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19 August 2021 | Story André Damons | Photo Charl Devenish
Ebeth Grobbelaar is a Scientific Manager in the South African Doping Control Laboratory (SADoCoL) who is responsible for the review and approval of results at SADoCoL, to ensure compliance with the technical requirements of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

For Ebeth Grobbelaar, Scientific Manager in the South African Doping Control Laboratory (SADoCoL) – which is housed by the University of the Free State (UFS) – her work at the laboratory is profound, as fairness on and off the playing field is vital to her.

“Creating a fair playing field for athletes to compete carries a heavy responsibility, as an anti-doping violation impacts the athlete’s career,” says Grobbelaar, who is responsible for the review and approval of results at SADoCoL to ensure compliance with the technical requirements of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Women are the cogs in the wheel

According to her, anabolic steroids, the multiple analytical disciplines, and rapidly changing technical requirements from WADA have attracted her to the sciences of anti-doping. Sixty percent of her colleagues at SADoCoL are women.  “They are the cogs in the wheel, ensuring the laboratory's smooth operation, taking daily challenges in their stride, and excelling in what they do as analysts and administrative staff,” says Grobbelaar.

Grobbelaar says there are many options in the anti-doping field for women inside and outside of the laboratory. Some of the most influential people in the anti-doping community are women – in their roles as laboratory directors, leading researchers, directors of athlete passport management units for international sports federations, or national anti-doping agencies in various capacities.

With all the responsibilities, come challenges and pressure – especially in a year when the Olympic Games take place. 

Women should learn how to say ‘no’ 

“An Olympic year always has additional stress due to the large number of samples before the games. This year, the pressure is more, with not all accredited laboratories operational, as well as disrupted testing schedules due to COVID-19.  Enabling athletes to compete in fairness on the world stage is a responsibility and a privilege.”

“My faith is my anchor.  As far as possible, I try to leave my work behind when I leave the laboratory, and concentrate on enjoyable things such as gardening, my dog, reading, and walking with my dog. On challenging days, something sweet also helps,” explains Grobbelaar the pressure and how she copes with it. 

This Women’s Month, Grobbelaar says, women should learn how to say ‘no’ to create time for rest and play. Says Grobbelaar: “For many women, ‘doing your best’ or saying yes means working yourself to the point of a mental and physical breakdown. Having the courage to say no, loving oneself through rest and play, replenishing our spirits, and realising that we are unique and precious in God’s eyes, is a challenge that many women face.” 

“Rest and play can take different forms, such as having coffee with a friend or being creative.  The important thing is that your rest or play activity brings joy to your soul and energises you. Ask your friends to support and assist you,” she concludes. 

News Archive

UFS Vista campus elects SRC
2005-08-25

 

Front from left:Ms Mpule Rabele, Finance; Mr Julius Kompi, President; Ms Buyiswa Nyotho, Vice-President; Back from left: Mr Tshepo Mohotsi, Academics and Transformation; Mr Shimane Mokwena, Sport, Arts and Culture ; Mr Maje Mokhutle, Projects and Community Liaison; Mr Teboho Mtimkulu, Secretary-General; Mr Andile Tyobeka, Constitutional and Legal Affairs;
 

Mr Julius Kompi, a senior LLB-student, has been named as the president of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the Vista Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein.

The election of a SRC for the Vista Campus of the UFS for the term 2005/2006 was completed earlier this week.

After the main campus, the Vista campus is the second of the UFS three campuses to have completed its SRC election process.  Students at the Qwaqwa campus of the UFS will elect a SRC on Friday 26 August 2005.

“The Main Campus SRC and the Vista Campus SRC elections were a resounding success and were conducted in a peaceful manner.  We are positive that this tendency will continue in future,” said Dr Ezekiel Moraka, Vice-Rector:  Student Affairs at the UFS.     

According to Dr Moraka the election process on the Vista Campus was closely monitored by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).  More than 50% of the students on campus took part in the election.   

A central SRC that represents the three campus SRCs of the UFS was inaugurated earlier this month. The officials of the Central SRC will be chosen after all three campuses have elected a new SRC.

Media release
Issued by:  Lacea Loader
   Media Representative
   Tel:  (051) 401-2584
   Cell:  083 645 2454
   E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za

25 August 2005
 

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