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South Africa has one of its own in CUCSA
On the 9 March 2019 an unprecedented event took place where Mr. Jerry Laka
became Secretary General of CUCSA (Confederation of University and Colleges
Sports Association) after being elected at the Annual General Meeting which was
held in Livingstone, Zambia. CUCSA is made up of the following countries:
Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland,
Zambia and Zimbabwe. His election is of significant importance to South Africa
and the CUCSA member countries because Mr. Laka brings with him a wealth of
experience in the field of sport administration and his achievements bear
witness to that.
The significance of South Africa having one of its citizens in CUCSA means that
the country will play a massive role in the development of university sport in
the region. This demonstrates the level of expertise we have in our country
which should be shared with our neighbouring countries. Being involved in sport
management for 24 years means that Mr. Laka brings with him an enormous amount
of experience which is what is needed to take CUCSA to the next level. As
Secretary General, his core function is to ensure that there is good
administration in the association as well as effective communication between the
Executive Committee and CUCSA member countries.
The Secretary General’s expectation of member countries is that they support
CUCSA and contribute towards its development whereas the expectation member
countries have of CUCSA is that it become more organised and contributes towards
the development of tertiary sports. CUCSA, as member of FASU (Federation of
Africa University Sports) and FISU (International University Sports Federation)
will ensure that it contributes positively to the development of sport in the
global context as well as being involved in current discussions regarding the
advancement of Sport.The 2019 CUCSA Games will be hosted by Lesotho and the
organization thereof is going well with support from the government. A
delegation from the Executive Committee will be doing a site visit during the
year to ensure that everything is going according to plan.
Mr. Laka has served in USSA (University Sport South Africa) different roles for
almost 18 years. “For me serving at CUCSA has been very close to my heart
because I believe that USSA can contribute much more in CUCSA.” His long
involvement in sport began with him working at Vista University (Mamelodi
campus), then moved to Vista University (central campus). He then moved to UWC
(University of the Western Cape), working there for 9 and a half years. He after
he moved to TUT (Tshwane University of Technology) and worked there for 2 years.
He is currently working at Stellenbosch University going for his 4th year. He
said that sport at Stellenbosch is an important and integral part of its history
and sport can make a significant contribution to the holistic student
development.
His other milestones includeworking at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising
Committee and his role was Team Liaison Officer for the German National team
which meant that he was responsible for the team for duration of their stay in
South Africa. He’s also been an Assistant Coach for the first South African
Women Football National team that qualified for the Olympics in 2012. He served
for 3 years and we introduced the element of Sports Science training infootball
of which the result of which can be seen now in their spectacular improvement.
Mr. Laka has been Head of the USSA team delegation at the Taipei 2017 Summer
Universiade. He was also Deputy Head of the USSA Team at the Zimbabwe CUCSA
Games and Deputy Head of Delegation at the 2011 Summer Universiade in China. He
was the coach of the first USSA football team that reached the semi-finals at
the Russia 2013 Summer Universiade.
USSA wishes him success in his role as Secretary General. Under his leadership
we are certain that South Africa and CUSCA member countries will enter the next
level of university sport development.
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Posted by Vusi Zwane (USSA Communications Officer) on 19 Mar, 2019.
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