North West University Mahikeng Campus’ Sporting Officer, Tarren Fortuin has her sight set on becoming a Sporting Director as she hopes to change the game for women’s sport in the country.
Hailing from Ennerdale in Johannesburg, Fortuin is currently completing her third year in Public Administration at the university.
At a young age, Fortuin’s love for sport came about unexpectedly when she accompanied her friend to a rugby match.
As the sporting bug bit, she got involved in playing the sport and eventually went to for trials at Golden Lions Provincial Team, where she finally made it to the senior team.
During her first year at University, Fortuin joined the rugby side and currently plays for North West Provincial Team (Leopards).
Some of her career highlights include being the first female to ever obtain athlete of the month at the NWU Mahikeng Campus.
Speaking with gsport’s Tlamelo Kganakga, Fortuin chats more about her journey and her go-to guidelines of being a leader in sport.
Tarren, thank you for chatting to us. Please tell us about yourself and where you are from.
It’s only a pleasure. I’m from Gauteng, Johannesburg [Ennerdale to be specific]. I’m doing my third year in Public Administration at North West University, Mahikeng Campus.
When and where did your love for sport begin?
It started in high school in grade 8, where I found myself walking my friend to practice not having any interest in the sport. They had a rugby game and they needed players. I ended up playing and not understanding what was happening but I honestly enjoyed it and I eventually joined the rugby team. Two months later, I attended trials for Golden Lions Gauteng Provincial Team. I made the Senior team at a very young age and I played for them for two years but due to academics I had stop. This all happened before University.
I started my first year in 2021 and joined the rugby team. The North West Provincial Team (Leopards) hosted trials and invited our club. Fast forward to two years later, I am still representing the University at provincial level.
How do you balance your time between school and sport?
In the beginning it was challenging but I eventually got the hang of things. I had to practice time management and I had to get my priorities in order if I had to carry on playing the sport I love.
Please tell us about being a Sports Officer at NWU and what impact you want to make?
This is very new to me as our leadership term just started and although it’s a very demanding portfolio as sports officer, I enjoy it and honestly feel like this is meant for me. I want to ensure that as women in sport, we get the same opportunities as men do and also maintain the high standards of sport at the University.
What has been some of the challenges you have faced and how did you deal with them?
I didn’t face much, which I am really grateful for. My colleagues/ team made the job a lot easier for me.
What are some of your career highlights to date?
Being the first female to ever obtain athlete of the month at the NWU Mahikeng Campus. I also obtained four leadership positions in a space of a year and a half but my biggest accomplishment is being the only female in 2021 to represent the Mahikeng Campus at the provincial rugby team.
Which sportswomen do you admire and why?
Jacomien Jakkie Cilliers – she has achieved one of the highest honours with an invite to the Springbok women’s rugby team for a World Cup preparatory camp from 6-20 August 2021 in Stellenbosch. It was her first year playing rugby and she got that far.
What do you think makes a good leader?
What makes a good leader is patience and someone who is willing to listen and acknowledge their mistakes. Therefore, leaders are born not made. My go to quote “This work is not ourselves. Kill that spirit of ‘self’ and do not live above your people. If you can rise, bring some with you.” If serving is below you that means leadership is beyond you.
What are your views on the state of women’s sport in the North West province and how can it be improved?
Women’s sport is not acknowledged the way it should be, it can be improved by seeking support from local government to assist in promoting (funding) women in sport, starting from foundation phase all the way up to the University and club level.
2023 is deemed The Year of Women’s Sport, as five World Cup tournaments take place in South Africa. What impact do you think this will have on women’s sport in the country?
It gives women in sport exposure that can lead to remarkable opportunities, which will open doors for them; this will also show that our country supports women in sport.
What’s your greatest career ambition?
I would love to be a sports director and associate myself with different Universities and societies to continue improving my skills and knowledge.
What’s your advice to young women who aspire to get into leadership positions in sport?
Don’t be dogmatic, be flexible, be patient and understanding.
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