​​​​Ilhaam Groenewald, Chief Director: Maties Sport, is looking forward to the challenge of being the first female member of SA Rugby's Executive Council.

SA Rugby announced on Wednesday 1 June that Groenewald and Monde Tabata were elected as council members last week.​

A press release by SA Rugby states that Groenewald succeeds Mputumi Damani as one of two independent members of the 12-person Executive Council. 

“My passion is sport management and development so when I was asked if I was happy to have my name put forward, I had no hesitation,” she said. 

“You cannot work in sports administration in the Western Cape and not know about rugby so I have very good insight into the work that SA Rugby does. I have also received very positive support from Stellenbosch University management.”​

Groenewald joined Stellenbosch University ​in 2014 from the University of the Western Cape where she held the position of Director of Sport Administration for more than a decade. She has a degree in business administration and a master's degree in sports management.

Groenewald was the first woman to be chairperson of University Sports South Africa (USSA) and is the current First Vice-President; she has been the head of delegations for SA teams at multisport events; served on committees of SASCOC; is chairperson of the Heads of Sport forum; is a member of Varsity Sports and also a board member and trustee of Varsity Cup.

Mrs Groenewald said: “I know SA Rugby has a very good story to tell and that they are working hard to change the shape of the sport – as well as converting misplaced perceptions about it. I am excited to be joining them to offer experience and support in that process.

“I believe I have a very good understanding of sport at the grassroots level in our country and the challenges that are faced by our young athletes. I hope that type of background – as well as my experience in sports management – will offer some value to the Executive Council.”​

Find the complete press release here.