Women in sport feature prominently among the nominees for the 17th Annual South African Sport Awards, scheduled to be hosted by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture on May 5th at Sun City. This year’s awards, themed “Celebrating 30 years of freedom through sporting excellence,” honor achievements that have shaped South Africa’s sporting landscape.
Kirsten Neuschäfer, the first woman to win a solo, round-the-world yacht race, joins the lineup for Sportswoman of the Year, contending against current World 200m breaststroke champion Tatjana Smith and global cricket star, Proteas Women captain, Laura Wolvaardt.
Neuschafer also finds herself among the People’s Choice nominees, alongside Comrades and Two Oceans Marathon champion, Gerda Steyn.
In the Sportswomen of the Year with a Disability category, multiple Momentum gsport Award winner and two-time Grand Slam winner Kgothatso Montjane competes alongside World Para Swimming Championship gold medallist Kat Swanepoel and Simoné Kruger, who made history in the F38 discus event at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris.
Kruger is also shortlisted for Sports Star of the Year alongside Tatjana Smith, while leading rugby umpire Aimee Barrett-Theron earns a nomination for Technical Official of the Year.
Elanza Jordaan, World Boccia Africa Regional double gold medallist and South Africa’s first Boccia participant at the Paralympic Games, is shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year.
Proteas Women T20 team, who were historic finalists in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, are nominees in the Team of the Year award category along with The Springboks and Sheep Shearing.
In the media categories, Newsroom Afrika’s Vaylen Kirtley is up for Sports Journalist of the Year, while Kirsten Olivier competes for Sport Photo or Video Journalist of the Year.
Minister Zizi Kodwa emphasizes the awards’ significance, saying, “The 17th edition of the South African Sport Awards takes place at a significant time in South Africa’s history.”
“We celebrate 30 years of democracy, and our national athletes and teams have been raising the nation’s flag sky high. In the South African Sport Awards, we celebrate the role sport continues to play in uniting our diverse people and lifting the nation’s mood.”
Minsterr of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Zizi Kodwa
He adds, “South African sport is enjoying unprecedented success. Our athletes and sports teams have made us all so proud with their performances. I congratulate all the nominees for the 17th edition of the South African Sport Awards.”
With 19 categories, including Sport Star of the Year, People’s Choice, and Journalist of the Year, the awards recognise outstanding performances from individuals, teams, and administrators across the South African sporting landscape from September 2022 to August 2023.
Nomsa Chabeli, SABC Group CEO, expresses excitement about the event, stating,
“The SABC is proud to be the host broadcaster for the 17th SA Sport Awards. SABC Sport has always been the ultimate sporting home to the nation and has brought unforgettable sporting events over the years.
SABC Group CEO, Nomsa Chabeli
“We are very excited that we are part of this historic moment of honouring key sport talent in the country and we wish the nominees all the best,” said Chabeli. “We are looking forward to broadcasting this event live on our platforms.”
Photo Caption: South Africa’s wheelchair tennis icon Kgothatso Montjane is in line for yet more plaudits after being named alongside para swim star Kat Swanepoel and para athlete Simoné Kruger in the Sportswomen of the Year with a Disability category, one of 17 Awards categories which will see 2024 winners crowned at Sun City on 5 May, 2024. Credit: Damilare Okunola / ITF Tennis
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