From watching her brother playing cricket on Sundays to captaining the South African Women’s Team and being the flag bearer for Team South Africa at the 13th African Games recently in Accra Ghana, Nondumiso Shangase shines in her role as a leader.
Being the joint flag bearer at the recent Games, Shangase said that it was a great honour and privilege and one that she was grateful for. To have been given a chance to lead a team in such a big event, was a special moment in her life.
The off-spinner is reaping the rewards of her hard work over the years. Having represented the Proteas Women 18 times, stepping up as Captain for the African Games was a good opportunity for her. It taught her trust her skillset and the decisions that she makes. Players look up to her as a role mode and she values the respect she has earned amongst her fellow team mates. Being a leader is no easy feat and one she can attest to.


Shangase led from the front when she took nine wickets for SA Emerging during the Africa Games. This included a sensational 5-wicket haul against Tanzania Women. Her performance with the ball showcased her grit and determination to pull her team over the finish line.
Reflecting on the team’s overall performance, she said: “The youngsters are really showing up with good skills and their talent is amazing. We may not have won the gold, but we are happy to have come home with the silver medal. Losing the final was a tough pill to swallow, but it is something we can work on as a team.”

Having made her debut for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins women in 2014/2015 season, she slowly but surely proved that not is she good with the bat and ball, but she can also be a leader. Shadowing Dinesha Devnarain (current SA U19 and SA Emerging Head Coach) who was player/coach for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Women at the time, Nondu soaked up knowledge of what it takes to be leader.
Shangase who now captains the Dolphins Women One-Day side attributes her leadership skills to Devnarain, “She has played a big role into moulding me into the person I am becoming. I have learned a lot being in a leadership role from Dee. She has shaped me into the player I am today.”
As a leader, Shangase believes that if she works towards her goals, she will always be better than she was last season. Hard work, dedication and discipline is what builds character and moulds you into the leader you want you become. Every situation will demand a different version of you, but always put your best self forth and show integrity in everything that you do and you will always succeed.