#GAL2024 was epic—arguably the best way to conclude an eventful year for women in sport.
The only occasion in South Africa that honours the year’s Newsmakers saw sponsors, members of the media athletes who raised the bar for women in sport gather to celebrate another year of progress and growth in the women’s game.
It was also an opportunity to celebrate the increased media coverage of women’s sport on a Monday afternoon, at a fitting venue—the Southern Sun Whisky Lounge in Hyde Park—and the dress code was Summer Sporty Chic.
#GAL2025 🐦🔥✨
— COURTNAÉ PAUL (@Courtnae_Paul) December 5, 2024
Thank you @gsport4girls for naming me as one of your 10 news makers for the year, having Breaking make its first debut on this list makes the honour even more special! pic.twitter.com/GU2Nl1ZXAF
From SABC Sport General Manager Keletso Totlhanyo in a bright orange sleeveless dress to runner and former gsport judge Mapaseka Makhanya in a vibrant yellow number, “the assignment was understood,” as we say on social media. Ashley Nakazwe of Supersport wore a cool basketball T-shirt-inspired dress emblazoned with “Africa,” looking both captivating and demure.
I, the host, Lonwabo Nkohla, wore a green dress with white sneakers to honour the theme and lead from the front with a bright and “cutesy” outfit.
These were just a few of the standout looks as guests enjoyed a warm, sunny afternoon in a venue overlooking Hyde Park, celebrating with South Africa’s premier women-in-sport initiative.
The room was already abuzz before the programme officially began, as guests mingled, capturing the essence of the event: A day to unwind and share laughs with industry colleagues.
On the far right of the room, a mini pop-up museum displayed some of the silverware earned by the honoured guests. Kgothatso Montjane’s Wimbledon trophy, Simoné Kruger’s Paralympic gold medal, and Mamelodi Sundowns’ trophies were on display. This feature is always a marvel, as most of us rarely have the chance to see some of the most coveted trophies in sport.
It’s a wrap, oh and my dress has pockets 😂🤣 #GAL2024 @gsport4girls #brandsa pic.twitter.com/r7rzZi2rtJ
— Mapaseka Makhanya (@Mapasexy) December 2, 2024
One of gsport founder Kass Naidoo’s biggest passions is introducing and giving opportunities to young girls eager to join the sports media space and #OpenUpTheIndustry. At this event, the vision was taken up a notch. Observing at the back of the room were a few determined young women, soaking in the event’s proceedings and hoping to grow into future media practitioners.
Among them was Ndivhuwo M Precious, a motorsport enthusiast in the early stages of her career. Attending her first gsport event, she shared:
“I had an incredible experience connecting with inspiring women in the sports industry. I found it very empowering to network with game changers and decision-makers. Being in a community of like-minded women was uplifting, and hearing their stories of resilience and success motivated me to keep pushing forward in my own journey.
“I also enjoyed and learned a lot from creating content for gsport, which added an exciting, hands-on experience at the event. The event reminded me of the importance of community and the strength we have when we stand together. All in all, I rate my experience a 12/10. It was awesome.”
A crucial aspect of #GAL2024 was the presence of sponsors who made the event successful. Sithembile Ntombela, Acting CEO of Brand SA, highlighted the impactful role of gsport in building the nation’s image by advancing women in sport.
Representatives from Telkom, Braam Wessels and Shado Mkhize, attended the event. Inverroche Gin, a recurring feature at gsport events in 2024, was included in the special goodie bags for the list makers. Mpudi Maubane from SPAR, the provider of the guest goodie bags, was also present, reflecting the retail giant’s wholehearted support for women’s sport.
The most heartwarming moments came during the winners’ acceptance speeches. From Courtnaé Paul’s cool and charismatic address, to Simoné Kruger and Jess Greef’s heartfelt words, and Glenrose Xaba’s eloquent speech as Newsmaker of the Year, the event was a powerful reminder of the incredible women shaping South African sport.
Congratulations to Glenrose and all the 2024 gsport list makers!
By the end of the occasion, one message became clear: While this marked the year’s final event, it was also a springboard for envisioning 2025.
Whether you’re a hopeful eager to host or work for a gsport event, a corporate sponsor looking to expand your footprint, or an athlete aiming to level up next year, #GAL2024 set the stage for dreams to take flight.
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
