Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is abuzz as it prepares to welcome the Southern African Universities Staff Sports Association (SAUSSA) Games from 7–13 December 2025. For the first time, SMU will host the region’s premier staff sporting event, bringing together 19 universities from across Southern Africa, including Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The excitement was palpable during the Chairperson’s Meeting at SMU, where delegates from all 20 SAUSSA member universities gathered to finalise preparations. The discussions covered facility inspections, accommodation readiness, security arrangements, and social cohesion strategies, ensuring that the 24th edition will run seamlessly.
SMU has allocated approximately 2,450 beds to host visiting staff athletes and officials, guaranteeing comfort and convenience throughout the week-long festival of sport. Security remains a priority, with law enforcement and local police present to ensure a safe and inclusive environment.
“This meeting set the tone for a historic Games,” said SAUSSA President Simon Makena. “We are confident SMU will rise to the occasion. The preparations and engagement we’ve seen inspire faith that this edition will be exceptional.”
For SMU, the event is more than a competition; it is an opportunity to showcase hospitality, culture, and regional unity. “Hosting this event allows us to bring universities together through sport and foster collaboration beyond borders,” said Caroline Moeletsi, Chairperson of SMU Staff Sports Association (SMUSSA). “With every detail inspected and approved, SMU is ready to deliver an unforgettable experience.”
The Games will feature a rich variety of sporting codes—from athletics, soccer, and netball to volleyball, tennis, tug-of-war, basketball, darts, chess, and the ever-popular Super 8 Pool. Each discipline allows athletes to shine while promoting healthy competition, teamwork, and institutional pride.
Under the theme “Fostering Regional Integration through Sports,” the SAUSSA Games extend beyond medals and trophies. They serve as a platform for cultural exchange, relationship-building, and strengthening ties across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Athletes and staff alike will experience the vibrancy of the region, forging connections that extend beyond the playing fields.
SMU is pulling out all the stops to ensure participants enjoy top-tier facilities, vibrant cultural showcases, and a warm welcome. The university aims to highlight South Africa’s growing role as a hub for regional sports and cultural events, while promoting wellness, camaraderie, and social cohesion among university employees.
As the countdown begins, anticipation is high. The 24th SAUSSA Games promise a week of exhilaration, unity, and celebration—where athletic excellence meets cultural pride, and regional collaboration takes centre stage. From thrilling competitions to shared experiences across borders, this landmark event is set to leave a lasting impression on all participants. Let the Games begin, and let SMU shine on the regional stage.
By Rose Moreki
