In a strong display of skill, teamwork and determination, approximately 70 members of the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Staff Sports Association (SMUSSA) took part in the 13th annual SEPWLICO tournament, hosted by the University of Limpopo on Saturday, 5 April 2025. The event brought together staff teams from SMU, the Department of Public Works, the University of Limpopo, and the Department of Correctional Services (SEPWLICO).
The tournament, commonly referred to as SEPWLICO, is a key platform for university and departmental staff to foster camaraderie through sport, while also sharpening their competitive edge ahead of major events. For SMUSSA, it marked an important preparatory step en route to hosting and competing against twenty other universities in the prestigious Southern African Universities Staff Sports Association (SAUSSA) Games, scheduled to take place from 7 to 13 December 2025.
SMUSSA fielded teams in aerobics, darts, football, fun walk, fun run, netball, supa pool and volleyball—demonstrating a broad commitment to sport and wellness. The teams did not disappoint, returning to Ga-Rankuwa with an impressive tally of two gold (including floating trophies), four silver and two bronze medals.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the results,” said Caroline Moeletsi, Chairperson of SMUSSA. “Our teams gave it their all—not just for the medals but to genuinely test our readiness for hosting SAUSSA 2025. The energy, discipline and sportsmanship displayed by our staff were truly inspiring.”
Gold medals and floating trophies were secured by the football and darts teams, both of which dominated their respective fixtures. The football team, in particular, showed exceptional coordination and resilience, overcoming tough opposition from the University of Limpopo and the Department of Public Works in closely contested matches. “We’ve been training hard and refining our tactics,” said Sfiso Zulu, captain of the SMUSSA football team. “Winning gold at SEPWLICO proves we are on the right track. We are ready to welcome the SAUSSA participating institutions in December with our heads held high.” Silver medals were awarded in netball, supa pool, fun walk and volleyball, while the team earned bronze in aerobics and the fun run.
For many, the tournament was about more than just medals; it symbolised broader goals of staff engagement, health promotion and institutional pride. “This event is a testament to the power of sport in fostering unity across departments and institutions,” said Poeletso Tlaka, General Secretary of SMUSSA. “We are proud of SMUSSA’s achievements and excited to see the momentum build as we approach the SAUSSA Games later this year.”
The SEPWLICO tournament also served as an important networking and benchmarking opportunity. Universities and government departments used the occasion to exchange best practices and learn from one another in areas such as sports development, wellness programmes and inter-institutional collaboration.
With just eight months to go before SMU hosts SAUSSA 2025, the SEPWLICO performance has boosted confidence among organisers and participants alike. “The road to December is still long, but this tournament gave us a clear indication that we are on track,” Moeletsi added. “We look forward to hosting our counterparts from across Southern Africa and showcasing not only our sporting talent but also our hospitality, infrastructure and SMU spirit.”
As preparations continue, SMUSSA has committed to maintaining momentum through regular training camps, wellness drives and friendly matches in the lead-up to the main event.
By Tumelo Moila
