The 2023 Momentum gsport Awards judging process featured an elite panel, who casted their votes to select the shortlist for the 18th edition of Africa’s longest running women’s sport recognition platform at the Balalaika Hotel in Sandton on Wednesday, 16 August 2023.
This year’s judging panel included veteran journalist and member of the South African National Editor’s Forum, Mary Papayya, renowned sports broadcaster and former gsport Special Recognition award winner, Cynthia Tshaka, South African road-running sensation, Mapaseka Makhanya, legendary South African sprinter and former Ministerial Recognition of Excellence Awards recipient on the gsport stage, Geraldine Pillay-Viret.
Also featured on the panel was Olympic sprint canoe medallist, Bridgitte Hartley, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Co-ordinator, Nthangeni Tshivhase and Chairperson of the 2023 Netball Tournament World Cup Board and #gsport16 Ministerial Recognition of Excellence Award recipient, Patience Shikwambana.
The panel had their work cut out as they sifted through a stellar nominees list featuring brand new names, as well as the experienced and well renowned, to conclude the final top three.
“It was really an honour to be a judge today and it’s exciting. Today was just another reminder that we get to be part of the history makers because that’s what the Momentum gsport Awards is all about, we are creating history by honouring women and when they look back, they can look at their strides and be proud.”
Hartley judged her first awards and says: “It was quite a privilege to judge for the first time on the other side and not as an athlete. But, at the same time, really amazing to be on a platform with Geraldine Pillay and Mapaseka Makhanya – we’ve been on sport stages together as athletes.
“I’ve been blown away by the names of the nominees, the lists have been so tough, some easier than others. This process has been such an eye-opener for me,” she concluded.
After the announcement of finalists on the 22nd of August, public voting will commence immediately for 10 days and will close on 31 August.
2023 Momentum gsport Awards Judges:
Bridgitte Hartley – Olympic sprint canoe medallist
Cynthia Tshaka – Renowned sports broadcaster and former gsport Special Recognition award winner
Geraldine Pillay – Legendary South African sprinter and former Ministerial Recognition of Excellence Awards recipient
Mapaseka Makhanya – South African road-running sensation
Mary Papayya – Veteran journalist and member of the South African National Editor’s Forum
Nthangeni Tshivhase – Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Co-ordinator
Patience Shikwambana – 2023 Netball Tournament World Cup Board and #gsport16 Ministerial Recognition of Excellence Award recipient
Photo 1 Caption: The 2023 Momentum gsport Awards judges pictured at the Balalaika Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg on Wednesday, 16 August. Photo: gsport
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