Tatjana Smith Wins 2024 Momentum Athlete of the Year

Johannesburg, South Africa – Tatjana Smith made history on a night of extraordinary celebration as she was named Momentum Athlete of the Year at the 19th Momentum gsport Awards, held on 12 September, 2024. 

Smith, who became the first South African woman to win a World Title in the 200m Breaststroke, claimed the top honour after a stellar season that also saw her win silver in the 100m and secure the South African title, before she heading off to Paris, where she is expected to further cement her legacy, Smith stands poised to become South Africa’s most decorated Olympian.

The prestigious event, hosted in Johannesburg, showcased the very best of women’s sport, recognising individuals and organisations that have made exceptional contributions to advancing women’s sport in South Africa. 

The awards were graced by the presence of Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Peace Mabe, who presented five Ministerial Recognition of Excellence Awards to top achievers across multiple sports.

Winners at the 2024 Momentum gsport Awards

Inverroche Global Woman in Sport – Kirsten Neuschäfer

For her historic solo round-the-world race victory, being named 2023 Rolex World Sailor of the Year, and setting a new standard in sailing. 

African Woman in Sport – Diana Chikotesha

For officiating the Men’s African Cup of Nations, the 2024 Summer Olympics, and being named Best Female Referee at the COSAFA Awards.

Brand SA Para Sport Star  – Kgothatso Montjane

For her US Open and Wimbledon Doubles titles, defending Japan Open and Barcelona Doubles titles, and her runner-up finish at Roland Garros.

Telkom Woman of the Year – Kgothatso Montjane

For her Grand Slam wins, defending titles, and giving back through her foundation.

Team of the Year – Bulls Daisies

For an unbeaten 2023 season, producing over 15 Springbok players, and helping South Africa qualify for the XV World Cup, winning 14 of 15 matches in 2024.

School Sport Star – Katleho Malebana

For leading U15 teams to COSAFA and CAF African School Championships and captaining Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies to major victories.

Coach of the Year – Jerry Tshabalala

For leading Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies to two CAF Women’s Champions League titles and being a two-time Hollywoodbets Super League Coach of the Year.

Public Choice Award  – Tatenda Gondo

For receiving the highest number of votes, excelling as a freelance sports journalist and advocate for women’s sport.

Special Recognition Award – Joseph Mkhonza

For leading Springs Home Sweepers to the 2023 Gauteng Sasol League Stream B title and developing future female football stars since 1992.

Hall of Fame Inductee – Mandisa Williams

For her leadership as a former Springbok women’s rugby captain and her ongoing contribution as assistant coach of the Bulls Daisies.

Emerging Athlete of the Year – Miné de Klerk

For her shot put and discus achievements at the University of Oregon, setting personal bests and competing at an All-American level.

Federation of the Year – Cricket South Africa

For professionalizing the Women’s One Day Cup and T20 League, broadcasting the T20 Pro League live, and securing silver at the 2024 African Games.

Sponsor of the Year – SPAR

For their support of the South African Netball Team, the SPAR Women’s Race, and continuing to champion women’s sport through the SPAR Grand Prix Race.

Volunteer of the Year – Precious Hlaka

For leading 14 athletes to the SA Championships and securing scholarships through the Youth Alive Sport Project.

Supporter of the Year – Celumusa Malinga

For his pivotal role in his daughter Awande’s achievements, including a Drexel scholarship, two U19 SA titles, and gold at the SA National Top Schools Championships.

Style Star – Jo Prins

For her elegance and trendsetting fashion, captivating social media followers with her confidence and style.

Woman in Social Media – Lali Stander

For revolutionising South African women’s golf through dynamic social media and global promotion, reaching over 120,000 golfers and securing corporate sponsorships.

Woman in Print – Lynn Butler

For her impactful coverage of major events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, and her dedication to elevating women in sports media with News24.

SABC Sport Woman in Radio – Noloyiso Bonga

For her award-winning work as a presenter and producer, and for supporting young athletes through her foundation.

SABC Sport Woman in Television – Thato Moeng

For her dynamic hosting of major events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Comrades Marathon, and her versatility across football, athletics, and golf on SuperSport.

Woman in PR and Sponsorship – Jessica Nkomo

For founding South Africa’s first sports agency for female athletes, and for her work as a sports analyst, content creator, and advocate for gender equality.

Ministerial Recognition of Excellence Award Recipients

In a special highlight of the evening, Deputy Minister Mabe presented the Ministerial Excellence Awards, celebrating athletes who have excelled in their respective disciplines:

Martha Mosoahle-Samm (Netball):

As a former Proteas Netball captain with coaching experience at CUT, Free State Crinums, and the Protea Fast Five Team, Samm’s achievements are extraordinary. She led the Fast Five team to silver at the Fast 5 World Series, South Africa’s first international netball medal in many years. Samm also guided the Crinums to victory in the Telkom Netball League (TNL) and played an instrumental role in preparations for the 2023 Netball World Cup.

Ayabonga Khaka (Cricket):

Khaka made history as the first black African medium pacer to achieve 100 ODI appearances for the Proteas Women in April 2024. She played a pivotal role in leading South Africa to their first World Cup final in 2023, showcasing her tenacity and leadership on the international stage.

Rogail Joseph (Athletics):

A rising star in track and field, Joseph secured gold in the 400m hurdles at the 2023 African Games and the senior athletics championships in Cameroon. She achieved a personal best time of 54.12 seconds in March 2024, affirming her place as one of Africa’s premier athletes in the discipline.

Danelia Price-Hughes (Rowing):

Price-Hughes, a prodigy in rowing, has dominated the sport at the junior level, winning gold in the Single Scull, Double, and Quad events at the 2024 SA Schools Champs. She recently added a silver medal to her name at the 2024 World Rowing U19 Championships in Canada, cementing her reputation as a future star.

Kat Swanepoel (Para Swimming):

Swanepoel’s outstanding performances at the World Para Swimming Championships saw her set new African records and win gold in the 150m Medley SM4 and the 50m Backstroke S4. As #TeamSA’s flag bearer, she is poised to continue her winning streak at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

The 19th Momentum gsport Awards not only celebrated the achievements of individual athletes but also acknowledged the collective efforts to uplift women’s sport in South Africa. The evening reinforced the importance of recognition, visibility, and support for individuals who are making strides both on and off the field.

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Photo Caption: Tatjana Smith has been unveiled as the winner of the 2024 Momentum Athlete of the Year Award among a stellar cast of winners at the 2024 Momentum gsport Awards at a glittering ceremony in Illovo, Johannesburg, on Thursday 12 September, 2024. Photo: gsport / Rebecca Hearfield