By Zandile Bangani. Images: Supplied

Noluthando Ruth Saunders, an ardent sports enthusiast, has harnessed her passion to champion the growth and enduring success of beach and indoor handball, blazing a trail of dedication in the world of sports.

 Currently serving a four-year term as the president of the Commonwealth Handball Association (CHA), a prominent sporting body dedicated to the Olympic sport of handball in the British Commonwealth, Saunders is on a mission to nurture the next generation of beach and indoor handball talents. She has set her sights on a lofty goal: the inclusion of beach and indoor handball in the 2026/2030 Commonwealth Games. Her vision? To elevate handball from a niche sport to a professional powerhouse. With India scheduled to host their first ever Senior Men Beach Handball Championship from 30 November to 5 December 2023, her efforts are already paying off.

 Investing in the Future:

For Saunders, investing in the sport’s future isn’t limited to her CHA role. Her commitment extends to academia, where she recently authored a Master’s thesis at the esteemed University of the Western Cape (UWC). Her research delved into the experiences of stakeholders within a handball club in the Western Cape, aiming to fortify club development programs in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. Furthermore, her work seeks to influence policy at both provincial and national levels, emphasizing her holistic dedication to the sport’s advancement. The Mother City should benefit a lot from her. “Cape Town, being strategically positioned in terms of its coast, is going to benefit more on beach handball development and especially with its many beaches. No child or handball player will miss the opportunity of learning beach handball. The development support from CAHB and IHF for the South African Handball Federation has always been there, and I appreciate their continued support.” 

A Lifelong Passion:

Saunders’ love for sports has been a constant presence throughout her life. Netball and Volleyball were her early passions, with her junior years spent at the Monwabisi Netball club. As a senior, she excelled with Langa Netball and Babes United, later joining the UWC Netball team, where she served as chairperson in 1993. Her transition to handball occurred during her time at UWC when German Exchange Students from Heidelberg University, under the guidance of Professor Marion Keim-Lees, introduced her to the sport in 1996. Remarkably, she was the sole female participant at the time. “I fell in love with it from the onset and have never departed from it,” Saunders fondly recalls. “Handball is a very exciting sport to play and to watch. It’s fast and dynamic.”

 Building Bridges:

Saunders’ passion for handball didn’t stop at personal enthusiasm. She actively encouraged the UWC netball team to join the handball club, a move that, according to her, enhanced individual skills and elevated the level of play for all involved. Furthermore, she paid it forward by helping establish the Langa Handball club.

 A Trail of Leadership:

Saunders’ leadership journey in sports is equally impressive. In 1998, she worked for the City of Cape Town as a Sports and Recreation Officer, making a tangible impact in her community. In 2001, she assumed the role of Chairperson for the Western Cape Handball Association.

 Her thirst for knowledge and commitment to growth led her to enroll in a handball course in Sweden. She has actively participated in IHF/CAHB meetings and events across the globe, from Egypt to Morocco, Qatar to Guinea, expanding her horizons in the international handball arena.

 Leadership with Purpose:

Saunders’ myriad leadership roles culminated in her appointment as the President of the Commonwealth Handball Association in 2021. Her dedication to the sport, coupled with her extensive local and international experience, made her a natural choice for the position. “I have extensive knowledge and vast experience in handball. I love handball with all my heart. And I have been involved in handball activities for more than 20 years,” Saunders proudly states. In the course of her two decades and more journey, she has also presided over the South African Handball Federation as its president, served as the Zone 6 – SADEC region president, and held council membership positions with the African Handball Confederation and the IHF Electoral Committee.

 Spreading the Sports Gospel:

For Saunders, who works for the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, sports have been an integral part of her life, and she relishes the opportunity to share her experiences with others. Her vision encompasses the development of handball at the school and university levels, including the introduction of accredited coaching courses. She firmly believes that support for the sport must emanate from the Minister’s office and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, serving as the National Olympic Committee, with the goal of securing handball’s inclusion in future Commonwealth Federation games.

 Noluthando Ruth Saunders is not just a sports enthusiast; she is a dedicated visionary committed to propelling beach and indoor handball to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports in the process.