Eastern Province long jump record holder Nikithemba Hani has succeeded through his athletics prowess but says it was only possible because of some influential teachers – now he is keen to start his own teaching career.
The 3rd year IIE Bachelor of Education student is enrolled at Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay) on a sports bursary. He set the Eastern Province long jump record last year with 7.94m when he won gold at the 2023 University Sports South Africa (USSA’s) and placed 7th at the 2023 World University Games held in China. Hani recently participated in a few of the 2024 Eastern Province athletics meets and has placed 1st in most of them.
“I aspire to be a teacher who creates a love for athletics at schools, develops raw talent and contributes to the development of learners with not only their academics but their athletic abilities. I was inspired by my English teacher Miss Melanie Van Heerden in primary school who encouraged me to join the school’s long jump team. She ignited my love for long jump, believed in me and planted the seed of the importance of education through athletics. As a result of blending education and athletics, I was awarded a sports bursary by The IIE’s Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay it has changed my life for the better. I want to be that teacher who inspires learners and who helps them to work towards their goals, just like my teacher did,” said Hani.
The Olympic hopeful is working on retaining and defending many of his titles this year and to break or improve on a few more records.
Leave a Reply