“I remember watching rugby on TV and being in awe of the players. I then decided to sign up for my high school's rugby team.
It wasn’t just the physical aspect of the game that drew me in, but also the teamwork and the mental toughness required to play. I knew I wanted to be a part of that,” she recalls.
However, turning that dream into reality was not without its challenges. Growing up, opportunities for girls to play rugby were limited, and the sport was often discouraged for females due to its rough nature. But she was determined to find her place in the game, even if it meant being the only girl at the time in her group of friends.
In the quiet, George Campus is a place where students like Nokwanda are not just pursuing their academic dreams but also navigating the complexities of life. For Nokwanda, a young postgraduate student, the journey through university has been anything but straightforward.
Amidst the pressures of academic work and personal challenges, Nokwanda found herself grappling with mental health issues. But through it all, one constant in her life became her lifeline: sport.
“Playing rugby, tremendously helped me balance my thoughts as I found it difficult to talk about my struggles. The stigma surrounding mental health, especially in academic circles, made it hard for me. But rugby was there for me”, recalls Nokwanda.
For Nokwanda, sport became more than just a way to stay physically fit; it became a vital part of her mental health toolkit. The routine of regular exercise helped her regain a sense of control over her life, something that had been missing during her struggle with mental health issues.
“Sport gave me a reason to get out of bed in the morning,” she explains. “It became a way for me to clear my mind and focus on something positive. When I was on the field or running on the track, I didn’t have to think about my problems - I could just be in the moment.”
The support and encouragement she received from others helped her realise that she wasn’t alone in her struggles. Through sport, she built a network of friends who understood the importance of mental well-being and who were there to lift her up when she needed it most.
Moving forward
A big shout-out to Nokwanda Motha, middle, who was part of the SWD Eagles women's team who bested the Leopards 20-16 on Friday to lift the Currie Cup First Division title. We’re so incredibly proud of you, Nokwanda! #MadibazMagic
Today, Nokwanda is still navigating the ups and downs of postgraduate life, but she does so with a renewed sense of resilience. She continues to play sport as a regular part of her routine, knowing that it is an essential tool for maintaining her mental health.
Nokwanda now plays for the South Western Districts (SWD) and recently was part of the Women's Champion League Winners 2024