Meet Kimara Singh, the new communications manager at Maties Sport and a woman with a clear view of where she is going with her life and career. The strong brand of Maties was what attracted her to this position.
Kimara is currently preparing to commence with her PhD in media studies, particularly looking at the portrayal of South African women athletes on digital and social media platforms. “I think we often don't realise how digital media affects mental health and the performance of women athletes on the field. They are faced with so much pressure already. In my research, I am looking at ways to safeguard our athletes on these platforms."
Her favourite sport is football, and she is an avid Liverpool supporter. She says she also has pride in watching former university female athletes who made it big: Thembi Kgatlana, Refiloe Jane and Tatjana Schoenmaker, to name a few.
Kimara's favourite participating sport is swimming. “I love being in the water and love the beach," she says. “I enjoy hikes and walking in nature to practice mindfulness and recreational activity.
She is not only a sportswriter but more of an allrounder. She says writing has always been an escape for her. “I love perfecting my craft in different genres."
Kimara says one of her proudest moments was representing South Africa at the World Student Games in Taipei in 2017 and the CUCSA Games in Botswana in 2018, as nothing comes close to doing what you love for your country. “In my personal life, I have overcome many obstacles. Before joining SU, I was unemployed for a while, and I am most proud of myself for never giving up and waiting for my perfect opportunity. “I believe I am in the perfect environment for personal growth."
“Sport is significant at our university; it is something that brings students together no matter if they are participating or watching. But most importantly, we are the catalyst to so many of these student-athletes professional careers, and as they say, once a Matie, always a Matie," says Kimara.
She believes that giving back to the community is of utmost importance and loves getting involved in various initiatives. “I hope my small contribution helps change people's lives in some way or another."
Kimara's motivation is her parents. “They show me every day that making your dreams come true is possible if you put in the work. “They always tell me that service to man is service to God, and that is what I live by."
