The University of Pretoria’s Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI) has a new leader: Professor Christa Janse van Rensburg, a respected figure in sports medicine, has been appointed as the institute’s Director. This milestone marks another chapter in a career that has been dedicated to advancing sports and exercise medicine.

Born and raised in Pretoria, Prof Janse van Rensburg’s academic journey began at Hoërskool Wonderboom. Her association with UP dates back to 1 June 1999, when she joined as a senior lecturer in the Section for Sports Medicine. Over the years, she’s shaped the department and, most recently, served as Head of the Section for Sports Medicine.

She describes her new role as both an honour and a dream come true.

“I feel honoured but nervously excited,” she says. “It’s an incredible opportunity to build on the existing foundations at SEMLI and further expand its impact.”

With a clear roadmap ahead, Prof Janse van Rensburg is eager to enhance SEMLI’s offerings. Her key objectives include:

1. Strengthening research initiatives: Building on ongoing research projects to uphold SEMLI’s reputation as a leader in sports and exercise medicine.

2. Expanding clinical services: Ensuring that students, staff and the public benefit from top-tier healthcare services for sports-related injuries and lifestyle interventions for chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and cancer.

3. Enhancing student training: Providing students with hands-on clinical exposure, ensuring they develop practical skills under the supervision of experts.

4. International and national collaborations: Establishing exchange programmes, fellowships and partnerships to elevate SEMLI’s global standing.

5. Launching a travel clinic: Recently approved by UP’s Executive, this initiative will serve athletes, students and staff who travel frequently.

A specialist in travel fatigue, jet lag, sleep disturbances and injury surveillance, Prof Janse van Rensburg is deeply invested in the transformative power of exercise. Her passion for medicine took root as early as Grade 2, and her academic career has been fuelled by the joy of blending clinical work with research.

“Seeing a student grow into a colleague through academic input is incredibly rewarding,” she says.

Having previously led the Section of Sports Medicine, Prof Janse van Rensburg is no stranger to fostering academic excellence. In her new role, she looks forward to working with a diverse group of students from multiple disciplines, including biokinetics, sports physiotherapy, sports science, sports psychology and sports nutrition.

Prof Janse van Rensburg extends a warm invitation to the University community.

“SEMLI is here for you. I want all UP staff, students and their families to take advantage of our world-class clinical services and research opportunities. Visit us on beautiful Hillcrest campus, whether as a patient, a research collaborator or a partner in public-private initiatives.”