Members of the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Staff Sports Association (SMUSSA) delivered impressive performances across multiple sporting codes at the 4th Annual Prof Mahlo Mokgalong Staff Sports Games, showcasing the University’s commitment to employee wellness, collegiality and institutional pride.
Hosted by the University of Limpopo Staff Sports Association (ULSSA) on 22 August 2026, the tournament was held at the Oscar Mpetha Sport Complex at the University of Limpopo and brought together staff teams from universities, government departments and other institutions across the province. The annual games honour the legacy of former University of Limpopo (UL) Vice-Chancellor Prof Mahlo Mokgalong while promoting healthy competition, social cohesion and professional networking.
SMUSSA fielded teams in athletics, aerobics, netball, volleyball, tennis, darts, football and super pool. Across the different codes, SMU staff displayed determination, discipline and sportsmanship, reinforcing the value of sport in building a healthy and connected university community.
The athletics contingent produced some of SMUSSA’s strongest results of the day. Lethabo Modau claimed first place in the 10km race, while Dimakatso Molokomme emerged victorious in the 5km event. The 5km race also saw Dorothy Ndou secure second place, followed by Minah Mogamme in third and Francinah Mmamabolo in fourth.
SMUSSA continued its strong showing in the team events. The aerobics team secured second position overall, while the netball team finished as runners-up behind ULSSA, with Glencore taking third place. In volleyball, SMUSSA claimed third position, finishing behind ULSSA and Botswana International University of Science and Technology.
The tennis team finished fourth with eight points, while the darts team also secured fourth position. Although the football and super pool teams did not progress to the knockout stages after finishing third in their respective groups, their participation contributed to SMU’s broad representation and competitive presence at the tournament.
SMUSSA Chairperson Caroline Moeletsi, who also serves as Deputy Secretary General of the Southern Africa Universities Staff Sports Association (SAUSSA), praised the teams for their commitment and collective spirit.
“I was extremely pleased with the performance of our teams. What stood out for me was not only the results, but the commitment, unity and enthusiasm demonstrated by our staff throughout the games,” said Moeletsi. “These platforms are important because they promote wellness while creating opportunities for staff from different institutions to build meaningful professional and social connections.”
SMUSSA Public Relations Officer Kgomotso Tsiane similarly commended the teams for their resilience, discipline and sportsmanship, emphasising the role of staff sport in strengthening wellness and camaraderie across the University. Volleyball team manager Seipati Mabusela also welcomed the team’s third-place finish in a highly competitive field.
More than a sporting contest, the games provided an opportunity for staff from participating institutions to network, strengthen professional relationships and foster social cohesion. For SMU, the event also supported the University’s institutional values of excellence, respect, Ubuntu and effective leadership by creating opportunities for staff to connect beyond their usual professional roles.
The performances achieved by SMUSSA, particularly in athletics, aerobics, netball and volleyball, reflect the depth of sporting talent and enthusiasm among SMU staff. They also reinforce the University’s commitment to employee well-being as an important component of a vibrant institutional culture.
Through initiatives that promote wellness, collaboration and social cohesion, SMU continues to strengthen a connected university community while advancing its broader mission of excellence in health sciences education, innovative research and service to society.
By Dimakatso Modise
