“An honour and a privilege …” is how the Telkom Woman of the Year finalists have unanimously expressed their sentiments after having been nominated for the 2025 gsport Awards. Dr Roxy Davis, Colleen McAusland, and Akhona Ngcobondwana are up for the top award, to be hosted in Johannesburg on Saturday, 30 August 2025.
Dr Davis, who is well-known for winning national titles, has since made a lasting impact on the sport of surfing. After completing her PhD in surf therapy, she has transformed lives through inclusive surf programs for people with disabilities.
She shared how “honoured and incredibly grateful” she is to have been nominated for this award, and it reminded her to “pause and reflect on how far we have come in creating inclusive opportunities through surfing.”
The ten-time national champion and founder of Ocean Freedom reflected on what this acknowledgement means to her.
“This recognition means so much because it’s not just about me; it represents every woman who dreams of combining her passion with purpose to create change.”
Telkom Woman of the Year Finalist, Dr Roxy Davis
“It validates the courage to live a life that blends sport, science, business, and motherhood, and shows that we don’t need to fit into a single box to make an impact,” said Davis. “Most importantly, it shines a light on the transformative power of surfing as a tool for inclusion, healing, and empowerment.”
Colleen McAusland, meanwhile, is no stranger to the gsport Awards; this is the second year in a row that she has been nominated, having been a finalist in the African Woman In Sport category in 2024.
The boxing manager is a true trailblazer of her sport as she has been a fierce advocate for the women she represents. Through her tenacious attitude, she has ensured top fighters like Simangele Hadebe secure top opponents and international bouts. She has reshaped the sport and continues to be relentless in her promotion and support of female boxers.
She says this type of recognition means a lot to her as she is constantly striving to improve things for the female boxers of the sport.
“I have been through a very, very tough time losing my son in a car accident was extremely tragic,” said McAusland. “And you know, boxing has its own struggles.”
“Being a woman in that sport, we often don’t get recognised in our own sporting code. So it’s an absolute honour for me to be recognised, and I don’t take it lightly, because, you know, there are so many women that are so worthy of this nomination and being a finalist. It means the world to me.
Telkom Woman of the Year Finalist, Colleen McAusland
“I am always putting my boxers out there because it’s all about them. For me, it is not about me; it’s about them. So for me to be nominated and recognised is an absolute humbling experience as well, just to know that people do see you and everybody likes to be appreciated, and that’s exactly what gsport does.”
Having attended the gsport Awards in 2024, McAusland says the event is one in its own class and being surrounded by other amazing women from the industry is truly something to treasure.
“You are pampered and really spoiled. You get to connect with wonderful women in sport.”
“I’ve made some really good connections at the gsport Awards, and it’s still ongoing, and because of the connections I made, specifically with Sascoc, you know it, it has started to change the tide for women in boxing, for female boxers,” said McAusland. “When I attend these events, I make it a point to connect with other women in sport, and together, we can do so much more.
“Most importantly, to support each other and encourage each other and to share each other’s stories, because the world is watching. And you know, we’re so much stronger when we stand together as gsport Finalists, and part of the gsport family,” said McAusland. “Kass makes you feel so welcome into the family and does whatever she can to connect you with people that she knows would make a difference in our sporting community.”
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Akhona Ngcobondwana is a bold, visionary driving meaningful change. Her work at Ellis Park, as well as the Golden Lions Women’s team, has been groundbreaking for women’s rugby. She has elevated the women’s game through operational leadership and digital storytelling, creating new pathways for young women in stadium management and strengthening visibility.
She shared that she was in disbelief but also ecstatic after hearing about her nomination, as she first heard the news from an acquaintance who follows gsport on social media.
Ngcobondwana went on to say that being able to play her part in elevating women’s sport has been something that she is proud to be a part of.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to know the work and effort I put in my work can be recognised and is somewhat a building block to the transformation of how women in sport are seen and celebrated.”
Telkom Woman of the Year Finalist, Akhona Ngcobondwana
The Telkom Woman of the Year Finalist expressed the utmost excitement at having been nominated for the milestone event.
“Being nominated is incredible, not just for my own recognition, but the joy that comes with being part of such an incredible and historic milestone that reflects two decades of progress is unmatched.”
“To be a part of such an incredible moment is humbling and inspiring.”
“It is a reminder of how far we have come as women and how important it is to keep building for those who will come after us. We are the foundation for future generations of women in sport,” said Ngcobondwana. “And it’s a privilege to experience the pressures that come with it, knowing we are all doing this for something bigger than us.”
Photo 1 caption: That is how the Telkom Woman of the Year finalists have expressed their sentiments at having been nominated for the 2025 gsport Awards. Dr. Roxy Davis, Colleen McAusland, and Akhona Ngcobondwana are Finalists for this prestigious award at the event that will be hosted in Johannesburg on Saturday, 30 August 2025.
Photo 2 caption: Ten-time national surf champion and founder of Ocean Freedom, Dr Roxy Davis reflected on what this acknowledgement means to her.
Photo 3 caption: Boxing manager Colleen McAusland says the event is in its own class, and being surrounded by other amazing industry women is something to treasure.
Photo 4 caption: Ellis Park and the Golden Lions Women’s team have benefitted from Akhona Ngcobondwana’s visionary, and she’s proud to have played her part.
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