LIFE SKILLS PROGRAMME 2026 – Empowering Women in Sport Successfully
July 03, 2026 12:44 am
Over three inspiring days, the Durban Africa Sports Club (DASC) Life Skills Workshop – Empowering Women in Sport brought together experts, educators and community leaders to equip young women with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to succeed both on and off the field. From leadership development and community health awareness to anti-doping education and sports science, the programme reflected DASC's commitment to developing well-rounded athletes through education, integrity and personal growth. The workshop concluded with an exciting focus on athlete performance and a promising new partnership that will help shape the future of sports development.
DAY 1
The first day of the programme got off to an inspiring start under the guidance of President Maggie Govender, Coach Babes Govender and Coach Kercy Moodley.
The day was filled with meaningful conversations, practical learning and powerful reflections aimed at developing young women, building confidence and strengthening our communities.
🔑 Maximising Learning – Prem Vayapuri
Participants explored how to move beyond simply attending workshops and seminars, and instead become active learners who engage, reflect, capture key lessons and apply knowledge in their daily lives.
The focus was on developing habits that support continuous growth, self-improvement and lifelong learning.
🔥 Leadership That Inspires – Gona Nambiar
A high-energy and thought-provoking leadership session that challenged participants to view leadership as a daily responsibility.
The message was clear: leadership is built through attitude, action, accountability and the positive influence we have on others.
❤️ Community Health Awareness – eThekwini Municipality Healthcare Services (Arena Park, Chatsworth)
An important and impactful session addressing Teenage Pregnancy, HIV & AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Drug Abuse.
The healthcare team of Luyanda Ntombela, Noluthando Dlamini, Katherine Gayapersad and Romane Ramjugath conducted a highly interactive and engaging session with the learners, creating an open space for questions, discussion and awareness.
They shared valuable information, real-life experiences and practical guidance on the risks, consequences, and importance of making informed choices.
Their approach was compassionate, informative and without judgement — empowering young women with knowledge that can positively influence their health, wellbeing and future.
A special word of appreciation to Radha Hassan Ali, Lulu Govender and Anand Gounden from Durban Africa Sports Club for their commitment, hard work and behind-the-scenes efforts in ensuring the smooth and successful completion of the programme.
Day 1 was a powerful reminder that true development is holistic — it is about building knowledge, character, resilience, confidence and a strong sense of responsibility.
A wonderful beginning to a programme focused on learning, growth, empowerment and inspiration.
DAY 2
EDUCATION IS THE FOUNDATION OF CLEAN SPORT
Durban Africa Sports Club was honoured to host an insightful Anti-Doping Education Session facilitated by Jay Mannikam, equipping our athletes with the knowledge and awareness needed to compete responsibly and uphold the values of sport.
The session explored key topics, including:
✅ The role of the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in protecting clean sport
✅ The values of integrity, respect and fair play
✅ Understanding Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs)
✅ The risks of supplements and the importance of athlete responsibility
Through interactive activities and meaningful discussion, one message stood out clearly: there are no shortcuts to success — excellence is built through commitment, discipline and fair play.
Thank you, Jay Mannikam, for sharing your expertise and inspiring our athletes to make informed choices.
DAY 3
Today, Durban Africa Sports Club was privileged to host two outstanding keynote speakers from the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Sport Science Department.
Dr. Sphamandla Nyawose delivered an informative presentation on fitness, injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, highlighting the importance of keeping athletes healthy and performing at their best.
Ms. Bongiwe Gumede spoke on the importance of conditioning, physical fitness, effective warm-ups, stretching and proper preparation, emphasizing how these elements contribute to improved performance and reduced injury risk.
Following the presentations, discussions were held with Prof Rowena Naidoo, Head of the UKZN Sport Science Department, regarding a strategic partnership between Durban Africa Sports Club and UKZN. DASC is excited that both organisations have agreed in principle to establish a formal collaboration, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) expected to be signed soon.
Head Coach Babes expressed his appreciation, saying, "This is exactly the kind of partnership we need. It will strengthen our programmes and provide our athletes and coaches with access to valuable scientific knowledge and expertise."
Durban Africa Sports Club remains committed to providing quality education, support, and development opportunities for our athletes, coaches and the wider community. This partnership marks another important step in our journey of excellence
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