Hailing from Kwelerha Jongilanga, East London, in the Eastern Cape, Women’s Rugby pioneer Mandisa Williams has been unveiled as the gsport Hall of Famer for 2024 at an exclusive event in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 11 September, 2024.
The announcement came in a beautiful ceremony, themed Spring with a Touch of Bling, in Houghton, Johannesburg. Fitting for the warm yet assertive Williams, who through her ceiling-shattering work in the South African Rugby scene, has etched her name as one of SA’s top female rugby coaches.
Williams is a former Springbok Women’s Rugby captain who led the national team with distinction. Off the field, she continues to shape the game as assistant coach for the Junior Bok Women and the Bulls Daisies, while also serving as a SuperSport Rugby commentator and analyst since 2016.
Williams was overcome with emotion at the auspicious occasion hosted by actress, singer, and former hockey player Unathi Nkayi: “This is a huge occasion and it is so unreal. I always ask myself why me, because you don’t believe that you’ve done so much to gain such recognition, but if it’s ammunition for myself to continue, then I receive it with warm hands. I promise to continue with what I’ve been doing, changing the narrative, because young women need us. We’ve been there, we’ve done it.”
In attendance on the special occasion of the induction of Mandisa Williams into the gsport Hall of Fame were (from left) Momentum Integrated Brand Manager, Thandi Smith, Jane Bramley (2021 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee), Odessa Swarts (2019), Marian Marescia (2022), Hazel Gumede (2007), Thelma Achilles (2018), Motlatsi Keikabile (2010), the incoming 2024 Hall of Famer, Mandisa Williams, Desiree Ellis (2009), Blanche Moila (2023), Dudu Msane (2020), Vicky Masuku (2017), Penny Heyns (2006) and Kass Naidoo, founder of the gsport Trust. Photo: gsport / Rebecca Hearfield
“Young women are fighting social ills. When we speak rugby, it’s a male-dominated sport and inclusion is sometimes not that much. We just need to fine-tune the behaviour of administrators in rugby. For myself, it’s huge, it’s given me goosebumps. It’s a huge accolade, but I’m mindful of the work I still want to do. As the captain of my ship, I must sail.”
The event was well attended, with a number of former Hall of Famers, including the first Hall of Fame inductee in 2006 and veteran South African swimmer Penny Heyns, 2009 inductee and Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis, broadcasting pioneer and 2017 Hall of Famer Vicky Masuku, Thelma Achilles representing softball on the gsport Hall of Fame stage in 2018, 2019 inductee and athletics legend Odessa Swarts, and last year’s inductee and road-running legend Blanche Moila, to name a few.
Williams says she is grateful to the founder of gsport, Kass Naidoo, and long-term sponsor, Momentum.
“I was only 14 when I started playing, and I was 19 when I played in the national team. We keep on believing. If I can stand here today and reap the fruits of freedom, freedom is no longer tasteless. Freedom, to me, is standing here; it is the freedom of choice and delivering everything with humility. We need to be women of change; we need to believe. Give me the job, I want to be a game-changer.”
Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Peace Mabe (right) welcomed Williams with gsport Trustee, Hazel Gumede (right). Photo: gsport / Rebecca HearfieldMandisa Williams is the nineteenth gsport Hall of Famer, following in the footsteps of swim star Penny Heyns in 2006. Photo: gsport / Rebecca Hearfield
Momentum was represented by Integrated Brand Manager Thandi Smith, who shared some heartfelt words to honour the occasion: “We honour the progress and recognise the trailblazing icons that are with us today. As Momentum, we’ve learned a lot from our partnership with gsport, and we thank you a lot, Kass (Naidoo). To the iconic legends, you are not just iconic legends, but you are also actively shaping the future. Keep elevating and keep the momentum going.”
Also in attendance was Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Peace Mabe. She says a lot of work still needs to be done by her department to level the playing field for women. “I’ve been here for two months now, and this is a very important portfolio. It has been quite a humbling experience. This position is not for me; it belongs to the women who are in Sport, Arts, and Culture. Women are the ones who understand, who’ve been there. If you hold my hand, we will fight for equal payment for all athletes. In the short time that I’ve been Deputy Minister, I can say a lot has been done, but there’s still more work to do. Let’s make South Africa a happy country again.”
The Deputy Minister’s message to Hall of Famers: “Today, you are the embodiment of leadership and game-changers. Our athletes, coaches, and administrators are not paid the same as men. We are going to fix that. To our finalists at the Momentum gsport Awards: I extend my heartfelt congratulations. This moment is yours. You are already the best of the best. Take this opportunity to learn, to grow, and to make your mark.”
gsport Trustee Hazel Gumede reflected on the journey that gsport has undergone to change the scene for women’s sport: “What Kass did was heart-warming. I never thought there’d be anyone talking about Hazel Gumede in 2007. I still didn’t believe it when I was inducted. Where I come from, I never thought someone from my area would be recognised. I was not fortunate like Penny Heyns; I could not be part of the national squad representing my country. But I was there to walk the path to open the way for the likes of Simi Mdaka and Zanele Mdodana. My wish is for gsport to grow; I wish we can recognise more women in sport. The Power of Recognition is what kept me going. That is why I’m here today. I started in 2007, and I never looked back.”
GSPORT Hall of Fame
Penny Heyns (2006 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Hazel Gumede (2007 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Elana Meyer (2008 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Desiree Ellis (2009 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Motlatsi Keikabile (2010 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Dorothy Tsotsobe (2011 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Muditambi Ravele (2012 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Frith van der Merwe (2013 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Tinky Pringle (2014 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Natalie du Toit (2015 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Cheryl Roberts (2016 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Vicky Masuku (2017 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Thelma Achilles (2018 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Odessa Swarts (2019 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Dudu Msane (2020 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Jane Bramley (2021 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Marian Marescia (2022 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Blanche Moila (2023 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee) Mandisa Williams (2024 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Main Photo Caption: Hosted by actress, singer, and former hockey player Unathi Nkayi (left), former Springbok Women’s Rugby captain Mandisa Williams was inducted as the 2024 gsport Hall of Famer in a beautiful ceremony in Houghton, Johannesburg on Wednesday, 11 September, 2024. Photo: gsport / Rebecca Hearfield
Photo 2 Caption: Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Peace Mabe (right) welcomed Williams with gsport Trustee, Hazel Gumede (right). Photo: gsport / Rebecca Hearfield
Photo 3 Caption: Mandisa Williams is the nineteenth gsport Hall of Famer, following in the footsteps of swim star Penny Heyns in 2006. Photo: gsport / Rebecca Hearfield
Photo 4 Caption: In attendance on the special occasion of the induction of Mandisa Williams into the gsport Hall of Fame were (from left) Momentum Integrated Brand Manager, Thandi Smith, Jane Bramley (2021 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee), Odessa Swarts (2019), Marian Marescia (2022), Hazel Gumede (2007), Thelma Achilles (2018), Motlatsi Keikabile (2010), the incoming 2024 Hall of Famer, Mandisa Williams, Desiree Ellis (2009), Blanche Moila (2023), Dudu Msane (2020), Vicky Masuku (2017), Penny Heyns (2006) and Kass Naidoo, founder of the gsport Trust. Photo: gsport / Rebecca Hearfield
Former Springbok Women’s Rugby Captain Mandisa Williams Inducted into the gsport Hall of Fame
Hailing from Kwelerha Jongilanga, East London, in the Eastern Cape, Women’s Rugby pioneer Mandisa Williams has been unveiled as the gsport Hall of Famer for 2024 at an exclusive event in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 11 September, 2024.
The announcement came in a beautiful ceremony, themed Spring with a Touch of Bling, in Houghton, Johannesburg. Fitting for the warm yet assertive Williams, who through her ceiling-shattering work in the South African Rugby scene, has etched her name as one of SA’s top female rugby coaches.
Williams is a former Springbok Women’s Rugby captain who led the national team with distinction. Off the field, she continues to shape the game as assistant coach for the Junior Bok Women and the Bulls Daisies, while also serving as a SuperSport Rugby commentator and analyst since 2016.
Williams was overcome with emotion at the auspicious occasion hosted by actress, singer, and former hockey player Unathi Nkayi: “This is a huge occasion and it is so unreal. I always ask myself why me, because you don’t believe that you’ve done so much to gain such recognition, but if it’s ammunition for myself to continue, then I receive it with warm hands. I promise to continue with what I’ve been doing, changing the narrative, because young women need us. We’ve been there, we’ve done it.”
“Young women are fighting social ills. When we speak rugby, it’s a male-dominated sport and inclusion is sometimes not that much. We just need to fine-tune the behaviour of administrators in rugby. For myself, it’s huge, it’s given me goosebumps. It’s a huge accolade, but I’m mindful of the work I still want to do. As the captain of my ship, I must sail.”
The event was well attended, with a number of former Hall of Famers, including the first Hall of Fame inductee in 2006 and veteran South African swimmer Penny Heyns, 2009 inductee and Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis, broadcasting pioneer and 2017 Hall of Famer Vicky Masuku, Thelma Achilles representing softball on the gsport Hall of Fame stage in 2018, 2019 inductee and athletics legend Odessa Swarts, and last year’s inductee and road-running legend Blanche Moila, to name a few.
Williams says she is grateful to the founder of gsport, Kass Naidoo, and long-term sponsor, Momentum.
“I was only 14 when I started playing, and I was 19 when I played in the national team. We keep on believing. If I can stand here today and reap the fruits of freedom, freedom is no longer tasteless. Freedom, to me, is standing here; it is the freedom of choice and delivering everything with humility. We need to be women of change; we need to believe. Give me the job, I want to be a game-changer.”
Momentum was represented by Integrated Brand Manager Thandi Smith, who shared some heartfelt words to honour the occasion: “We honour the progress and recognise the trailblazing icons that are with us today. As Momentum, we’ve learned a lot from our partnership with gsport, and we thank you a lot, Kass (Naidoo). To the iconic legends, you are not just iconic legends, but you are also actively shaping the future. Keep elevating and keep the momentum going.”
Also in attendance was Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Peace Mabe. She says a lot of work still needs to be done by her department to level the playing field for women. “I’ve been here for two months now, and this is a very important portfolio. It has been quite a humbling experience. This position is not for me; it belongs to the women who are in Sport, Arts, and Culture. Women are the ones who understand, who’ve been there. If you hold my hand, we will fight for equal payment for all athletes. In the short time that I’ve been Deputy Minister, I can say a lot has been done, but there’s still more work to do. Let’s make South Africa a happy country again.”
The Deputy Minister’s message to Hall of Famers: “Today, you are the embodiment of leadership and game-changers. Our athletes, coaches, and administrators are not paid the same as men. We are going to fix that. To our finalists at the Momentum gsport Awards: I extend my heartfelt congratulations. This moment is yours. You are already the best of the best. Take this opportunity to learn, to grow, and to make your mark.”
gsport Trustee Hazel Gumede reflected on the journey that gsport has undergone to change the scene for women’s sport: “What Kass did was heart-warming. I never thought there’d be anyone talking about Hazel Gumede in 2007. I still didn’t believe it when I was inducted. Where I come from, I never thought someone from my area would be recognised. I was not fortunate like Penny Heyns; I could not be part of the national squad representing my country. But I was there to walk the path to open the way for the likes of Simi Mdaka and Zanele Mdodana. My wish is for gsport to grow; I wish we can recognise more women in sport. The Power of Recognition is what kept me going. That is why I’m here today. I started in 2007, and I never looked back.”
GSPORT Hall of Fame
Penny Heyns (2006 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Hazel Gumede (2007 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Elana Meyer (2008 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Desiree Ellis (2009 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Motlatsi Keikabile (2010 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Dorothy Tsotsobe (2011 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Muditambi Ravele (2012 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Frith van der Merwe (2013 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Tinky Pringle (2014 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Natalie du Toit (2015 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Cheryl Roberts (2016 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Vicky Masuku (2017 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Thelma Achilles (2018 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Odessa Swarts (2019 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Dudu Msane (2020 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Jane Bramley (2021 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Marian Marescia (2022 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Blanche Moila (2023 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Mandisa Williams (2024 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Main Photo Caption: Hosted by actress, singer, and former hockey player Unathi Nkayi (left), former Springbok Women’s Rugby captain Mandisa Williams was inducted as the 2024 gsport Hall of Famer in a beautiful ceremony in Houghton, Johannesburg on Wednesday, 11 September, 2024. Photo: gsport / Rebecca Hearfield
Photo 2 Caption: Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Peace Mabe (right) welcomed Williams with gsport Trustee, Hazel Gumede (right). Photo: gsport / Rebecca Hearfield
Photo 3 Caption: Mandisa Williams is the nineteenth gsport Hall of Famer, following in the footsteps of swim star Penny Heyns in 2006. Photo: gsport / Rebecca Hearfield
Photo 4 Caption: In attendance on the special occasion of the induction of Mandisa Williams into the gsport Hall of Fame were (from left) Momentum Integrated Brand Manager, Thandi Smith, Jane Bramley (2021 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee), Odessa Swarts (2019), Marian Marescia (2022), Hazel Gumede (2007), Thelma Achilles (2018), Motlatsi Keikabile (2010), the incoming 2024 Hall of Famer, Mandisa Williams, Desiree Ellis (2009), Blanche Moila (2023), Dudu Msane (2020), Vicky Masuku (2017), Penny Heyns (2006) and Kass Naidoo, founder of the gsport Trust. Photo: gsport / Rebecca Hearfield
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