CareersPREMIUM

My Brilliant Career: A passion for all sports is the name of the game

Durell JeJane is the provincial affairs manager at Athletics SA

Durell JeJane grew up in a sports-mad family and, after studying economics at herparents’ insistence, she decided to make a career out of sports. Picture: BLAKE WOODHAMS
Durell JeJane grew up in a sports-mad family and, after studying economics at herparents’ insistence, she decided to make a career out of sports. Picture: BLAKE WOODHAMS

Tell me about the work you do.

I run the provincial affairs of Athletics SA (ASA) across all nine provinces. I run the licensing systems that cover runners' insurance. I also manage 150 permanent licences and co-ordinate athletic events, among other related activities.

What drew you to work in sport?

I grew up in a household where playing a sport was a must, so participating in sports was a hobby, but for me it progressed to participating in multiple sporting codes provincially and at times on a national level as my parents moved me from a township school to a Model C school in 1994.

Participating against my former teammates from my previous school made me realise how much I had improved, not because I was more talented than they were but because my new school had the resources to help me improve my skills and techniques as an athlete.

After completing matric, my parents insisted that I study anything other than sports, but after one year of economics I was able to convince them of the value of me studying sports management.

My heart is more in making sports my career than becoming a professional athlete, and I am passionate about sport as a whole.

I do not just see myself as an athlete or a spectator but rather providing the life-changing - and mind-shifting - opportunities that sports gave me.

What part of your job is the most stressful?

The most challenging aspect of my job is managing multiple events throughout the year. Besides the major, annual athletic events taking place in the year, there are always new ones popping up.

What makes you good at your job?

Being involved in sports for most of my life has played a big part in my success at work. I have a degree in sports management, so I find that I can relate to athletes, while also having an understanding of the administrative side of my job.

What makes your work meaningful to you?

In my job I have contributed successfully to several high-level national and international athletics events, including our own South African championships, with our own elite athletes like Caster Semenya, Wayde van Niekerk and Akani Simbine.

What qualifications do you have, and how do they help you do your job?

I have a bachelor's degree in sports management from the Tshwane University of Technology, but recently received a bursary from SKYY Vodka to complete an MBA at the Henley School of Business.

I am extremely grateful to SKYY for giving me the tools to kick-start my journey towards playing my part in affecting a new generation of South Africans.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I didn't know what I wanted to be - all I knew was that I wanted to be in sports.

After high school, my parents were adamant that I take economics.

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