Memories and heartfelt messages from the sporting fraternity continue to pour in for late sports activist, Cheryl Roberts, who was sadly called to rest on Friday, 7 October 2022, after her battle with cancer.
The gsport Newsroom first reported on Roberts’ passing when her sister, Sharon, confirmed the news on Friday afternoon.
Roberts was a former South African table tennis player who represented the country in the women’s singles event at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
In her later years, she went on to become a staunch women’s sport activist as she fought for gender and racial equality in the sporting space.
Roberts would use social media, writing and her lens to promote women in sport from grassroots to national level. She shone the spotlight on many who went on to become well-known sport stars across the globe.
Not only did Roberts promote women’s sport, but she would also use money from her own pocket to assist women and girls to ensure that they would be able to live out their sporting dreams.
We all have fond memories of Roberts and I recall when I first spotted this legend at a SPAR Proteas netball match in Cape Town about three years ago. Her passion and dedication as she move about around the court, snapping away, inspired me to do more for our women in sport.
For her immense commitment, Roberts was awarded the coveted Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket by the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture and a four-time recipient on the gsport Awards stage.
Cheryl Roberts 🏆🏆🏆🏆
2016 gsport Hall of Fame Inductee
2017 gsport Supporter of the Year
2017 gsport Woman in Social Media
2018 gsport Woman in Social Media
#PowerOfRecognition #RIPCherylRoberts pic.twitter.com/p1Ma9yv189— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) October 11, 2022
Speaking on Roberts’ passing, gsport Founder Kass Naidoo Tweeted: “Cheryl Roberts was shortlisted for the Woman in Social Media award at #gsport17 this year. She opted out of the top three to give a young person in the industry an opportunity to shine. Our timelines are poorer without her daily stories of young women in sport making their mark.”
In an official media release, Department of Sport, Arts & Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa stated: “The Department of Sport, Arts & Culture wishes to pay tribute to long-standing sports activist, Cheryl Roberts who passed away today (Friday). Cheryl was amongst the members of the first National Executive Committee of the National Sports Council – the forerunners of SASCOC.
The release went on to point out: “Cheryl’s drive and enthusiasm will be sorely missed. Her family’s loss is shared by many in the sports movement.”
Cricket South Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki also shared a word on behalf of the federation: “The sporting fraternity has lost a colossus of women’s sports in the media, a voice that demanded to be heard and one who staunchly fought for female representation across multiple sporting codes, including the game of cricket,
“Her storytelling abilities helped the everyday South African understand the challenges faced by athletes on their journey to on-field success. It is through her unrelenting advocacy that women’s sport is now gaining the traction it deserves. She will be sorely missed.”
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander paid tribute to Roberts on the Springbok team’s Twitter account.
🇿🇦 "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Cheryl Roberts, a staunch supporter of women's sport, a champion of equal opportunities, and an activist for women on the SA sporting landscape. May she rest in peace, our thoughts are with her family" – Mark Alexander, SARU President pic.twitter.com/4UfOddFwj1
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 7, 2022
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Cheryl Roberts, a staunch supporter of women’s sport, a champion of equal opportunities, and an activist for women on the SA sporting landscape.
“May she rest in peace and our thoughts are with her family.”
SAFA President Danny Jordaan shared a message on behalf of the football community, saying: “This is such a massive loss. She made a huge contribution. It is a huge loss for sport, as well as women leadership in sport,” said Jordaan.
“One of the things she celebrated was the victory of Banyana Banyana during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in July.
“Cheryl was active in SACOS. Our sincerest condolences to the family, our struggle stalwart for non-racialism and equality in sport.
“Her fierce and uncompromising stand for the rights of women in sport was a lifelong commitment. Sport has lost an important voice and she will be sadly missed.”
South Africa’s international football star, Ode Fulutudilu shared a touching tribute on her Facebook: “I am heartbroken to hear about the passing of Cheryl Roberts. She has supported and documented my career from the beginning when I played at Cape Town Roses.
“I will always be grateful for the part she has played in informing the people of South Africa that I existed. Her documentation of women’s sport will always be unmatched.”
Rugby coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt, who is currently part of the Springbok Women’s coaching staff at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, shared her message saying: “Today (Saturday) we will be playing the opening match of the Rugby World Cup…One of our biggest supporters won’t be there.
“Cheryl Roberts thank you for all that you have done for women in sport and more specifically grassroots sport,” she continued.
“She was a big fan of seeing the girl-child happy and participating in sport. She loved seeing girls excel at sport and always highlighted them. She always captured great moments of our sports girls and women. She was indeed a special woman that was extremely passionate about what she did. You will always be remembered. ‘til we meet.”
Roberts’ funeral service will take place at Bethesda Temple Church in Durban at 09h30 on Saturday, 15 October 2022.
Funeral Service of Cheryl Roberts will be on Saturday 15 Oct 2022 @ 09h30@ the Bethesda Temple Church 29 Carlisle Street Durban. Proceedings move to the West Street Funeral where she will be laid to rest. Family, friends, colleagues and comrades are invited. pic.twitter.com/tGNGdjvRf8
— Patric Solomons (@PatricSolomons) October 11, 2022
Scroll down to read more Tweets shared by the South African sporting community:
It is with a heavy heart that SASCOC mourns the passing of Cheryl Roberts, former Olympian and SA Table Tennis player. We honour her for her immense contribution to women's sport. Our condolences go to the Roberts family and the sporting sector as a whole. @BarryUgenius pic.twitter.com/clMGSQtuj3
— Team South Africa (@TeamSA2024) October 7, 2022
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Cheryl Roberts. The Olympian, writer, publisher, journalist , archivist, daughter, sibling and friend lived and breathed sports and most importantly elevated underrepresented athletes. pic.twitter.com/8JDGBHgbYY
— Triangle Project (@TriangleOrg) October 10, 2022
Condolences to the family and friends of former SACOS table tennis Champion Cheryl Roberts.
She was not only an amazing athlete but an activists that worked tirelessly to fight for those that could not fight for themselves.
Especially women in Sport.#Rip #CherylRoberts pic.twitter.com/61eP5vMQAv— 🇿🇦 SMinc Sports Management 🇬🇧 (@ColinFrancke) October 7, 2022
So saddened by the death of Cheryl Roberts. An activist through and through, who could make anyone fall in love with women's sport. She will be sorely missed in many places. Hamble Kahle Warrior Womyn.
— Tracey Saunders (@_traceykim_) October 7, 2022
Cheryl Roberts posted and spoke so much about women in sports. The up and coming and the established. I'm sad to hear about her passing. What a loss! My deepest and heartfelt condolences to her loved ones. May she rest in peace. 🙏🏾😔
— LO. 👸🏾 (@LOtheOG) October 7, 2022
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