Ciska du Plessis-Austin, who was recently elected as Cycling South Africa’s new president, says taking on a position at an organisation “that is a little bit in trouble” will not be an easy task. “I hope to get all stakeholders involved and turn things around.”
Ciska du Plessis-Austin was recently elected as Cycling South Africa’s new president. Photo: Supplied
Du Plessis-Austin said her objectives were not only for Cycling SA, as the institution was but a small part of cycling in the country.
“Yes it is the governing body, but there are numerous role players and stakeholders that the administration is not currently engaging with and one main objective I have is to unite us all and to grow the sport.”
She added that having done research into Cycling SA’s business environment in order to structure a potential strategic direction, seven key business and focus areas had been identified.
These she listed as governance and administration, financial management, sport and performance, developing and transforming with a focus on youth, building capacity with a focus on support persons/structures including clubs, provincial, affiliate and member relations, as well as commercial development of the assets through partnerships and working closer with stakeholders such as the event organisers.
“I have set some personal milestones for the first 18 months in bringing about better governance, change and getting more stability in terms of our financial position.
“Having only just presented a proposed plan to the general assembly, we will flesh it out and set ourselves measurable goals for the different focus areas.
“We will plan though for 2024 and 2028. After all, though we want bums on bikes, we also want to have heroes winning medals, jerseys, tours, etc. We need to give them that support.”
Asked if there was sufficient capacity at Cycling SA to achieve success, Du Plessis-Austin said the administration office only had four permanent staff – a secretary general and three administrators.
“We have identified the need for experienced individuals to become involved and take the lead in the seven focus areas. Determining how we roll that out will be part of what I need to do during the first six months.
“Fortunately Kevin [Green] and I have the same vision, especially in terms of development, transformation and capacity building,” she said, referring to Green, who was recently appointed as vice president.
“Between us, as well as our secretary general, we will share some of the workload whilst we structure to better serve. And of course people who would like to get involved can let me know.”
Since becoming a member of a cycling club back in 2000, promoting cycling has been a personal crusade for Du Plessis-Austin.
“I immediately got involved on the administration side and cycling has been part of my life since then. I am, however, making a conscious decision that bringing about change should not consume me.
“Cycling is all about family, and though my husband also works full-time in the sport, our kids don’t, and they have other sport and cultural interests. Keeping a balance is important.”
Regarding the future of the sport in the country, she said she felt we had such a beautiful country to practise sport in.
“Great weather and sunshine almost all year round. I think when most people ‘think’ of cycling in SA, they only consider road cycling and marathon mountain biking (and the Tour de France).
“From a personal point of view, road cycling is definitely struggling. Safety plays a big role and it will take a cultural change to have a safer riding environment for those riding on roads. But there are other disciplines as well that we could better establish, such as gravel racing – it is safer than being on the road.
“Track cycling is a lot more competitive and for the ‘serious’ rider.
“I noted in the juniors racing abroad last year that the riders with track experience can handle themselves a lot easier and better in the bunch – it is thus good for development.
“Then there is BMX, BMX Freestyle and MTB cross-country – all Olympic disciplines we are currently in the process of qualifying for. Introducing cyclo-cross to the younger generation has crossed some minds and there is potential to replicate the atmosphere of Belgium during our winters, especially in the Western Cape.
“So my thoughts are: we have a great sport.”
