Cum Laude Graduate Eyes Job with Springboks!

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I can’t help but tear up - it wasn’t expected at all. I just thank God for everything, says Ms Tshenolo Legoete, who graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Sport Science degree, majoring in Exercise Science.

Driven by a passion for human movement and injury rehabilitation, Legoete now has her sights set on a career in biokinetics, with the ultimate dream of working as a biokineticist for the Springboks! ‘I want to help people recover, improve their movement, and make a real difference in the field of sports rehabilitation.’

Her journey into Sport Science was born from a desire to help others. ‘I’ve always loved the idea of helping people get back on their feet - literally,’ she said. ‘Learning about rehabilitation and sport all in one degree was a perfect match for me.’

Legoete’s time at UKZN was not without its trials. Navigating academic studies while grappling with a language barrier - being a Setswana speaker among mostly isiZulu-speaking peers - presented an early challenge. ‘It was tough to understand and communicate at first, but I found my footing through discipline, prayer, YouTube, and guidance from my mentors.’

One of her biggest academic hurdles was managing her time and avoiding procrastination. But with strong support from her lecturers as well as her family and friends, she found the motivation to stay on track. ‘They always made time for me, even when I sent countless emails. I’m so grateful for the BELS [Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences] department,’ she said.

Her mother, a top-achieving teacher, played a particularly influential role in shaping Tshenolo’s academic application. ‘I was raised in a strong academic environment - my mom always pushed me to strive for 100%. I just wish my late grandfather was here to see this.’

Tshenolo enjoys watching rugby and exploring new foods. Her go-to favourite meal remains a Chicken Licken hot wing snack, ‘because it’s student-budget friendly!’

Now pursuing her Honours in Biokinetics at the University of Pretoria, Legoete describes herself as ‘a simple person with big dreams.’ Having worked as an academic mentor at UKZN’s BELS department in 2024, she’s already inspiring others, similarly to what her mentors once did for her.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini