28 new graduates in South Africa

In a full auditorium, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) awarded diplomas to the graduates of the 5th edition of the FIFA/CIES Programme on 1 October in Port Elizabeth. On that occasion, the new graduates enjoyed the opportunity of hearing fascinating testimony on different aspects of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Under the watchful eye of Pieter Swart, NMMU Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations, the ceremony allowed the new graduates and the other participants to better understand the importance of sport for the promotion of human dignity and the sharing of knowledge for the development of South Africa.

Pippa Nell, who was a doping control officer for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, shared her enriching experiences in England. She also placed them in perspective by making relevant connections between the training of sports managers and the demands of participation in top-level competitions.

Kevin Paul, a 21-year-old athlete, gold-medal winner at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008 and silver-medal winner in London in 2012, explained the importance of sport in his life and his motivation to “fight” for his country’s colours despite the difficulties and the sacrifices that involves: “My disability and sport have taught me that there are more important things in life than the latest cell phone app or buying the trendiest sports shoes”.

Finally, NMMU Dean Khaya Matiso stated that the FIFA/CIES Programme fully corresponds to the mission of the University and to the needs of South Africa. “We do not want to focus on development merely for the sake of development, but on development of the skills of our young managers, and that is what this programme offers us. Moreover, NMMU and our country will need strong partners to be able to make progress. I think that we have found those partners in FIFA and CIES”.

We warmly congratulate the new graduates and wish them every success: Zarina, Aidan Thimoral, Phakamisa Wongalethu, Mboniso Theophilus, Sabelo Sydney, Mathew Tukondjeni, James Motseki, Bulelani, Marianne Angelique, Xolile, Sikhululekile Calvin, Philiswa Khanyiswa, Ndimphiwe Raymond, Brett Liam, Zanele Patricia, Emmanuel Obioma, Olawale Adebukola, Macebo, Mark Harold, Lizah Mamoagi, Mzwandile Joel, Simamkele, Eddie, Gachahi Andrew, Daniel Mpedi, Naleli Elias, Nomthandazo and Sandile. And many thanks to Emmanuel Nwalor for his excellent speech on behalf of his classmates!