SAUSSA

Excitement Builds for the 23rd Annual SAUSSA Games in Zimbabwe! As the calendar turns to December, the stage is set for one of the most exciting and anticipated events in Southern African university sports—the 23rd edition of the SAUSSA Games, hosted this year by the Zimbabwe Open University. From December 1–6, 2024, over 21 universities from countries including Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa will descend upon Zimbabwe, all in pursuit of glory for their nations and institutions and most importantly to promote wellness and promote social cohesion among university employees through sport. Under the unifying theme of “Fostering Regional Integration through Sports”, this year’s games promise to be bigger and better, blending athletic excellence with cultural exchange. The SAUSSA Games (Southern African Universities Staff Sports Association) are not just about competition; they are about bringing together academic institutions to build friendships, promote unity, and celebrate the diversity of southern Africa. A Showcase of Sporting Talent The games will be mouthwatering, with athletes competing across a wide range of sporting codes. From the electrifying pace of athletics, to the skillful tactics of soccer, netball, and basketball, this year’s event will see the very best from each university put their talents to the test. Among the other popular sporting codes are Volleyball, Tennis, and Tug-of-war, alongside indoor events like Basketball, Darts, Chess, and the ever-popular Super 8 Pool. Each sporting discipline offers a chance for athletes to shine and represents an opportunity for universities to showcase their prowess on the regional stage. A Spirit of Unity and Regional Collaboration The theme “Fostering Regional Integration through Sports” reflects the deep spirit of camaraderie that these games embody. More than just a battle for medals and trophies, the SAUSSA Games encourage regional collaboration and cultural exchange. As athletes from various countries gather in Zimbabwe, they will not only compete but also share their experiences, cultures, and perspectives, helping to bridge the divide between nations. This theme resonates strongly as Southern Africa continues to strengthen ties across borders. The SAUSSA Games provide an excellent platform for universities to play their part in advancing regional integration through sport, fostering long-lasting relationships that transcend the boundaries of the playing field. Zimbabwe Ready to Welcome the Region Zimbabwe is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this year’s SAUSSA Games are a success. The Zimbabwe Open University, as the host institution, has promised top-notch facilities, vibrant cultural showcases, and a warm welcome to participants and visitors alike. With the event's reputation growing every year, the 2024 edition is expected to draw record crowds, as sports fans, students, and staff from across Southern Africa travel to witness the exhilarating action. The Games will not only highlight Zimbabwe’s hospitality but also its growing stature as a key player in regional sports and cultural events. Join the Excitement! Whether you are an athlete, coach, student, or fan, the SAUSSA Games 2024 promise to be an unforgettable experience. Stay tuned as the competition heats up from December 1–6, and witness the best Southern Africa has to offer as they battle it out for bragging rights, national pride, and sporting glory. Let the countdown to the SAUSSA Games begin!

The meeting started in the morning with the presentation on the preparedness of Zimbabwe Open University to host this year’s 23rd SAUSSA edition that takes place from 1st- 6th December, 2024. The afternoon meeting continued with facilities inspection at the venues earmarked for the tournament - Belvedere Technical Teachers College [ BTTC] and Harare Institute of Technology [HIT] and a review was followed. ZOU Local Organizing Committee has been commended for working tirelessly to ensure that the tournament is successful. The meeting also made recommendations on areas that require attention. In his remarks The President for SAUSSA Mr. Simon Makena says he is confident that by the time we do the games everything is in place and he is also happy that the meeting went on well and very fruitful and hopes that the spirit continues. The meeting comes few months before the time and we expect all the 21 universities to attend. The theme for this year’s games is Fostering Regional Integration Through Sports. SAUSSA Publicity#SAUSSA#

The purpose of this meeting is primarily to finalize the preparations for the 23rd Edition of SAUSSA Games, to be held at Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) from December 1–6, 2024. All 21 Chairpersons of member universities are expected to attend to ensure that the 23rd Edition of SAUSSA Games becomes one of the most memorable events in SAUSSA history.

Member Universities gather annually in December with the aim of taking part in the recreational, sports, arts and cultural activities, and this gathering happens on a rotational basis among member universities.

A resounding round of applause is due to North-West University for hosting a successful 22nd edition of the SAUSSA Games. 19 universities from 8 SADC countries participated in the games. For the first time in the history of the tournament, a record 1, 600+ participants converged at the Mahikeng campus for a wonderful week of games. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bismarck Tyobela, officially opened the games on the morning of 11 December, 2023. The official opening was preceded by a march by all universities from Mega City to the Great Hall. Charity Project: The charity project was a monetary donation to the non-governmental-organization (NGO), Men for Real. The NGO was established in 2006 with the intention and mandate to provide a safe home for the man and the boy child against gender-based violence and other social ills. The mandate is to bridge the gap in society where the man and the boy child are under serviced by the available programmes and interventions. SAUSSA donated a R10, 000.00 cheque to the organization for it to use for its most pressing need. Culture Night: The occasion was graced by the Mahikeng Executive Mayor who also provided an appreciation address to the participants. Various universities, namely University of Eswatini, National University of Lesotho, University of Zambia and the University of Limpopo, shared and showcased their traditional dances. A local traditional group, also provided entertainment. The closing ceremony was on the evening of Friday 15th December. The ceremony was marked by the award ceremony to all winners of the various games, including the overall winner’s trophy that was scooped by the University of Zimbabwe. Congratulations to UZ. Participants departed for their respective homes on Saturday morning.  The results of the games are attached.

The AGM, is the highest authoritative body of SAUSSA and shall establish the policies to be followed in carrying out the aims and objectives of SAUSSA as set forth in the SAUSSA constitution, including the authority to elect the executive members of SAUSSA and to remove the same for just cause; to enact; amend or repeal provisions of this constitution and of membership of existing members for just cause, and to establish other general policies of SAUSSA

The purpose of this meeting is mainly to finalize the preparations of the 22nd Edition of SAUSSA Games and also to consider some administrative matters before tabling at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The purpose of this meeting is mainly to finalize the preparations of the 22nd Edition of SAUSSA Games which include facility inspections and also consider some administrative matters deferred to by the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Management Committee (MANCO) meeting.

SAUSSA Family, It is with great pleasure to share with you that our hosts for the forthcoming 21st Edition of SAUSSA Games have officially launched the SAUSSA 2022 Charity Program, ALREADY! On the 22nd of July 2022 the hosts successfully launched the 21st SAUSSA GAMES PROJECT GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY* at Palapye Swallows Grounds(please see photos). The Project is aimed at building the modern day environmentally friendly toilet system for the Sports Grounds of the neighboring community. Key amongst the dignitaries at launch was the BIUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Otlogetswe Totolo, the Ag Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration Mr. Davies Tele, the CSR Project Chairperson Mrs. Lorato Makwala and our very own, SAUSSA President Mr. Simon Makena, Vice-President Technical Mr K Bagai and Treasurer General Dr F. Thosago. MANCO remains grateful to those Member Universities who have already paid up for their annual subscription and in the same token urge those outstanding to wait no longer as those little contributions are needed for the purpose of this project going forward. We further ask all Sport Loving Partners to support this life-changing initiative by donating any relevant building material for this project and/or small donation of any amount. To donate, please feel free to contact SAUSSA Secretariat at sg@saussa.net. Thank you for joining our selfless efforts, it is supporters like you that help us change the world every day. MANCO remains grateful to the BIUST Management and Staff Sports family for a very successful Project launch. Clearly, BIUST is out to make EXCELLENCE not an act but a HABIT.

Member Universities gather annually in December with the aim of taking part in the recreational, sports, arts and cultural activities, and this gathering happens on a rotational basis among member universities

On 04 December 2022, 18 Universities from 8 SADC countries descended on BIUST in Palapye, Botswana, for the 21st edition of the SAUSSA Games. The weeklong menu was an array of 10 sporting activities from athletics to ball sports to board games and racquet games. The opening of the games was preceded by a parade by the participants led by the local artist, Dr Vom. The BIUST Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Elisha Shemang, officially opened the games on the evening of 4 December. A keynote address was delivered by Ms. Boineelo Hardy, the Vice President of the Botswana National Olympics Committee. Within the week-long of activities, SAUSSA has set aside a time for it to give back to the host community. It is a time set aside to embrace the community and give thanks to the community by show of a small token of appreciation. The 21st edition saw for the first time that a lasting memento was left for the community; a memento that stands to benefit the community in years to come. This time around, the community give back was a donation of an ablution block at Palapye Swallows grounds. The handover of the block was steered by BIUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Totolo, who together with the SAUSSA President, Mr. Simon Makena, unveiled the plaque, symbolizing the handover and the official opening of the ablution block on 7 December 2022. In the evening, universities celebrated their cultural heritage through their regalia and enjoyed Tswana culture served to them by BOSETU Cultural Group and band, and Khuduthamaga Cultural Group. The closing curtain on the games rolled in on the evening of Friday 9 December. The closing remarks were delivered by Prof. Abraham Ogwu, BIUST deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Development & Innovation; with entertainment provided by the legendary guitarist Mr. George Swabi. Participants departed for their respective homes on Saturday morning. Despite the busy schedule of activities, participants still found time to socialize and network at the Lapa, the entertainment centre and meeting place for all throughout the games. It was a packed but fun week at BIUST. Attached are the results of the games.

This meeting is meant to provide the new Management Committee (MANCO) with the information they will need to seamlessly takeover responsibilities from the previous leadership. It will also provide an opportunity for MANCO to define its vision and identify its SAUSSA's goals and objectives for the next 2 years.

The AGM, is the highest authoritative body of SAUSSA and shall establish the policies to be followed in carrying out the aims and objectives of SAUSSA as set forth in the SAUSSA constitution, including the authority to elect the executive members of SAUSSA and to remove the same for just cause; to enact; amend or repeal provisions of this constitution and of membership of existing members for just cause, and to establish other general policies of SAUSSA

The 20th Edition of SAUSSA Games was held at the Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi Campus. The games comprised of 19 affiliated member universities from eight SADC countries who gathered in a week-long tournament to showcase their sporting prowess and cultural diversity. SAUSSA member universities host this spectacle on a rotational basis. This beautiful tournament attracted between 1000-1300 participants representing different backgrounds but united in one vision.

The 19th Edition of SAUSSA Games was held at the University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus. The games comprised of 19 affiliated member universities from eight SADC countries who gathered in a week-long tournament to showcase their sporting prowess and cultural diversity. SAUSSA member universities host this spectacle on a rotational basis. This beautiful tournament attracted between 1000-1300 participants representing different backgrounds but united in one vision.