All about development for the new CGA deputy president
Krugersdorp local, Karabo Mabilo was voted in recently as Central Gauteng Athletics new deputy president, and she has plans to make athletics better for all.
What happens when you combine a true love for athletics, natural leadership skills and a passion for developing sport? The answer can be summed up in one woman, Karabo Mabilo who was appointed as the Deputy President for Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) earlier this year.
Karabo, a Krugersdorp local was voted in on March 5 when the elections were held at the Germiston stadium. Hloni Motloung from CGA described Karabo as an astute leader with a solid governance and administration background. He said she wanted to bring a holistic approach to athletics.
An avid and passionate runner she has also served on the CGA Exco as an additional board member, the head of the women’s committee in the CGA, and a trustee board member of the Soweto Marathon trust.
Some of the key issues that Karabo said she would like to work on are sponsorship injections and retaining sponsorship.
She also wants to focus on developing and supporting elite athletes as well as the participation of female athletes. It is important for her that the development of all athletes are a priority, and she wants to ensure that there is dedicated continuous wellness support for the athletes, which includes financial and mental wellness.
Her plan is to implement programmes that will help support athletes through their careers and beyond. She believes that the CGA must explore mutually beneficial arrangements with retired athletes who can then help develop upcoming athletes through mentorship and coaching – especially female coaches and mentors.
Karabo also wants to address the decline surrounding the participation of young girls in athletics.
“The number of girls dropping out of athletics from the age of 16 is double in comparison to that of boys, and this needs to be addressed,” Karabo explained.
Issues surrounding the safety and security that can affect all female athletes are top priority for Karabo.
As part of the women’s committee she embarked on an initiative to ensure easy access to sanitary towels and the necessary hygiene products for young girls at all sporting events.
“This initiative was launched primarily to ensure that young girls do not stay away from participating in athletics and sports because of a lack of sanitary towels,” Karabo explained.
