In South Africa, Workers Day is more than just a public holiday; It’s a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for fair and equal labour standards across the board.
It’s a day that honours the contributions of workers across all sectors, and in the world of sport, it’s a moment to acknowledge the incredible resilience and strength of women who continue to break barriers, both on and off the field.
For Xoli Zondo, renowned sports broadcaster, businesswoman, and mom, Workers Day is deeply personal.
“This day resonates with me,” she says. “Because I find myself juggling my work on radio and TV, running businesses and working in the environmental space, because the labour standards and policies in this country have allowed for women like myself to be able to dabble in all our passions.”
Zondo is the epitome of the modern working woman: Ambitious, multi-talented, and deeply committed. But that doesn’t mean the journey is easy.
“The biggest challenge is definitely time constraints. It’s constantly wishing there were more hours in a day. It’s showing up even on days when every ounce of your being doesn’t want to, but remembering why you started in the first place.”
Sports broadcaster and businesswoman, Xoli Zondo
Her philosophy? Discipline over everything. “Work hard, even when no one is watching. That builds commitment, and that carries more weight than talent. To be in the winner’s circle requires an unmatched work ethic.”
For many women in sport, the juggle is real. Despite the strides made: Like Cricket South Africa’s groundbreaking move to pay women equally to men, many female athletes still have to balance elite competition with full-time jobs and family responsibilities. It’s a double shift that takes its toll physically, mentally, and emotionally.
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Most recently we were reminded of Nompumelelo Nyandeni’s story, as she celebrated her 150th cap for Banyana Banyana. Nyandeni works for a delivery company, and when she knocks off, of she goes to training, with her club JVW FC. A reality for many of her peers.
Field Hockey’s inspirational Phumelela Hlophe (née Mbande), former captain of the SA national women’s team, famously captained South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics while holding down a full-time job at a major auditing firm. She wrote her board exams while representing the country internationally.
That’s where experts like Dr Koketjo Tsebe come in. A renowned sports psychologist currently working with the Proteas Women on tour in Sri Lanka, Dr Tsebe understands the unique pressures women face in the sporting world: especially those who are also mothers, wives, and professionals.
“Women in sport often put a lot of pressure on themselves. One key strategy is to be realistic, set goals that are achievable and don’t be too hard on yourself. Perfection doesn’t exist. It’s okay not to do everything.”
Sports Psychologist, Dr Koketjo Tsebe
Her message is clear: self-care is non-negotiable. “Their bodies are their tools, so they need to be in a good state to perform. If you give your all and leave nothing for yourself, how can you keep going? You need to prioritise yourself to remain productive.”
The accomplished doctor herself has worked with many South African teams, from Banyana Banyana to Softball and accompanying Team SA to several major competitions, including the recent Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Tsebe also highlights the importance of strong support systems. “These can come in many forms family, friends, colleagues, spiritual spaces like church or prayer, professional help like therapy or mentorship. There’s a wealth of resources out there, but women must feel empowered to reach for them.”
As South Africa continues to professionalise women’s sport and improve working conditions for female athletes and administrators, stories like those of Xoli Zondo and Dr Tsebe offer both inspiration and a roadmap. They show that with the right systems in place and a deep sense of purpose, women in sport can thrive, even under the most demanding conditions.
This Workers Day, we celebrate the women who lace up, show up, and push forward. The work continues, but so does the progress.
Main Photo Caption: Renowned sports broadcaster, businesswoman, and mom Xoli Zondo says that Workers’ Day resonates with her, because she is able to work hard for success since South Africa’s labour standards and policies allow for women like her to be able to pursue their passions. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Sports Psychologist, Dr Koketjo Tsebe counsels that self-care is non-negotiable for athletes: “Your body is your tool.”
Photo 3 Caption: Tsebe has worked with many SA teams including Banyana Banyana, Olympic and Paralympic Team SA’s, and the Proteas Women.
