Winning on the Momentum gsport Awards stage is always a special feeling as it represents being recognised and seen for your work to advance women’s sport.
This year, new stars and icons were unveiled at #gsport17 and we get to find out from a selected group of winners what is meant for them to be awarded at the country’s longest women’s sport recognition platform.
Supporter of the Year winner Nakedi Thlathtla, says winning has encouraged her to continue playing her part to encourage better support for women’s football in the country.
“Winning on the Momentum gsport Awards stage was very personal to me, because I have always celebrated women who participate in sport as they are an inspiration. I always look forward to motivating the next girl child and I believe young girls will value sports and support their fellow sisters. It felt incredible to have my efforts recognised by gsport. It was actually the best validation of the tireless support I have been showing to women in sport. I am happy that I won this accolade because it also encourages me to continue with my journey and hoping I will influence others to value women who are in sport.”
Dorah Mngwevu, who earned the Special Recognition award for her tireless efforts to support athletics, says: “The Momentum gsport Awards means new horizons after 33 years in sport for me to continue to develop more athletes. They make me feel special and validated within the sports family. It is a sweet dream coming true in my life, first national recognition and thanks to gsport for investing and recognising woman in South Africa. Keep on, Keeping on.”
Woman in the administration and business side of sport is increasing and it is always wonderful to acknowledge new names who are paving the way for way in this space.
Maphuti Hlako walked away with the Woman in PR & Sponsorship accolade for her outstanding contributions for Team South Africa at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as the Commonwealth Games.
“Winning the Momentum gsport Award is something that I honestly didn’t anticipate happening, not even in my wildest dreams. With the recognition from this award, I hope to give young people a platform to dream big God dreams and help achieve those dreams now more than ever. I am motivated to build a business where I will one day be able to work with and share my expertise with the next generation of sports PR & Communication specialists.”
Another woman making headway in sport is football writer Mpumi Manyisi who won the Mail & Guardian Woman in Print gong.
Manyisi says: “For me winning on the Momentum gsport Awards stage means the world to me. It was a dream come true, something that I have desired over the years. It was a surprise, a big surprise to me because I wasn’t expecting the award I was just so happy when I made it as a finalist. I only have a year of writing and for me I thought I still need more time, to write some more too eventually and officially win a gsport award.
“But God had other plans, the judges and so did everyone else who voted for me. So it meant everything to me. But over and above it all, the five star treatments that we got from Kass and her team was another highlight. From the gorgeous dresses we wore, the red carpet, the ceremony, it was just out of this world. Being counted amongst the best in the country when it comes to women in sport, it was just unbelievable. I think it is something I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
As we continue to acknowledge those who push content digitally, Woman in Social Media winner Jessica Nkomo, who is popularly known as Aunty Diski, says winning the award was a pat on the back.
“Winning on the Momentum gsport Awards stage meant everything I am doing was right. It was the push I needed to do more. It was the pat on the back that I needed to really understand that the task at hand was vital. It meant so much to me and not just me but for the people that I represent, my athletes, my friends, my family and people that support me. It was a game-changer and a launch for a greater me.”
As much as we honour those in front of the camera, it is always vital that we take a step back to celebrate the women who work tirelessly behind the camera, too.
In the SuperSport Woman in TV category, Nono Cele Xaba was honoured for achievements as a prolific producer and director of many major sporting projects on our screens.
“For me this particular award means a formation of my work. It means all the sacrifices has been worth it and most importantly it’s about opening doors for other people, in showing women nothing is impossible,”
She added: “It is about raising the bar, opening doors and elevating the standard and saying to myself, everything that I have worked towards has been for this particular moment. I am so appreciative, thank you to the gsport team and the Momentum team for creating a platform that celebrates women and the work we do.”
The spotlight was also shone on the young stars who are the future of South African sport.
The SuperSport School Sports Star of the Year winner Lesedi Khunou said: “First of all I would like to say thanks to God, because I believe everything I have achieved so far in my career is because of Him. None of this would have been possible without him, but I think serves me both the recognition for a job well done and justification, for the tears, self-doubt and hard work that were involved in obtaining such an award it will definitely give me more self-assurance and the means to work hard in the future.”
Emerging Athlete of the Year winner and Ministerial Recognition for Excellence recipient Phiwkuhle Mnguni, who is the first female boxer to win a bronze medal for South Africa at the Commonwealth Games, says: “Getting the Momentum gsport Award means a lot to me, it means that hard work pays off at the end. It also helps with recognition to the sponsors. I am grateful and honoured to be a winner at the Momentum gsport Awards.”
Banyana Banyana’s international star, Hildah Magaia, won the hearts of South Africans when her brace at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations guided the team to their first ever title. She went on to scoop the Public Choice award.
“Winning on the Momentum gsport Awards stage means so much to me, it means what I do is really seen and not taken lightly. It means I should continue pushing and aiming for the stars and not only do it for myself but also for all the young ones out there who are passionate about sport and want to pursue it even further. It means what we are doing as women is seen and celebrated.”
The big winner on the night was swim sensation Lara van Niekerk who earned the Momentum Athlete of the Year, Sasol Global Woman in Sport and Ministerial Recognition of Excellence awards.
“It means so much to have won three awards at the Momentum gsport Awards evening knowing that all my hard work is being celebrated. Being recognised as a woman in sport is so important and gsport always make sure of that. It is wonderful that there is a body to recognise women in sport.”
Michaela Whitebooi, who is the first female judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold (48kg) walked away with a Ministerial Award. On the night, her mother accepted the award on her behalf, but she sent a message to say how much the recognition meant to her.
“For me to be part of the Momentum gsport Awards represents my hard work and achievements throughout the year that is being seen by people. I think I really appreciate it and it really felt good just for people to know about it.
“When my mom also got to represent me, I think that was the great gift about all of this, yes I couldn’t make the awards and I obviously wanted to be there because it is a great celebration with women and you get to mingle and meet everyone. I think just for me having my mom there and my mom just getting to shine and get that award on my behalf was the greatest gift that I had for that evening.”
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