CEO of Special Olympics South Africa discusses her passion, challenges and goals

The CEO of Special Olympics South Africa, Ancilla Smith, was no stranger to rooting and fighting for the underdogs when growing up. Her journey took a number of different routes before she discovered her passion.

Born in Klerksdrop and raised in Stilfontein, Smith, enjoyed a lot of her free time climbing trees, riding bikes and spending her afternoons with her friends as they searched for adventures which were never hard to find. Smith’s journey to her passion started when she moved to Johannesburg to pursue her studies at the University of Witswatersrand. During her time there, she was actively involved in anti-apartheid movements, and after completing her studies, she tackled the corporate world.

“I started my career as a consultant and then worked for a marketing company that the chairperson of the Special Olympics South Africa, Dr Matthews Phosa, was involved with, and through that I got exposed to Special Olympics. I was brought in to help with the first-ever National Games for Special Olympics and that was back in 2006. It was a pivotal moment for me as I was hooked. I am fortunate that they offered me a position,” said Smith.

Special Olympics South Africa is a non-profit organisation that provides support and training for athletes with disabilities, both children and adults, who compete in the Special Olympics. The goal of the organisation, based in Bryanston, is not only centred on the development of the Special Olympics but it also focuses on other important aspects such as the health, leadership qualities, family support and improving the education system of the athletes.

“I am grateful for this position, it empowers everyone, especially women, and it provides a platform for people to feel safe and to be free. My team are my backbone, without them I don’t know where I would be. I am grateful that they enjoy being here as much as I do.”