The USSA Staff Games held at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) from 6 to 7 October was an ideal opportunity for Sol Plaatje University (SPU) staff members to demonstrate their sporting prowess, also highlighting a unique aspect of SPU’s commitment to staff well-being.
Participating universities along with SPU included Durban University of Technology (DUT), the University of Limpopo (UL), the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Nelson Mandela University (NMU), Rhodes University (RU), Stellenbosch University (SU), Vaal University of Technology (VUT), University of Johannesburg (UJ), and University of Fort Hare (UFH).
Staff sporting activities are typically the responsibility of each university’s sports department. However, at SPU, it is seamlessly integrated into the Employee Wellness Office, reflecting the institution’s holistic approach to staff care. This department is dedicated to fostering opportunities for wellness, nurturing healthy minds, and promoting healthy bodies among SPU’s dedicated employees.
Peter Mamabolo, the Volleyball coach of the SPU staff team, said: “We are firstly grateful for the opportunity that the SPU Health and Wellness department has given us as employees to participate in the USSA Staff Games 2023. Indeed, it is the desire of every team to win Gold, however, as this was our first year of participation in Volleyball at the USSA, we are elated to bring back the bronze medal to SPU and the Northern Cape. We gave our best and it will surely be better the next time around with better preparations.”
Thato Mothudi, the Netball staff player at SPU, described the experience of competing against fellow university staff: “It was an amazing and short-lived experience, we get to see how universities take staff sport games just as competitive as [the] student games. This gathering is a great platform to network as well. It is such a shame that such events only happen once a year.”
She continued: “It was so refreshing to hear other universities complementing and noting how much we have progressed and improved as a team. The games were tough, but we pushed and made it to the semi-finals.”
Wellness Beyond Sports
While SPU staff members showcased their athletic talents at the USSA Staff Games, they were also showcasing the university’s unwavering commitment to their overall well-being. SPU’s holistic approach extends beyond sports to encompass various dimensions of wellness.
The Employee Wellness Office focuses on creating an environment where staff can thrive not only in their professional roles but also in their personal lives. It emphasises the importance of a work-life balance, recognising that a healthy work-life equilibrium is essential for both personal well-being and professional productivity.
USSA Staff Games results
SPU had three teams in action at the weekend’s matches including volleyball, netball, and football. The volleyball team carried the torch to the end where they finished in third place overall claiming a bronze medal, while our netball ladies narrowly missed out on a podium finish when they lost in the third-place play-off encounter at the host university UWC to finish in the fourth position. The football gents enjoyed their interaction with their opposing university staff members with most matches being played in a very good spirit, highlighting the importance of balancing the competitive nature of sports with developing and fostering good relations within the university space. A draw and loss on the opening day meant the football team did not advance to the play-off stages on day two.
SPU: The University of Choice
SPU’s commitment to staff wellness, as evidenced by its unique approach, establishes, and hopes to position the university as the institution of choice, not only for students but also for staff members. It is a place where employees are not just workers but individuals with dynamic needs and aspirations.
The USSA Staff Games provided a platform for SPU staff members to come together, bond as a community, and celebrate their achievements both on and off the field. It demonstrated that SPU places a premium on not only academic excellence but also on fostering a vibrant and supportive community where staff can flourish and engage with each other and their counterparts at other tertiary institutions.
Promoting Work-Life Balance
The USSA Staff Games at UWC served as a reminder of the importance of balance in our lives. SPU recognises that staff members are at their best when they are not only dedicated to their work but also nourish their physical and mental well-being.
The university encourages staff to engage in sports and other wellness activities, recognising that a healthy body and a healthy mind are essential for overall satisfaction and effectiveness. SPU is committed to creating an environment where staff members can pursue their passions, whether they are on the sports field or engaging in activities that promote mental and emotional wellness.
Looking Ahead to a Bright Future
As the USSA Staff Games concluded, SPU reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a culture of wellness, healthy minds, and healthy bodies among its staff. The institution is not only about academic excellence but also about fostering an environment where staff can thrive personally and professionally.
The USSA Staff Games showcased not only the athletic talent and abilities of SPU’s staff members but also the university’s unwavering commitment to their holistic well-being. As SPU continues to grow and evolve, its dedication to wellness remains a cornerstone of its identity, making it the university of choice for all who seek to thrive and succeed.
