The Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) successfully held the 4th FISU-FASU-NUSF Strategic Dialogue and General Assembly, between the 4th and 6th of May in Johannesburg, South Africa at the University of the Witwatersrand. 

The theme for the 4rd FISU-FASU-NUSF Strategic Dialogue was "Unlocking Africa’s Potential".

It started with a panel discussion, moderated by Mr Samkelo Radebe who is a South African Paralympic sprint runner and high jumper. The panel also included FISU Acting President Mr Leonz Eder. Inclusion and leadership in University Sports were highlighted, among other key topics.

The panel discussion was wrapped up with an important quote made by Ms Lwandile Simelane the SASCOC 1st Vice president, saying: "We need to follow leadership structures to implement representation and also include the right people on organizational boards to help us drive inclusivity in sport". 

The second-panel discussion of the day, gave an overview of the diversity of Administrative structuring of secretariats in African NUSFs. Later in the day, Mr Eric Saintrond, the General Secretary of FISU in his interview emphasized the fact that “Education and sport are important tools for success and as FISU we have and are trying to assist African countries to develop”.

Ms Rachel Makhura, sports media specialist moderated the next palen discussion of the day that brought in speakers,  to unpack social media as a tool for developing university sports in Africa. "Social media has many uses including marketing and reporting on students' news. The marketing of a sports brand driven through social media can also help generate revenue for institutions and we continue to encourage students to familiarize themselves with it", said Mr Emmanuel Aupal (FASU Media). 

On the other hand, Mr Skhu Nkomphela who is responsible for FISU & FASU Media made an eye-opening comment on how Africa and the African University Sports should be treated; “As a continent, we need to position FASU as a brand, a unique brand not as an organization, so that it is sellable in the outside”

Among the speakers was also University Sport Company CEO, Mr Flip van Zyl who presented to the international delegates at the FASU Strategic Dialogue, the relationship between USSA and USC in growing sport in South Africa. Mr Flip Van Zyl later received an award from the FASU, for successfully hosting a Strategic Dialogue and General Assembly at Wits Sport Hall.

At the General Assembly, held on 6th of May, the new Executive Committee of the Federation of Africa University Sports has been elected, with Prof. Dr. Ashraf Sobhy elected as the new FASU President for the 2024-2027. 

Additionally, congratulations were expressed for Ms Peninnah Kabenge who has been re-elected to the position of Secretary General of FASU. Additionally, Ms Chidiebere Ezeani, Acting General Secretary of the Nigerian University Games Association has been elected into the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) as an Auditor.

Certificates of appreciation and accolades were also awarded, to important members as a recognition for their outstanding work at FASU. 

For more information, please see https://africauniversitysports.com and www.fisu.net