Athletes at a sports conference
Keynotes & Panellists

Inspiring Voices
from Across Africa & the World.

The 1st Joshua Nkomo Sports Science Conference brings together pioneers in sports science, indigenous knowledge, physical education, and cultural leadership.

3

Conference Days

5

Sub-Themes

5

Confirmed Speakers

1

Plenary

Plenary Sessions

Featured Keynote Speaker

Prof. Dr. J. Hans de Ridder
Opening Plenary Opening Keynote
Opening Keynote

Prof. Dr. J. Hans de Ridder

school North-West University, Potchefstroom public South Africa

Full Professor and Director of the School of Human Movement Sciences at North-West University. A C1-rated NRF researcher, recipient of the Stals Award (2002) and Albert Strating Award (2011). Immediate Past-President of ISAK, President of BRICSCESS, and Founder Secretary-General of the BRICS Council of Exercise and Sport Science. Has supervised 67 postgraduate students and authored over 90 research articles.

67

Postgraduate Students

90+

Research Articles

2x

National Awards

Kinanthropometry Sport Science Human Movement Exercise Science
Invited Speakers

Meet Our Panellists

Dr. Adele Broodryk
Sports Sci

Dr. Adele Broodryk

Senior Lecturer & Program Leader

North-West University, South Africa • South Africa

Athlete recovery Sleep science Performance optimisation Ultra-endurance
Dr. Retief Broodryk
Sports Sci

Dr. Retief Broodryk

Senior Lecturer in Coaching Science

North-West University, South Africa • South Africa

Strength & Conditioning Coaching Science Skill Acquisition Performance Analysis
Dr. Daga Makaza
Sports Sci

Dr. Daga Makaza

Senior Lecturer & Chairperson

National University of Science & Technology (NUST) • Zimbabwe

Physical Activity Kinanthropometry Sports Nutrition Athlete Profiling
Dr. Lysias Tapiwanashe Charumbira
Management

Dr. Lysias Tapiwanashe Charumbira

Senior Lecturer & Department Chair

Bindura University of Science Education • Zimbabwe

Sports Marketing Sports Management Ethics & Doping Strategic Management
Diverse Expertise

What to Expect from Our Speakers

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Indigenous Knowledge Custodians

Elders and cultural practitioners sharing living traditions of physical culture, indigenous games, and oral history.

science

Sports Scientists

Researchers presenting findings in biomechanics, nutrition, sports psychology, performance analytics, and kinanthropometry.

school

Physical Education Leaders

Educators driving curriculum innovation, adaptive PE, teacher training, and evidence-based assessment.

leaderboard

Sports Management Experts

Practitioners in governance, ethics, women in sport, entrepreneurship, and sport for social cohesion.

public

International Voices

Scholars and practitioners from across Africa and the global sports science community bringing world-class perspectives.

devices

Digital Innovators

Tech leaders exploring digitisation, gamification, and data tools to preserve and promote indigenous physical culture.

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Are You a Speaker?

We welcome abstract submissions from scholars, practitioners, cultural custodians, and educators. Present your work to an international audience alongside our distinguished invited speakers. Deadline: 15 August 2026.