Being married to stand-up comedian Afzal Khan has clearly had its benefits, because gsport’s first Woman of the Month for 2010 is a professional woman with a lot of achievements under her belt. Currently the Head of Department of Sport and Recreation in KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (a position held since 1 March 2005), this former teacher has gone much further than a Higher Diploma in Education specialising in Physical Education and Sport from the (then) University of Durban – Westville may suggest.

She is a recipient of Cricket South Africa Scholarship to study for a diploma in Sport Management at London School of Business Management, and has also completed a Certificate in Leadership and Change Management, with INTAN in Malaysia.

More impressive still is her dedication as a Physical Education teacher for 17 years, coaching various sports codes, been one of the founding members of Women’s Cricket in KZN and serving on the KZN Cricket, and having been selected to the advisory team on Women and Sport reporting to the former Minister of Sport, the late Steve Tshwete.

Some of this passion for progress must have found roots in the stimulation and learning experiences gained from living in an extended family, where grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins all shared a very large house, while attending the University of Durban Westville at the height of the struggle against apartheid, she had the privilege of interacting with some of the most amazing and brave student leaders.

Having being part of establishing the new Department of Sport and Recreation in KwaZulu-Natal in 2004, this Woman of the Month counts as a point of pride the fact that she was one of two senior managers with a small team that worked together with the MEC to structure and resource this Department, through which it has been possible to provide opportunities for participation and the development of Sport and Recreation to the mostly disadvantaged people living in the most rural areas of the province.

Her message to South Africa is an urge that we all aspire to being “A better human being everyday.” It is our honour to introduce gsport’s first Woman of the Month for 2010: Sumayya Khan!

Hello Sumayya, great to talk to you! Where were you born, and where do you live now?

I was born in Clare Estate, Durban many moons ago!!! I now live on the Esplanade in Durban. I think KwaZulu-Natal is one of those most exciting provinces to live in. We have the sea, mountains, historical battlefields, game parks, a diverse mix of people and a climate to envy.

I’m certain that as much as the more popular football teams will be based elsewhere in the country during the World Cup, Durban weather during June and July will bring them here.

What makes you a proud South African?

Despite the fact that we are a fledgling democracy, we have achieved much. Whilst there are many who are pessimistic, the spirit and the will of the people to contribute to making South Africa a better country is truly amazing.

Your bio at the KwaZulu-Natal Sport and Recreation website reads like an exercise in corporate governance, how did you come into this position?

It’s been hard work and passion! I am really passionate about sport. This led to me giving of myself to serve voluntarily on various sports structures. I also feel passionate about developing people.

I am an honest and humble person. I believe in commitment and dedication, and I don’t miss an opportunity to learn from anyone or any situation.

This helped in acquiring vast knowledge and experience over the years, and hence my initial employment and subsequent elevation up the ranks to the administrative Head and Accounting Officer.

What are your aspirations in this very influential position?

To ensure that we take sports development to every ward in the province. It may not be possible to take all priority codes of sport, but those that lend itself to participation on any terrain.

To provide greater opportunities for people to participate for the purpose of leisure time pursuits and to promote active and healthy lifestyles (Community Recreation). A strategy and policy for Sport in schools.

Greater co-ordination between various stakeholders, namely municipalities, sports federations, other Government Departments, NGO’S, establishment of provincial and district Sports Councils, and to use sport as a vehicle for behavioural change, social cohesion and economic development.

What does your job entail on a day-to-day basis?

Strategic Leadership and management: Strategic meetings and direction with senior management and reporting to and advising the MEC. Representing the Department at government cluster level, cabinet meetings, meetings with Parliament. Overall management of the Department. Monitoring and evaluation.

Client Orientation and Customer Focus: Attending to community and stakeholder requests and queries. Consultation with stakeholders, attending Izimbizo, etc.

Financial management: Accounting Officer: Manage preparation of budget, liaising with Provincial Treasury and cash etc.

Also project and programme management, people management and empowerment (Human Resource matters, recruitment, HR Policy practice), communication (Media, reports, parliamentary question responses, cabinet documentation, change management, and not forgetting problem solving (conflict management and resolutions).

The exciting part is that no two days are the same. The environment is dynamic, ever-changing and challenging. The rewarding part is that you get to touch so many lives on a daily basis.

You serve under a woman, the Hon. Mrs Weziwe Gcotyelwa Thusi, MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, a person who has contributed significantly to the growth of women’s movement in South Africa: - What do you make of the fact that South Africa has so many strong women contributing towards the growth of this country?

Women’s traditional roles of home-maker entailed that they played many roles in the home both as managers and implementers. The fact that so many of them were children and partners of either migrant workers or men in exile, meant that they had to be fend for themselves in the absence of men. This confirmed the ability of many women to be leaders.

The natural instinct of women as mothers and care givers to multi-task has ensured that their strength of character manifested itself when they were given opportunities to take positions of power.

Policy and legislation has also assisted in providing opportunities for women to take on roles of decision makers.

My MEC, Mama Weziwe is a great motivator and role model, encouraging women to be strong and attending to the multitude of responsibilities as MEC for two labour-intensive Departments, as well as fulfilling her political responsibilities as a member of Cabinet, Parliament and committees and contributing to community life.

Considering your accomplishments, what career highlight that you can pick out, that gives you the most pride?

It has to be my initiative as a middle manager in 2000, when we started a walking programme for girls in schools. The incentive was that they would be entered in the Spar Ladies Race, which is the biggest 10km race for women with participation figures reaching approximately 15 000.

An opportunity has been provided since then to assist young girls and women to compete in this race every year. Whilst about 600 girls get to participate in the main event, about 1000 women participate in the district selection races across the province.

Many of these athletes during the early days, from Nongoma, Nqutu, and Vryheid ran barefoot and successful earned positions in the top 20, running with seasoned athletes. Many have been identified and coached to represent the province in track and field championships.

These women are transported to the race, entry fees paid, accommodation and meals provided. The Department was co-naming sponsor of the race in 2009.

2010 has finally arrived, a year for which South Africa has waited a long time – Do you feel a momentum building the country, as we prepare to host some of the world’s premier athletes?

I have been fortunate that I have been part of the entire 2010 initiative from the day of the announcement on 15 May 2004 to being part of formulating the 2010 and beyond strategy for the Province as well as attending meetings where the country’s plans have been articulated.

It is so exciting to see how these strategies have translated into action. The completion of the stadia, the major road infrastructure is nearing completion. I have had the opportunity to visit four host cities, and definitely we on track to host the greatest showpiece in the World during June/July 2010.

People like to say that sport can change lives: - Is this true?

Most definitely! I see living examples on a daily basis. Unemployed youth in communities who are part of our mass participation programme, are using the stipends to feed their families thus alleviating poverty and providing food security and a fair percentage have gone on to secure better job opportunities.

Some use the stipend to pay for their studies. One volunteer, a former prison inmate, vouched for the fact the sport gave him an opportunity to re-integrate into society, and he was using this to educate young people on the dangers of engaging in crime.

Through sport, athletes have had the opportunity to travel to areas and countries that they would not have otherwise had a chance to.

Sport promotes social cohesion; winning Rugby World Cup brought us together as a nation. Sport is also used as a vehicle for peace and development, and sport and physical activity can assist in the prevention of lifestyle diseases and promote awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Not forgetting that sport during the apartheid era was used to isolate South Africa, thus assisting in the fight against apartheid.

Who would you like to acknowledge for having had faith in you, and having supported your career choices?

It has to be firstly my family. I have a wonderful relationship with them. My husband is my biggest fan! He has had to take charge of the kids on the many occasions I’ve been away from home, has had to relinquish his vehicle in the days when I was still a volunteer and juggles his schedule to ensure he makes time for me and to accompany me on the many sports events I attend. I enjoy a special and different relationship with each of my children. I enjoy playing the traditional role of being mother, cook, wife, daughter, sister to all those dear to me.

I must also express my appreciation to the political leadership who have had faith in me and entrusted me with the responsibility of leading this new Department. I also enjoyed the support of work colleagues and dear friends.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

“Honesty and hard work”, and “Don’t be afraid”.

What makes you passionate about sport?

Sport is so dynamic. Seeing the excitement on the faces of young children who just want to play. It is so rewarding to see how young people develop through a programmatic approach to sport, teaching skills, rules of games and then watching how these skills translate into action, leading to talent identification and high performance.

Also through sport young people learn discipline, respect, teamwork, being good losers and humble winners. The fact that sport has this ability to change lives.

Sport has given me the opportunity to meet and interact with so many wonderful people and to be involved in so many exciting activities that have helped me grow both personally and professionally and to also contribute my expertise to the development of Sport in South Africa.

The adrenalin rush of high performance events. I must see the 100m-sprint event at the Olympic Games before I die!

How do you keep fit?

Walk a lot. I used to be much disciplined for the last three years, and tried to get to gym at least three times a week. Haven’t been so good recently …

Who are your favourite sports stars?

I have great respect for athletes from KZN. Hashim Amla is such a fantastic cricketer, friendly, humble, dedicated, God fearing. He is a great role model.

Sindy Gumede, a National Netball player from Zululand who despite her challenges has been so successful in her career.

I also feel very proud of Imran Khan, the captain of the Dolphins cricket team, whom I have seen develop over the years. I was the cricket coach when he was playing Mini Cricket. I have fond memories of also being a scorer at some of the matches during his primary school cricket days.

I also greatly admire Siphamandla Gumbi, a Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball player from KZN. He is so positive and passionate about his sport and about life in general.

What is your favourite spectator sport?

Football. I try and watch as much on television and attend as many live matches as possible. I also watch and attend as much International cricket matches as possible. Can’t beat the test matches, but there’s great excitement in the limited overs.

Which sport would you most like to participate in, if you were a professional athlete?

Dance Sport. It is so graceful everyone looks like they having fun. Something I will definitely enjoy.

gsport takes relish in celebrating femininity. What does it mean to you to be a woman?

Being able to balance my professional and personal life. Being able to share my life experiences with others in order to motivate them. I consider myself to be an ordinary woman who has achieved extraordinary things.

I enjoy the simple things in life. Spending time with those I hold dear and add value to my life. Enjoying a host of recreational activities, like going to the theatre, movies, shopping, and beauty treatments. Weekends away when I can.

What is your biggest wish for 2010?

To see South Africa host a successful 2010.

To ensure that our strategy leaves a legacy that will be felt years beyond 2010. I am confident that SA will not be the same post 2010. We will definitely benefit especially from the major infrastructural developments.

What inspires you?

Enthusiastic people who do what they say they will do. People who are focused and show initiative. People who share my passion for sport.

Your message to South Africa?

We have a responsibility as the citizens of this country to utilize our skills to contribute to making South Africa a “better place for all who live in it”.

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