Maties Sport Chief Director Ilhaam Groenewald was awarded with the Stellenbosch University Chancellor’s Award of Excellence yesterday.
Groenewald who has been extensively working and dedicating her life to sport for the past 30 years was extremely delighted by the recognition she received saying, “It’s indeed a honor to receive this prestigious award and I thank my Maties Sport team, the university and South African sport colleagues for their support, guidance and challenging me at times when necessary. This award serves as a reminder about my responsibilities as an employee and a leader in sport.”
Maties Sport has been privileged to have a leader that is focused on a holistic approach for her student-athletes and staff with transformation being of utmost importance. Furthermore, with her guidance, she has helped create an environment that is attractive and lucrative to the outside world, making Stellenbosch University one of the leading destinations of choice for many sporting teams.
She has had many leadership roles in South Africa, one being honourary Vice-President of University Sports South Africa (USSA) having served as President and in other executive capacities. She has been Chef de Mission/Head of Delegation for Team South Africa World Student Games and the Local Organising Committee Chairperson for major events (local and international). Her leadership qualities were further demonstrated when she was elected to serve on the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) board last year and is currently chairing the SASCOC sub-committees of Education and Culture, Coaching and a member of the Remuneration Committee.
Groenewald has been recognized by other bodies for her work in sport, some of her noteworthy accolades include the University of the Western Cape Dean’s Merit Award; the University of the Western Cape Chancellor’s Outstanding Alumni Award; various administration and leadership recognitions and the Sport & Recreation South Africa Ministerial Award in 2019.
Congratulations to our Chief Director Ilhaam Groenewald, this award is extremely well deserving and everyone at Maties Sport is proud to be led by such a well-rounded leader in sport!