‘I’ll never forget representing SA’

When the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) dual Sportspersons of the Year 2025 were announced last year, national kickboxer Saskia Jantjes couldn’t attend the ceremony. Her award was collected by teammates – not because she chose to miss it, but because she was competing.

Jantjes was representing South Africa at the World Kickboxing Association’s (WKA) World Championship, where she finished second overall. In doing so, she became the first UCT kickboxer to be awarded South African Colours, marking both a personal milestone and an historic achievement for the university.

“I’m not really the type to celebrate myself, so it just feels like another thing I did,” she said. “But intellectually I do know it’s a big accomplishment, especially because it was also the first time South Africa competed in the WKA circuit. Even though I lost in the final and ended up second overall, I gave it everything I had, and I’m proud of myself for that.”

Competing on the international stage was both exhilarating and daunting. “It  was surreal, but also scary. I was the only person from UCT, so while everyone else had teammates and coaches, I had to rely on strangers for support. That hit me hardest just before my first fight.”

Family support

In that moment, she turned to family. A call to her uncle, a former Springbok rugby player, helped steady her nerves.

“He shared great advice about performing on an international stage, which really helped me calm down,” she said. “Once I was on the mat, it turned into an incredible experience. Representing South Africa like that is something I’ll never forget.”

“Once I was on the mat, it turned into an incredible experience.”

Originally from the East Rand, Gauteng, the 22-year-old completed a BSc in Occupational Therapy at UCT from 2022 to 2025, and is currently doing her community service year in Limpopo. For now, kickboxing is on pause.

“Ideally, I’d like to return to Cape Town in 2027 and get back into it, even if it’s just for fun,” she said.

Before arriving at UCT, Jantjes competed in mixed martial arts (MMA) from late 2018 to mid-2021. But the gym environment she trained in was heavily male-dominated and not always supportive of women.

“Walking into Hall 3 at the UCT Sports Centre for the first time was completely different,” she recalled. “There were so many women, and the younger coach made it feel a lot more welcoming.”

At the end of that first session, when the coach asked who wanted to compete, she didn’t hesitate.

“I was so excited. It felt like I could continue at the level I had before.”

If she were not a kickboxer, Jantjes said she would likely be a dancer. She started ballet at the age of three, and later explored pole and heels dancing until mid-2025, before choosing to focus fully on kickboxing and completing her degree.

Challenges, growth

Both decisions, she said, paid off.

Reflecting on her academic journey, she described it as demanding but deeply rewarding. “There were stressful moments and late-night meltdowns, but nothing I couldn’t overcome. It’s been a mix of challenges and growth.”

Recognition from UCT has been both affirming and unexpected.

“I’m also very happy to be putting kickboxing on the map for sports to watch at the university.”

“It’s super exciting, but also kind of weird,” she said. “Even my course convener emailed me to say congratulations. It feels surreal, but it’s a proud moment. I’m also very happy to be putting kickboxing on the map for sports to watch at the university.”

If she were to swap kickboxing for another sport, she laughed, she’d try cheerleading, fencing or archery.

For now though, Jantjes’s legacy at UCT is already secured, both for her achievements in the ring, and for opening the door for future kickboxers to follow.