Meet the dedicated individuals working behind the scenes to inspire, uplift, and transform communities through sport.
Kgabo is a seasoned South African public sector executive currently serving as Chief Director in the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). She has built a career in government administration, focusing on management, sport, recreation, transport and higher education policy implementation.
She has held progressive leadership roles across South African government departments.
Earlier positions include Project Manager for Sport and Recreation Facilities Management at the National Sport Council (1996–1999) and Sport Manager at the University of Pretoria (1994–1996). She has served as the office manager of Gauteng 2010 World cup office.
As chairperson of Gauteng Women and Sport South Africa (WASSA) which was formally established as a post-apartheid drive to transform the sporting landscape, promote gender equality, and redress the imbalances faced by women and girls in sports; she also served on the then Minister’s Advisory Committee.
With a deep passion for integrating physical and mental health, Prof. du Toit’s expertise spans Neuroscience, Exercise Science, Neuroscience of Leadership, Education, Brain Fitness, and Performance Enhancement. His work emphasizes corporate, sport, school, university and individual performance assessments, providing comprehensive health, educational and performance interventions.
Engela currently lives in Australia and teaches at La Trobe University. She became involved with Altus Sport while lecturing at UP. Outreach projects are her passion and she specializes in research focusing on achieving development goals through sport. She completed her B(Mus) UP; BA(HMS) UP; Sport Science honours (cum laude) UP; BA(Psychology) honours (cum laude) UNISA; MA(HMS) UP and obtained D(Phil) Specialisation Sport and Recreation Management.
Dr Masinga holds a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Social Work. Currently she is the Head of the Faculty of Social Work and Community Development at the South African College of Applied Psychology. She served two terms as ASASWEI President (2021-2025) and is current Research Associate at the Faculty of Social Work and Community Development at University of Johannesburg. She is also current Chairperson of the International Association of Social Work with Groups (IASWG)- Africa & South Africa Chapters. Her interest lies in community development, social policy, social development, immigration issues, green social work and sustainable development, advocating for social, economic and environmental justice and promoting youth development.
She is a passionate and dedicated individual who holds a Master’s degree in Criminology and works the head of investigations, combining her analytical skills with a deep commitment to justice and positive impact. She also has a qualification in trauma counselling and is particularly passionate about supporting trauma survivors and creating safe, empowering spaces for healing. She believes that meaningful change is built through compassion, collaboration and continuous growth. Sarah is deeply involved in mental health issues and has an open door policy towards the Youth Sport Leaders.
I am a retired teacher, sport fanatic and coach, Physical Education lecturer and District School Sports & Mass Participation Coordinator. My love for sport encouraged me to study a Degree in Physical Education. During my time as a lecturer at the College of Education, I participated as a team member in the International Aerobics & Dance Sport in Netherlands – obtained a silver medal! My 21 years’ experience in different levels of the Department of Education allowed me the platform of being an organising official at the National Summer, Winter, Spring & Athletics School Sport games. Was also involved in 2010 FIFA World Cup. Working with different youths gave me the opportunity to understand the issues pertaining the youth.
Tania is a Chartered Accountant and she currently works as a Group IFRS Reporting Accountant at Momentum Group Limited.
Tania is passionate about finance. Her fair and caring nature makes her a good team player.
She enjoys spending time collaborating on new ideas and is excited about the future as a South African and global citizen.
Tania has a passion for children and due to her love for sport she is enthusiastic to plough back in sport for development.
Gert is the co-founder of Altus Sport in 1994. His passion is Olympic Education and Values and was the founder of the first Olympic Academy of South Africa. He is a former Olympian, elected SA men’s athlete of the century in 2000, former world record holder and also played provincial rugby. Inaugurated in the SA Hall of Fame. He wrote several coaching publications and lectured internationally on sport and Olympic education. In 2016 he was awarded as ambassador of SSCN. Accredited sport facilitator, assessor and moderator.
Co-founder of Altus Sport Liana has travelled widely internationally concerning sport and recreation including sessions on the Olympic Idea and its values in Olympia, Greece. A former professional tennis coach who wrote several publications on sport coaching and Olympic Education. Former Executive Member of the Tshwane Sport Council and a member of the Gauteng Coaches Commission. Currently serves on the international Safeguarding Committee of Common Goal. A qualified sport facilitator, assessor and moderator.
As co-founder of Altus Sport, Gert brings heaps of energy and knowledge to the team. He is well known in the sport fraternity as well as in all the community structures. As a former Olympian, he is the driving force behind Olympic Education. He is an active member of the International Olympic Academy Participants Committee (IOAPA)
Studied Phys Ed at Stellenbosch University and became a professional tennis coach. With a vast experience in sport coaching, international & national recreation and Olympic Education, Liana has compiled various publications and is responsible for the curriculum and manuals of the various Life’s a Ball projects. Due to numerus sport management workshops presented in the disadvantaged areas, Liana and Gert has become well known in the communities. Liana is a member of the Safeguarding Committee of Common Goal.
Samantha has been part of Altus Sport for over a decade and currently serves as the MEL and Programme Manager. Her work focuses on using sport as a powerful tool to build resilience, confidence, leadership, empowerment and life skills in young people and communities.
She plays a key role in strengthening programme quality, guiding facilitators and Youth Sport Leaders and ensuring that initiatives are values-driven, ethical and impactful. She works closely with partners and donors to ensure that programmes not only inspire participants but also create measurable, lasting outcomes.
With a Master’s degree and over 17 years of experience in learning and leadership development, Samantha combines strategic insight with hands-on experience in the field. She is an accredited facilitator, assessor and moderator and an Experiential Learning Outdoor Education practitioner and trainer.
She is a multiple South African Clay Target Shooting Champion and her journey as a national athlete has deeply influenced her belief in goal setting, resilience, discipline and trusting the process.
Zi studied Political Leadership and Citizenship and then obtained a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Development Studies which equipped him with advanced knowledge and understanding of the global dynamics, recent debates, theories and symptomatic issues.
His interest lies in themes of human security, safety, and resilience in the development context, such as sustainable livelihoods, food security, and responses to economic insecurity, pandemics, environmental disasters, violence and conflict.
Also holds certificates in:
– Social inclusion and gender equity through sports: Sport Dans La Ville – 2024
– Empowering New Voices Through Education and Sport Training: North Carolina State University/ Cape Peninsula University of Technology – 2024
Throughout most of my life, figures have been a constant presence. Growing up with a mother who was a bookkeeper, our dinner table often played host to her ledgers, large books, and a calculator adorned with long strips of paper. The world of numbers fascinated me from an early age. After completing my matriculation at a Commercial High School many years ago, I seamlessly continued along that path, gaining valuable lessons from the University of Life.
For over thirty years, I have served as a Bookkeeper and Financial Manager. My journey began in the corporate realm, where I steadily climbed the professional ladder. In 2013, I transitioned to the NGO sector, a move that exposed me to a new world of challenges and opportunities. This shift has instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude, knowing that I can contribute my expertise to a sector that truly needs and deserves it.
Highly passionate and driven professional with a strong background in sports management. Joined Altus Sports in 2015 and was appointed Youth Sport Leader Manager in 2023. Had the opportunity to travel to Singapore.
Dedicated to empowering youth in townships, inspiring them to dream bigger and achieve more. Passionate about transforming perspectives and fostering growth.
Currently on hold from studying a Higher Certificate in Accounting with UNISA.
Sandy is a youth sport leader and driven by a deep passion for sport and youth development. With a background in sports management, she intentionally pursued a career in the sport for development sector to make a meaningful impact in her community. At the 2024 Olympic Games in France, she proudly represented Altus Sport at a youth Olympic festival, where she had the honour of presenting the festival oath. Her dedication and contribution was further recognised at the South African Youth Awards for championing diversity and inclusion through the Altus Sport programme.
