Not only is the Head of the Stadia and Facilities Unit at eThekwini Municipality, Dr Vusi Mazibuko, the first in his family to obtain a PhD, his daughters also received their degrees during UKZN’s Autumn Graduation ceremonies. The eldest, Thabisile, was awarded a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), while Aphile-Amanzima received her honours in Public Policy and Development.
Mazibuko developed a passion for sports from an early age. ‘To many, sport is a hobby, but for me it’s a passion,’ he said. He served the Umlazi Football Association in his home township from the early age of 14 and devoted many years to supporting the struggle for non-racial sport.
His study aimed to develop a sports transformation model to guide bidding for, and hosting mega-sports events, particularly in developing countries. Inspired by the King Protea, the model is driven by three constructs, namely, participation in sports and the health benefits, improved sporting facilities and transformation in sports; and promotion of social cohesion and nation building.
Mazibuko intends to use this qualification to continue to impact sports in the country, as well as to improve his current working environment.
Words: Mandisa Shozi
Photograph: Rajesh Jantilal