Latest news with #AfricanChampionships
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Young judoka pushes through injury to make a podium finish at Region 5 Youth Games
For most teenagers, winning a gold medal would be the highlight of their lives, but for 16-year-old Maxx Mackenzie, it was just the beginning. Fresh off his victory at the Africa Cup in Pretoria, the rising judo talent powered through pain and pressure to earn a hard-fought bronze medal at the Region 5 Youth Games, representing South Africa with remarkable resilience. The games brought together nearly 200 athletes from 10 southern African countries, including Botswana, Zambia, Angola, and host nation Namibia. Competing in the U20 division, Maxx was one of the youngest judokas on the mat, facing opponents up to four years his senior. 'Being only 16 and fighting in the U20 category was definitely my biggest challenge, but I was ready. I upped my training, added more cardio, boxing, and weight sessions. Sensei Basil arranged extra judo sessions to make sure I was mentally and physically prepared.' Also read: Bryanston Sports Club pits their best potjies forward Maxx trains at the Tatami Judo Academy under the mentorship of Sensei Basil Smith, who he credits for instilling values like perseverance, respect, and sportsmanship. His weekly routine includes evening dojo training and early-morning workouts, balanced with his love for swimming and rugby, but it was the bronze medal bout that would test, not just Maxx's skill, but his stamina and willpower as well. 'I got my opponent into a choke hold, and then an arm lock, but he just wouldn't give up,' said Maxx. 'I was two points ahead when I felt something tear in my knee. I had to hold my balance for the last 10 seconds. It was all or nothing. When the final whistle blew, and I heard people shouting my name, it was an incredible moment.' The win came at a cost. Maxx later learned he had torn a ligament in his knee, forcing him to withdraw from the upcoming African Championships in Angola. While the news was disappointing, he remains undeterred. 'It was tough hearing I needed surgery, but I'm staying positive and focusing on recovery. I'll be supporting Team South Africa all the way and working hard to return stronger next year.' Also read: Redhill's golden goalkeeper leads team to historic Aitken Cup promotion Maxx's long-term goals include qualifying for future African Championships and one day competing in the Olympics, a dream he approaches with steady focus and gratitude. When asked what advice he has for younger athletes, he repeated a mantra from his coach. 'Believe in yourself and have fun while doing it. And as Sensei Basil always says: 'Trust the process. '' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa's Board Dissolution Epidemic: A Symptom of Deeper Governance Malaise
Board dissolutions are symptoms, not solutions. Without fundamental reforms to how we select, oversee, and hold accountable both board members and their political principals, South Africa's governance crisis will only deepen. South Africa's public institutions are haemorrhaging credibility as ministers wield the dissolution axe with alarming frequency. From Transport Minister Barbara Creecy's dissolution of the Road Accident Fund board amid "governance and operational issues" to Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande's dramatic dismantling of the NSFAS board over chronic payment failures, the pattern is unmistakable: our state-owned entities are failing spectacularly. The sheer volume of board dissolutions reads like a governance disaster checklist. Basketball SA faced dissolution calls after nearly bungling the U18 African Championships, with R5-million in liabilities against just R36 000 in the bank. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie dissolved the boxing board, creating what observers called "a vacuum" in the sport. The list extends to SA Tourism, multiple Gauteng provincial boards, and the perpetually troubled PRASA. This is not accountability; it is crisis management masquerading as decisive action. When dissolution becomes the default response to institutional failure, it signals a fundamental breakdown in governance oversight. Nzimande's dissolution of the NSFAS board epitomises the deeper malaise. The minister cited the board's inability to implement basic recommendations, failure to submit correct annual reports, and, most damningly, consistent inability to pay student allowances on time. The South African Union of Students called the dissolution "long overdue," describing NSFAS leadership as "some of the most inept and useless people to ever live". Yet where was ministerial oversight when these failures were festering? When opposition parties called for Nzimande's resignation, he defiantly declared: "I will not resign, I am not appointed by them". This encapsulates the accountability deficit plaguing our system. These dissolutions reveal a troubling power dynamic where ministers dissolve boards but rarely face consequences for their oversight failures. With South Africa's Government of National Unity under strain and voter turnout declining from 89% in 1999 to 58% in 2024, public faith in governance institutions is eroding. The question isn't whether these boards deserved dissolution- many did. The question is why they were allowed to fail so catastrophically under ministerial watch. When the Road Accident Fund board was dissolved, why wasn't the transport minister held accountable for allowing "governance and operational issues" to fester? When NSFAS chronically failed to pay student allowances, leaving thousands stranded, why did Minister Nzimande escape censure while his board faced the axe? The pattern suggests that board members serve as convenient scapegoats for broader systemic failures. Ministers appoint boards based on political aspirations rather than competence, provide minimal oversight, and then dissolve them when public pressure mounts. This creates a perverse incentive structure where political principals escape accountability while appointed boards bear the consequences of institutional collapse. The dissolution epidemic reflects not decisive leadership but a fundamental abdication of ministerial responsibility. Consider the audacity: ministers who failed to prevent these institutional meltdowns position themselves as the solution through dissolution, while the very cadre deployment system that created these failures remains untouched and ready to produce the next wave of incompetent appointees. Furthermore, these dissolutions disrupt institutional memory and continuity. When boards are repeatedly dissolved and reconstituted, organisations lose valuable experience and knowledge. The perpetual cycle of destruction and rebuilding wastes resources and undermines long-term strategic planning. Citizens suffer as essential services deteriorate while institutions lurch from crisis to crisis. The cost of this governance failure is measured not just in financial terms but in the erosion of public trust and institutional effectiveness. Each dissolution announcement becomes a damning indictment of the minister's failure to govern, yet mysteriously transforms into evidence of their decisive action, a grotesque inversion of accountability that would be laughable if the consequences were not so devastating for ordinary South Africans. South Africa needs board appointments based on competence, not political will. We need ministers who provide proactive oversight rather than reactive dissolutions. Most critically, we need consequences for political principals who preside over institutional collapse. Until we address the systemic governance failures that necessitate these dissolutions, we will continue this expensive cycle of institutional destruction and rebuilding, while citizens suffer the consequences of perpetual state failure. Board dissolutions are symptoms, not solutions. Without fundamental reforms to how we select, oversee, and hold accountable both board members and their political principals, South Africa's governance crisis will only deepen.
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
U20 judo star takes it to the Maxx
Maxx Mackenzie (16) recently represented the South African judo team at the Region 5 Youth Games held in Namibia, and secured a hard-fought bronze medal in a gripping match against a strong Zambian opponent. Competing in a field of 198 athletes from 10 countries, including Malawi, Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, Maxx stood out as a determined and skilled competitor in the U20 category. His achievement follows hot on the heels of a gold medal win at the Africa Cup in Pretoria, just a week prior, highlighting his impressive momentum. Read more: Two young judo coaches bring big change to Bryanstons youth Maxx began his judo journey eight years ago, when he joined Tatami Judo Club, under the guidance of sensei Basil Smith. 'I immediately loved the sport and the full-contact aspect of judo. The more I improved, the more motivated I became.' One of Maxx's biggest challenges has been competing as the youngest in his weight division, often fighting opponents up to four years his senior. 'Being only 16 and fighting U20 was definitely my biggest challenge. Sensei Basil arranged extra training sessions, and I also incorporated boxing and weight training to boost my cardio.' The bronze medal match was a true test of grit and endurance. Maxx recounts the intense battle. 'I got my opponent in a choke and an arm lock, but he refused to tap out. I was two points ahead when I felt a tear in my knee. With only 10 seconds left, I managed to hold my balance and secure the win. Hearing everyone shout my name was an incredible moment.' Maxx trains rigorously, dedicating four evenings a week at the dojo, with additional gym and boxing sessions in the mornings. His club emphasises respect, discipline, and perseverance, values that have shaped Maxx, both on and off the mat. Unfortunately, the knee injury he sustained during his match means Maxx will miss the upcoming African Championships in Angola. Despite this setback, he remains positive. 'It was disappointing to hear I needed surgery, but I'm focused on my recovery and rehab. I'll be cheering on team South Africa and look forward to returning stronger next year.' Looking ahead, Maxx aims to continue his judo journey, with goals that include qualifying for the next African Championships and, ultimately, competing at the Olympics. When asked what advice he has for younger athletes, Maxx said: 'Believe in yourself and have fun while doing it, and, as sensei Basil always says: 'Trust the process'.' Outside of judo, Maxx enjoys swimming, rugby, and travelling, and dreams to explore more of the world every year. Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
WATCH: Belvedere Bobcats take bronze at national champs
It has been nine years since Vivien Botha, a former Springbok gymnast and educator at Belvedere School, introduced cheerleading as part of the school's sports programme. On July 3, the Belvedere Bobcats squad—made up of 19 learners, six of whom have earned their Protea colours—set off to Oudtshoorn. They were headed to compete against 10 squads in the 2025 South African Majorette and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA) National Championship and the International Cheerleading Union (ICU) African Championships. Polishing their routine and strengthening their base, the performers took time to chat with the Benoni City Times about the sport, its challenges and the squad that has become like family. Khanyisie Mhlamei (17) has been a proud member of the Belvedere Bobcats and Divas for the past year. The self-proclaimed 'dancer with two left feet' said she was drawn to the sport, hoping to master the rhythmic, pom-pom-swirling moves of cheerleading. 'It was difficult at first, but I spent hours breaking the routines down into smaller steps until I could complete them,' she said. 'The squad was incredibly helpful and patient, which gave me the confidence to step up.' The more muscular Xander du Toit (17) may appear better suited to a rugby field than a spongy flexi-roll mat, but his stature forms the base of some of the squad's technical aerial routines. 'I wanted to try every sport the school has to offer,' he said. 'I played rugby but wanted to be part of something a little more challenging. I joined the Bobcats a year ago and am enjoying every moment.' According to Gia Steenkamp (14), the squad's ongoing success—which included three golds and a silver at the recent provincial championships, along with the marks that qualified them for nationals—can be attributed to Botha's meticulous attention to detail. 'Despite her years of experience she has created a space for us to give our input,' she said. 'The choreography as well as the aerial stunts are a reflection of our personalities and ability.' Longest-standing member Sunel Foster (19) said the past six years have taught her the importance of absolute teamwork, as well as valuable leadership skills. 'Cheer brings people together,' she said. 'We have tons of fun, work hard and most importantly do things that not many are brave enough to attempt.' As the exhilaration of the national championships drew to a close, the squad celebrated earning two bronze medals—one for co-ed cheerleading and another for hip hop doubles. ALSO READ: New principal settles at Belvedere ALSO READ: Belvedere learners rally to support Benoni SPCA At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Team Rage kickboxer kicks her way to the top
Team Rage kickboxer kicks her way to the top Charla Pieterse (31), a member of the Team Rage Kickboxing Club, performed exceptionally well at the Kickboxing Organisation of South Africa (KOSA) championships. She secured second place in the Kick Lite category against some of the top kickboxers in the country. Charla, a blue belt, fought a black belt opponent and said, 'It was a difficult fight, but I managed to stick to the basics as the coach would always tell us.' Charla's journey in kickboxing began in 2020, and she credits her coach, Darin Opperman, for believing in her. 'I'm very proud of myself and the work I've put in. I'm also grateful for him because he believed in me, and I knew I could compete,' she said. Her achievement has earned her a spot on the B team for KOSA, representing South Africa at the 2025 World Championships and the 2026 African Championships. For Charla, kickboxing is more than just a sport; it's a valuable skill for self-defence. 'Kickboxing is not just a sport but a technique I use for self-defence. As a woman and a mother, I know that at any time I would be able to defend myself and my family,' she said. 'I also believe that if more women invested in the sport, we would curb the violence facing our country lately.' Darin praised Charla, stating that she performed exceptionally well against a more experienced fighter. 'This was Charla's second tournament, and I'm very proud of her for the work she put in.' For more information, contact Darin on 081 401 2020. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
