In a first for South African Schools rugby, a woman has been selected as a provincial chairperson.
Valerie Witbooi has taken over from Gerald Antonie as the chairperson of the Eastern Province High Schools Rugby Association (EPHSRA).
Antonie has recently stepped into the position as the president of EP Rugby.
Under his leadership the EPHSRA was one of the shining lights with solid performances on and off the field in difficult times for rugby in the province.
Witbooi, a teacher at Chatty Senior Secondary School in Bethelsdorp, Gqeberha, is highly respected in school rugby circles.
After an executive meeting yesterday, Witbooi was selected. She took up her duties as acting chairperson from today and will hold the position till the annual general meeting of the EPHSRA in November.
“We make history as no provincial setup has made any woman the chairperson. Gender equality is key to us,” the secretary of the EPHSRA, Neville Botha, explained.
For Witbooi a democratic leadership style is important.
“Everyone in the executive will contribute to the success of EP on and off the field,” Witbooi said.
“The development at grassroot level is of utmost importance,” Witbooi said when she referred to the FNB Grassroots to greatness programme.
She feels strongly about four lessons that must be learned when you are a leader in the sport.
Witbooi names them as communication, learning from the past but still open to new ideas, seeking information from other leaders and setting out clear expectations.
“This will ensure the team works together in the same direction,” she added.
Witbooi has done stellar work, especially to strengthen the structures of Girls rugby in the province.
She is expected to move the EP brand to the next level with her leadership style, vision and dedication.
Botha thanked Antonie for his leadership and wished him success as the EP President.
“He is an amazing leader. Antonie led the association with humility and a passion for rugby, a true inspiration,” Botha said.
