Two University of Johannesburg (UJ) staff members will serve among key members of Team South Africa’s contingent for the upcoming 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Physiotherapist, will deliver elite medical and physiotherapy assistance, while Sizwe Ndlovu – a current UJ Rowing Club Manager and a gold medallist at the 2012 London Olympics – will oversee essential logistical management for Team SA.

Running from 31 October to 13 November 2026, the quadrennial event marks a historic moment as the first-ever Olympic event hosted on African soil. Bringing together approximately 2,700 elite athletes aged 15 to 17 from 207 international delegations, this edition breaks new ground in inclusion and diversity:

Strict Gender Parity: Achieving an equal 50/50 ratio of male and female competitors.

Inaugural Refugee Team: Featuring the first Youth Refugee Olympic Team, composed of inspiring Africa-based athletes.

The event will feature 25 competition sports, including popular formats like 3×3 basketball, athletics, breaking, and the debut of Olympic beach wrestling – alongside 10 engagement sports such as surfing, sport climbing, and weightlifting. The competition will unfold across three vibrant host locations in Senegal: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.

Having two seasoned UJ professionals embedded in the national delegation underscores the university’s unwavering commitment to holistic athlete development and sports management leadership.

“Having experts like Nhlanhla’s and Sizwe’s calibre on the ground in Senegal ensures our young athletes receive world-class care, guidance, and operational support. Their inclusion is a proud moment for the entire UJ community,” noted Ms. Marianne Viljoen, Senior Manager: UJ Sport Athlete Support.

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