GAME ON
1 | Why Wits Sport. Why now?
Wits University stands at a defining moment in its sporting journey. With growing investment into Wits highperformance sport, improved performance across multiple sporting codes, and the development of worldclass infrastructure such as the Wits Brian and Dorothy Zylstra Sports Complex, Wits is building a highperformance sport ecosystem that is competitive, ambitious, and future-focused.
Our student-athletes are already competing at national level, demonstrating excellence not only in sport, but in the classroom and beyond. These are individuals who embody resilience, leadership, and discipline.
Wits Sport is on the rise.The time to invest is now
Wits’ R10M Annual Investment in Sports Bursaries
189 Student-Athletes Already Supported
Varsity Shield Champions National and International Representation
2 | Student-athletes at the core
Wits Sport is fundamentally student-centred. Our student-athletes:
Compete at provincial, national and international levels
Balance academic excellence with elite sport
Develop leadership, resilience and discipline
Represent South Africa and Wits University
3 | Performance highlights
HIGHLIGHTS 2025-2026
RUGBY
• Varsity Shield Champions
• 3 student-athletes selected for Junior Springbok squad
• 1 student-athlete selected for the U20 Women’s Springbok squad
• Young Guns Varsity Cup Champions 2025
CRICKET
• 2 Wits woman cricket team players selected for the Lions Emerging Squad
• Promotion to highest club league in Johannesburg (CCL Prem A)
• SA University team selections
FENCING
• Silver medal at African Championships
• Participation in World Championships (junior and senior levels)
• SA’s No.1 female fencer at the 2026 Senior African Fencing Championships
HOCKEY
• 2 selected for SA Indoor Women’s Squad (2026)
• 2 selected for SA international tour to Malaysia
BASKETBALL
• University Sports South Africa (USSA) Champions (men’s and women’s teams)
• Women’s team won back-to-back USSA Championships
• Multiple individual accoladesAll Star, Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), Tournament MVP
NETBALL
• 12 student-athletes selected at Telkom Netball League (TNL) secured gold medals at national championships
• Strong presence in U21 national squads
ROWING
• Women’s team 2nd at USSA Sprints
• Men’s team Top 5 at USSA Boatrace (since 2009)
• International competition exposure
SWIMMING AND VOLLEYBALL
• Consistent national-level representation
• Medal performances and selections
FOOTBALL
• Student-athletes progressing into professional football contracts (PSL)
4 | The challenge
In 2025 Wits substantially increased its investment in sports bursaries to R10m annually but demand outpaces funding. Key gaps remain:
LIMITED STUDENT-ATHLETE POOL
• Cannot afford tuition and accommodation
• Decline opportunities to study at Wits
• Drop out due to financial constraints
FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT
• Outdated training facilities
• Equipment and gear shortages
• Limited specialised training spaces
COST OF PARTICIPATION
• Training costs
• Travel and competition expenses
• Equipment and gear
TALENT RETENTION
• Athletes recruited by better-funded institutions
• Loss of top talent
5 | The impact of your investment
IMMEDIATE IMPACT
• Access to education
• Improved training and competition
• Better performance opportunities
MEDIUM-TERM IMPACT
• National representation
• Higher graduation rates due to holistic support
• Stronger sporting ecosystem
LONG TERM IMPACT
• Future sports leaders
• Legacy of excellence and opportunity
• Wits sporting prominence in the national sporting landscape
6 | Ways to partner
1. ANNUAL SUPPORT Immediate Impact
Direct, flexible funding to fill urgent student-athlete needs.
2. MULTI-YEAR INVESTMENT Sustained Impact
Support athlete development over time, ensuring progression and consistency.
3. ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS Lasting Legacy
Create a permanent fund that supports student-athletes across generations.
4. STRATEGIC SPONSORSHIPS Targeted Impact
Support specific sports, teams, facilities or initiatives aligned with your passion and goals.
7 | Sponsorship
levels
Wits would like to acknowledge the generous support of alumni, Doug and Carolyn Smollan, who have taken the lead during our Centenary Campaign, to establish the Doug and Carolyn Smollan ‘Sport and Science Scholarship Endowment’ to support high-performing student-athletes pursuing studies in STEM disciplines.
To build on this momentum and expand opportunities for future student-athletes, the following sponsorship opportunities are available:
PLATINUM PARTNER R5M+
Naming rights, exclusive branding, premium visibility, strategic partnership benefits.
GOLD PARTNER R2M - R4.9M
Team or programme naming, significant visibility.
SILVER PARTNER R500K - R1.9M
Support specific codes or athlete development initiatives.
BRONZE PARTNER R100K - R499K
Programme development and general support.
STUDENT-ATHLETE SPONSORSHIP
Direct impact on individual student-athletes.
PROJECT-BASED SPONSORSHIP
Facilities, emerging sports, innovation and special projects.
R1.5M - R3M
All partnerships are tailored to maximise impact and recognition, including appropriate naming rights.
8 | The Wits Brian and Dorothy Zylstra sports complex
The Wits Brian and Dorothy Zylstra Sports Complex represents a transformative investment in the future of South African university sport, health sciences, research, and high-performance athlete development.
This R300 million flagship development will position Wits University as a national hub for:
• High-performance sport
• Sports science research
• Rehabilitation and clinical practice
• Inter-university and national tournaments
• Elite athlete development
The world-class complex will feature:
THE ZYLSTRA SPORT AND HEALTH BUILDING
THE AQUATICS CENTRE HIGH-PERFORMANCE GYM
INTEGRATED RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTIC FACILITIES
Made possible through the visionary legacy investment of the Zylstra family and the Skye Foundation, the complex marks the beginning of a new era for Wits Sport. For more information, visit zylstra.wits.ac.za
9 | Partner with purpose
CREATE A LEGACY
By supporting Wits Sport, you are co-creating a legacy that enables access to education, strengthens national sport, and contributes to broader social and economic development
• Proven performance trajectory
• Strong governance and accountability
• Direct, measurable impact
• Alignment with youth development, education, transformation and national sport
• A unique interaction of academic excellence and athletic performance
Together, we can ensure talent is not limited by circumstance
Wits Sport. Where Your Legacy Lives On
To discuss partnership, sponsorship or philanthropic opportunities please contact:
Mr Peter Bezuidenhoudt Director | Development and Fundraising peter.bezuidenhoudt@wits.ac.za
For Wits Sport partnership and programme enquiries please contact:
Mr Mandla Gagayi Director | Wits Sport mandla.gagayi@wits.ac.za
