PhD student and Jiu Jitsu champion Moses Radebe is proof positive that balancing a successful academic career with a passion for sport is possible.

How to win at both academics and sport

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This Mahikeng student takes his studies seriously. He holds a BSc in physics and computer science and a BScHons and MSc in applied radiation, and is currently enrolled for a PhD in radiation science.

 

A fascination with radiation

 

His fascination with radiation science was sparked when he realised what an impact naturally occurring radioactive material can have on the environment and human life, as well as the technologies that detect radiation exposure and possible treatments. He is also interested in ways to strengthen nuclear security, especially in South Africa.

 

National achievements under his belt

 

However, science is not his only passion. Since he joined the university, Moses has also developed a great zeal for Morganti Jiu Jitsu, and has many provincial and national achievements under his belt.

 

Moses was named the provincial champion of stand-up-fighting in 2015, and in 2016 he became the South African national champion in the Kata division.

 

The best in the world

 

That same year he progressed from a red to a black belt, and was crowned world champion for stand-up fighting at the World Morganti Jiu Jitsu Championships in Brazil.

 

In 2017 he once again walked away with the spoils as the South African Jiu Jitsu champion for grappling (ground fighting), and in 2018 he received a gold medal for grappling at the South African Championships.

 

He recently participated in the South African Jiu Jitsu Championship qualifiers for the 2019 World Championship, where he received a gold medal for Kata and team Kata.

 

Doing his part on campus

 

To top it all, Moses was announced the Mahikeng Campus’s Sportsman of the year for 2016 and 2017.

 

He is also involved in sports administration and is the deputy chairperson of the All Sports Council on the campus.

 

Moses says balance and time management are very important. Students who want to succeed in sports and also do well academically should push themselves and never settle for second best.

 

If not on the jiu jitsu mat or in class, Moses enjoys cooking and taking photographs.

Moses Radebe says by believing in their own abilities, students can excel both in and outside the sporting arena.