The Director-General of Sport & Recreation South Africa (SRSA), Mr Vivian (Vernie) Patrick Petersen was appointed in October 2008.

Before becoming Director-General of SRSA he served as National Commissioner Correctional Services where he previously held several positions including Chief Deputy Commissioner (Corporate Services), Regional Commissioner KwaZulu/ Natal and Regional Commissioner (Gauteng).

Mr Petersen is a social worker who has worked in many different settings, including as Chief Director in the Department of Social Services, Population and Development in the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, Adviser to the Minister of Social Development and various local, national and international civil society organizations. 

He served as an expert on national and international organizations dealing with issues of crime and criminal justice.

In addition to his undergraduate studies in social work, obtained from the University of the Western Cape, he holds Honours and Masters Degrees in Social Science in Social Planning and Administration from the University of Cape Town.

He is married with two sons and enjoys hiking and cooking.

He regards the timing of his involvement in sport, as placing him “in an important space and time” to impact positively on the development challenges facing South Africa. 

Additional Information:  Mr Petersen served in leadership positions on student and youth formations; civic movements; national and international ecumenical structures; United Democratic Front and African National Congress.

Other organisations he worked for include Child Welfare Society; Church of the Province of Southern Africa (Board of Social Responsibility); and National Institute for Crime Prevention and Reintegration of Offenders.

High Resolution photo of the Director General - (500Kb)