VUT photography student appointed Team SA’s Media Liaison for CUCSA Games
25 JULY 2024 | STORY QHAWEKAZI MEMANI. PHOTO VUT.
Kutlwano Prudence Ramokopelwa, an Advanced Diploma in Photography student at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) was appointed as the Media Liaison for Team South Africa for the 21st Confederation of Universities and College Sports Association (CUCSA) Games that took place in Tshwane, South Africa recently.
Originally from Mafikeng in the North West province, Kutlwano is the first-born child of her parents and a dedicated sports enthusiast. She played soccer until last year and now represents VUT in softball.
The University Sports South Africa (USSA) General Delegation Management (GDM) showed their confidence in her abilities, entrusting her with the crucial role of handling media relations for Team SA. While the position does not come with remuneration or allowance, USSA covered her travel and accommodation costs, while the USSA Head Office provided her with administrative support to ensure her success.
Along with five other students selected from various universities, Kutlwano has been covering games for Team SA, including taking pictures and videos. Her first assignment for USSA was during the organization’s 30th-anniversary celebration. Following that, she was assigned to cover the Karate and Bodybuilding tournaments at the USSA Summer Games hosted by NWU Vaal, which took place a week before the CUSCA Games.
The elated Kutlwano expressed her excitement and gratitude, saying, “I am thrilled to have been given this role again and an opportunity to contribute to Team SA’s success at the CUCSA Games. This opportunity is a significant milestone in my career, and I am eager to continue learning and growing through this experience.”
Before enrolling at VUT, Kutlwano attended aviation school, and she says photography was a hobby for her where she’d often capture images with her phone. She adds that friends would often remark on her talent, questioning if she was in the right field. Due to unforeseen circumstances, she had to leave aviation school, which led her to pursue her passion for photography at VUT. In her first year, she realised her passion for action photography, particularly in sports, as she loves to “freeze the motion” and feel the adrenaline.
In a message to her fellow students, she shared these inspiring words: “Never underestimate yourself. Put yourself out there. Sometimes it is hard for females to get recognition, but don’t stop. Block the noise and look forward.”
Dr. Anneke de Klerk, a proud senior lecturer in the Photography section, expressed her admiration: “I am very proud of Kutlwano. She has shown that it pays to go above and beyond the academic requirements of her course. She is currently completing her Advanced Diploma in Photography, focusing on sports photography and commercial photography. I am sure we will still see great sporting moments and personalities captured by her keen eye.”