Furthering one’s studies and juggling a busy schedule is not easy – particularly as a woman. Our cards are way more heavily stacked in comparison to our male counterparts. We do, however, do the metaphorically and literally impossible: gracefully pull ourselves from our boot straps and get done what needs doing.
Christa Kgamphe is the most recent example of a woman that keeps going against all odds and inspires those around her. The epitome of BlackGirlMagic.
The TUT lecturer posted her graduation photo just a few days ago on Twitter, captioned “A Master in Sport Management”. And she says “I want to be the reason that somebody never gives up.”
In the caption, Kgamphe highlights what many may take for granted, the importance of education in sport. While many may think as an administrator, athlete or agent, one needn’t further their academics in sport, Kgamphe realistically and eloquently states: “Reality is that our industry also needs specialists and experts because most talent’s future and bread depends on the systems to be created for sustainability and credibility.”
“I vow to teach and equip, in and outside the classroom. May we protect the talent in our communities. I had a dream as a young girl and the journey is still in progress: Being the changed I wish to see in this world 🌎”
Who better than young educated women of South Africa to lead and take charge in the world of sport. A world where women still need to go above and beyond to succeed while the passage is simpler and easier for men.
Nonetheless, we have the likes of Christa to inspire women to continue in the pursuit of their various and valid dreams despite the mountainous obstacles that may be in their way. This to inspire young girls that need to see people that look like them shatter many a thick glass ceiling and open doors that at some point seemed perpetually shut.
Despite her extensive experience in sport, including coaching a team at the age of 16, Kgamphe is a true example that it’s important to constantly improve and grow. No one can ever really say, “I’ve done it all” or “I’ve made it”. Particularly in sectors that still undermine the efforts and work put in by women.
gsport writer Lonwabo Nkohla briefly caught up with the force that is Christa Kgamphe!
How would you describe your journey that got you to graduation day and with a Masters at that?
If you are goal-driven, you won’t be discouraged or side tracked by every challenge thrown your way. My Masters was the worst academic challenge I’ve ever had in my entire life. It’s been a journey and a half that took a long time but finally because I knew what I wanted, who knows maybe PhD next.
You already wear so many hats yet you keep going and breaking boundaries – what inspires you to continue chasing your dreams even when the steep hill does not relent sometimes?
I was born for a purpose and I’d like to believe my purpose is around sports and sports education and coaching. And not just coaching on the sidelines, which is what I already do but coaching people in terms of what do you do with your sports career, how do we aid you? I cannot assist people holistically if I do not understand sports itself holistically, it’s systems and how it can better other people’s lives, or how we can better the industry. I’m just inspired by seeing people win, seeing people do better and not to be taken advantage of. I wake up every morning thinking how am I helping the next person win? For me to get to where I am, I’ve had challenges but equally there are people who aided me.
Many still don’t see, know or understand that even in sport education is still paramount, why do you think it’s important to continue to build in academia while working in this industry?
It is important to have structures, systems, experts. It’s important to know what you are doing. You need to be knowledgeable. Create systems, create opportunities but you can’t create them without the framework there’s a certain blueprint that needs to be understood. I love teaching and coaching. I love educating. There’s less academic professionals in this industry and if we let it die what’s going to happen to our industry. It’s important that we keep studying and keep going further. There are a few people with a Masters in Sport Management let alone a doctorate. It’s important to have some form of education, it becomes easier when you have the knowledge. There’s certain skills that you learn such as critical thinking that you learn in the classroom. Managers, mentors should be knowledgeable so that they don’t lead athletes astray and help get the best out of athletes.
What is your message to young South Africans that are disheartened due to unemployment while sitting at home with qualifications?
I always share my own journey and hopefully it’s relatable and can help others. Start early. For those who are starting, know where you are going, know the bigger picture. What you do today should speak to the bigger picture. There may be deviations, there may be detours and challenges and obstacles but ultimately when you see the bigger picture and you see the destination it becomes easier.
For those who are at home, don’t give up and get involved, be intentional about what you do and where you go, who you speak to. Also try other things related to what you do. Don’t give up. Yes I wear many hats and all the hats I wear are in sport. I’ve built myself in a way that I’m connected in various sports channels that allow me to go anywhere. Practically equip yourself that’s the most important thing.
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