The business of women’s sport is advancing. At the heart of this acceleration is the #PowerOfCollaboration. This year, in the absence of a major Awards Naming Rights partner, gsport has still been able to fulfil its commercial requirements, thanks to like-minded leaders coming together and forging winning partnerships.
Leading branding, décor, and technical suppliers who usually have commercial arrangements with gsport saw the value in partnering and selflessly gave their resources and expertise to ensure that gsport got across the line at the 2025 gsport Awards, the 20th edition of Africa’s longest-running women’s sport recognition platform.
This year, at the 4th gsport Business Breakfast, gsport took the extraordinary decision to introduce #PowerOfCollaboration awards at the gathering, further extending gsport’s recognition footprint, and acknowledging the growing strength of the business of women’s sport community.
Among the first-time recipients of gsport’s Business of Women’s Sport accolades were long-standing gsport Awards suppliers:
- Endeavour AV – Recognised for Technical and Production Excellence
- Decor4Hire – Honoured for delivering a standout visual and event experience
- Worldwide Sports – gsport’s longest-serving supplier and consistent collaborator
Owner of Decor4Hire, Maranda Pieterse, says this recognition is encouraging as it endorses her company’s efforts.
“Being invited was incredibly empowering. It affirmed the work we do at Decor4Hire and recognised the value of our contribution to events like the gsport Awards. As a woman-led business, it meant a lot to be acknowledged in a space that champions female leadership.”
“It made me feel encouraged, motivated and even more passionate about using my business to help create memorable, meaningful experiences for others.”
Decor4Hire Owner, Maranda Pieterse
Pieterse affirmed that events like the gsport Business Breakfast are vital, as they create platforms where women are valued and collaborate for the greater good.
“The Business Breakfast opens doors for collaboration and highlights the work women are doing across different sectors. These spaces spark ideas, build relationships, and remind us that we are part of something much bigger- A movement that uplifts and grows women’s excellence in South Africa.”
Lenah Sithole of WWS echoed Pieterse’s sentiments, adding that these types of gatherings drive industry growth.
“Events like the gsport Business Breakfast are important because they create a platform for meaningful dialogue, visibility, and collaboration within the women-in-sport ecosystem. They bring together leaders from business, sport, and media to share insights, strengthen networks, and inspire new opportunities.”
“These gatherings not only drive growth for the industry but also empower women to lead, innovate, and shape the future.”
Worldwide Sports’ Lenah Sithole
Sithole added that being part of this event highlights the important work that is being done, as it hopes to continue bringing change to the women of sport.
“Being invited to an event like the gsport Business Breakfast was truly empowering. It reaffirmed the value of the work we do and created a sense of belonging among women who are driving change in sport, business, and media. The energy in the room was inspiring, and it reminded me of the importance of showing up, contributing, and supporting initiatives that elevate women’s voices and leadership.”
#ThePowerOfCollaboration theme was truly lived out at gsport’s 4th Business Breakfast, which this year evolved into a Business Accelerator, with business taking place live in the room.
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Held at Henley Business School Africa, the gathering was gsport’s most impactful commercial event yet. Leading decision-makers, rights-holders, brands, broadcast leaders, athletes, and advocates attended the high-energy show-and-tell of commercial progress in women’s sport, uniting around a collective call for increased investment, collaboration, and visibility.
Celebrating #ThePowerOfCollaboration, the event showcased the growing strength of the #gsportHenley Commercial Stairway, first developed in 2021 through an action-learning journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, the Stairway continues to guide meaningful growth and commercial innovation across the women’s sport ecosystem.
For the first time, the Business Breakfast featured a structured accelerator format designed to enhance visibility, generate business leads, and create opportunities for stakeholders to scale their work.
BSports Agency was welcomed as gsport’s new Visibility Partner, recognised for expanding athlete and women-led business representation.
“What a phenomenal event. It speaks about the multiple conversations that we need to continue having, the power of collaboration, which is exactly why we are here today.”
BSports Agency Boss, Jessica Mushavhathu
The Showcase Feature was the Telkom Netball League Trophy, symbolising excellence and growing commercial value.
And Networking Power was led by gsport’s resident communications and networking specialist, Phumeza Langa, who facilitated connections, content moments, and on-camera interactions.
Founder of BSports Agency, Jessica Mushavhathu, highlighted the significance of teamwork, emphasising the community effort behind the movement:
“My wish is that we are heard in the spaces where we need to be heard. We are given an opportunity, and we continue to grow, because there’s definitely no ‘I’ in teamwork.”
“We are here today because we all work like a team. So here is to many more victories and more victories for women in sports.”
The 4th annual gsport Business Breakfast was proudly supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; Brand South Africa; SABC Sport; Telkom; Henley Business School Africa; Nielsen Sports South Africa; Gallo Images and Worldwide Sports.
Main Photo Caption: Kass Naidoo (left) joins Power of Collaboration Accolade recipients Worldwide Sports’ Lenah Sithole; SABC Sports’ Keletso Totlhanyo; Decor4Hire’s Maranda Pieterse and Endeavour AV’s Richard Horwell on stage at the 4th annual gsport Business Breakfast, at Henley Business School Africa in Rivonia, Johannesburg, on Thursday, 27 November, 2025. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Representing one of gsport’s longest-lasting partners, Lenah Sithole shows off the Accolade presented to Worldwide Sports.
Photo 3 Caption: Power of Collaboration Accolade recipient Decor4Hire’s Maranda Pieterse (right) pictured with colleague, Bianca van der Westhuizen.
Photo 4 Caption: gsport’s first-ever Visibility Partner, Jessica Mushavhathu: “We are here today because we all work like a team. Here is to many more victories for women in sports.”
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