Georgia Torres, the COO of Wits Zylstra Sports Complex, emphasizes the transformative power of exercise in health and mental well-being. She leads innovative programs that focus on exercise rehabilitation at Wits University.
The Wits Zylstra Sports Complex offers chronic disease exercise rehabilitation programmes. Torres believes that exercise can significantly change health outcomes and enhance mental health. “My love for, specifically, the power of exercise is that every time I worked with these individuals, with whatever they had, exercise didn’t just change their health outcomes, it changed their mental health,” she said.
Torres completed her PhD in 2013 and became a full-time lecturer in 2018. Her experience informs her approach to sports medicine and rehabilitation. She notes that there aren’t enough facilities providing cardiac rehabilitation.
In related news, Terence Nombembe has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Wits Council. He will serve a three-year term. Professor Zeblon Vilakazi praised Nombembe, stating, “Mr Nombembe is a leader of exceptional integrity and distinction, whose contribution to public accountability in South Africa is both profound and enduring.” Nombembe emphasized the importance of good governance in universities.
The inaugural Wits International Vocal & Chamber Music Festival began on April 22, 2026. It includes eight concerts running until May 2, 2026. Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem was performed at the opening concert.
The Wits Zylstra Sports Complex will also house new degrees in Clinical Exercise Physiology and Sports and Exercise Medicine. This expansion reflects a growing recognition of the role of exercise in overall health.
As these initiatives unfold, observers expect increased focus on integrating exercise into healthcare strategies at Wits University.
