“The 2026 VUT Sports Seminar brought together experts and students to explore sport management careers, networking, and industry readiness opportunities.”
02 June 2026 | Story by: Ntando Zengele | Picture: Supplied
3 minutes read time.
For many aspiring sport management professionals, success begins long before entering the boardroom, stadium, or television studio. It starts with building relationships, gaining practical experience, and learning from those already shaping the industry.
This was the central message of the 2026 VUT Sports Seminar, hosted by the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Sport Management Academic Council (SMAC) on 22 May 2026. The seminar provided students with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with professionals from various sectors of the sport industry and gain insights into potential career pathways.
Planned and executed entirely by students, the event aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice. The seminar brought together sport scientists, coaches, media practitioners, sport administrators, and community sport leaders who shared their experiences and advice with aspiring sport management professionals.
A recurring theme throughout the seminar was the importance of networking, volunteering, and building meaningful professional relationships. Speakers encouraged students to actively seek opportunities to gain practical experience while developing the connections necessary to thrive in a competitive industry. Keynote speaker Ms Yoliswa Lumka highlighted the importance of understanding the broader sport ecosystem. She reminded students that while athletes are often the most visible figures in sport, countless professionals work behind the scenes to ensure the success of teams, events, and organisations.
“The sport industry offers opportunities far beyond what people see on the field of play. Whether your passion lies in management, media, coaching, science or administration, there is a place for you. The key is to remain curious, build relationships and be willing to learn from every experience,” said Ms Lumka.
Community sport leaders Mr Kagiso Mogorosi and Mr Victor Matshogo encouraged students to become involved in grassroots sport initiatives. They emphasised that volunteering provides valuable hands-on experience while allowing students to contribute positively to community development. Mr Mogorosi noted that sport management graduates can play an important role in bringing structure, professionalism, and sustainability to local sport programmes.
Sports media personality Ms Kgopotso Thabane and RESA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Xolani Mathumbo focused on personal branding and strategic networking. They urged students to seek mentorship opportunities, increase their professional visibility, and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow within the industry.
Representing the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (GDSAC), Mr Sechaba Songhane encouraged students to explore government-supported sport development programmes as potential entry points into the profession.
The seminar concluded with an interactive panel discussion and networking session, providing students with the opportunity to engage directly with industry experts, ask questions, and establish professional connections.
SMAC Chairperson Mr Lukhanyo Dumani said the council remains committed to ensuring that VUT Sport Management graduates leave the University equipped not only with academic qualifications but also with the practical skills and industry exposure required to succeed.
“Our goal is to create platforms that connect students with the realities of the sport industry. We want graduates to leave VUT not only with a qualification, but with the confidence, networks and practical understanding needed to make an impact from day one,” said Mr Dumani.
Following the success of the seminar, SMAC plans to host additional networking workshops, career development initiatives, and mock interview sessions throughout the year to further support student growth and industry readiness.