets entertained the audience with vigour, making the day one of the most special for the young children, who spend their days and nights at the CHOC House, with little to do but undergo radiation and chemotherapy and await a discharge date. .

All proceeds went towards basic needs, such as food, toiletries, and clothing for the children residing at the House, which is located in the same suburb as our university. In addition to accommodating dozens of cancer patients and their mothers, the House also assists with the treatment and rehabilitation of children suffering from life-threatening blood disorders. Thus, the fundraiser served to promote awareness of these health conditions.

Siphokuhle’s passion for giving hope to the underprivileged was unveiled by a school community engagement project 14 years ago. He has never looked back.“It has always been in my heart to serve my community,” he said.

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