News

The Department of Sport Science, physical education and coaching recently hosted a stakeholder engagement meeting aimed at refining and modernising its academic programme as it prepares for its upcoming accreditation review.  In attendance were gym executives, sport science teachers, fitness experts and representatives from sporting institutions, who contributed insights on curriculum improvement.

Speaking at the meeting, Senior Lecturer and Acting Head of the Sport Science Department, Dr Dawn Tladi, observed that stakeholder participation was essential in shaping programmes that produced graduates who were ready for the demands of the industry.

During the engagement, stakeholders discussed current labour market trends and highlighted several skills gaps within the sport, fitness and wellness sectors. They underscored the need for graduates who possessed both strong technical abilities such as sport analytics, exercise physiology and practical coaching and equally important soft skills such as communication, client engagement and digital literacy.

In addition, the participants noted that while graduates often demonstrated sound theoretical understanding, more exposure to real world training environments and hands on practice would significantly strengthen their readiness for employment. They highlighted challenges they encountered with interns that were usually deployed in their organisations.

Furthermore, participants stressed the rising influence of technology within the sport science industry and encouraged the department to align its programmes with modern tools and innovations. They cited the increasing use of digital training platforms, performance tracking devices and virtual coaching systems as areas where students should gain competence to remain competitive in the evolving landscape of sport and wellness.

Moreover, Senior Lecturer in Sport Management, Dr Lobone Kasale, expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback and reaffirmed commitment to integrating such insights into its programme review process. By working closely with stakeholders, the Department of Sport Science aims to ensure that its curriculum remains responsive to industry expectations and contributes meaningfully to the broader goals of national wellness, sport development and economic growth.