Kirsten Neuschäfer, the first woman to win a solo, round-the-world yacht race, was at a loss for words as she accepted the South African Sportswoman of the Year award on Sunday night at Sun City during the 17th Annual SA Sport Awards. Neuschäfer faced stiff competition from current World 200m breaststroke champion Tatjana Smith and global cricket star, Proteas Women captain, Laura Wolvaardt.
“Wow, I’m actually completely speechless. I wasn’t expecting this. All I can say is the greatest recognition that anyone can receive is from their own country.
“Thank you South Africa! My proudest moment was sailing over the finish line, waving the South African flag. Thank you so much!”
In the Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability category, Simoné Kruger, who made history in the F38 discus event at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris, overcame stiff competition from multiple Momentum gsport Award winner and two-time Grand Slam winner Kgothatso Montjane and World Para Swimming Championship gold medallist Kat Swanepoel.
Kruger beamed as she made her way to the podium: “Hello everyone! I am extremely shocked, so thank you for this nomination! I want to say thank you to my parents, the family that supports me, my coaches, for SASCOC also because their OPEX contract allowed my coach to go and that has made this dream possible. And lastly thanks to God for giving me this talent and also well done to all the finalists, you did amazing, otherwise you wouldn’t be here, so thank you!”
Long-serving former Netball South Africa CEO Blanche de la Guerre was honored as a recipient of the prestigious Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket.
Double Grand Slam winner Kgothatso Montjane received a Ministerial Recognition of Excellence award for her history-making wins on the global stage, and gsport Founder Kass Naidoo was a Ministerial Recognition of Excellence recipient for her international cricket broadcasting achievements and her work to advance women’s sport through the gsport initiative.
Kirsten Neuschäfer was honoured after she became the first woman solo round-the-world yacht race champion. Photo: Department of Sport, Arts and CultureSimoné Kruger, who made history in the F38 discus event at the 2023 World Para Athletics Champs in Paris. Photo: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Other women winners included Hlabi Secondary School, winners of the Developing School Team award. Founder of Vakhegula Vakhegula, Rebecca “Mama Beka” Ntsanwisi received the Volunteer of the Year award.
The 17th Annual SA Sport Awards celebrated 30 Years of Sporting Excellence. #IzinjaZeGame
Main Photo Caption: Kirsten Neuschäfer (centre) won the South African Sportswoman of the Year Award at the 17th Annual SA Sport Awards against serious contenders, Simoné Kruger (right) won Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability, and gsport Founder Kass Naidoo was a Ministerial Recognition of Excellence Award recipient at Sun City on Sunday, 5 May, 2024. Photo: gsport
Photo 2 Caption: Kirsten Neuschäfer was honoured after she became the first woman solo round-the-world yacht race champion. Photo: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Photo 3 Caption: Simoné Kruger, who made history in the F38 discus event at the 2023 World Para Athletics Champs in Paris. Photo: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
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Women in Sport Shine at 2024 SA Sport Awards
Kirsten Neuschäfer, the first woman to win a solo, round-the-world yacht race, was at a loss for words as she accepted the South African Sportswoman of the Year award on Sunday night at Sun City during the 17th Annual SA Sport Awards. Neuschäfer faced stiff competition from current World 200m breaststroke champion Tatjana Smith and global cricket star, Proteas Women captain, Laura Wolvaardt.
“Wow, I’m actually completely speechless. I wasn’t expecting this. All I can say is the greatest recognition that anyone can receive is from their own country.
In the Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability category, Simoné Kruger, who made history in the F38 discus event at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris, overcame stiff competition from multiple Momentum gsport Award winner and two-time Grand Slam winner Kgothatso Montjane and World Para Swimming Championship gold medallist Kat Swanepoel.
Kruger beamed as she made her way to the podium: “Hello everyone! I am extremely shocked, so thank you for this nomination! I want to say thank you to my parents, the family that supports me, my coaches, for SASCOC also because their OPEX contract allowed my coach to go and that has made this dream possible. And lastly thanks to God for giving me this talent and also well done to all the finalists, you did amazing, otherwise you wouldn’t be here, so thank you!”
Long-serving former Netball South Africa CEO Blanche de la Guerre was honored as a recipient of the prestigious Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket.
Double Grand Slam winner Kgothatso Montjane received a Ministerial Recognition of Excellence award for her history-making wins on the global stage, and gsport Founder Kass Naidoo was a Ministerial Recognition of Excellence recipient for her international cricket broadcasting achievements and her work to advance women’s sport through the gsport initiative.
Other women winners included Hlabi Secondary School, winners of the Developing School Team award. Founder of Vakhegula Vakhegula, Rebecca “Mama Beka” Ntsanwisi received the Volunteer of the Year award.
The 17th Annual SA Sport Awards celebrated 30 Years of Sporting Excellence. #IzinjaZeGame
Main Photo Caption: Kirsten Neuschäfer (centre) won the South African Sportswoman of the Year Award at the 17th Annual SA Sport Awards against serious contenders, Simoné Kruger (right) won Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability, and gsport Founder Kass Naidoo was a Ministerial Recognition of Excellence Award recipient at Sun City on Sunday, 5 May, 2024. Photo: gsport
Photo 2 Caption: Kirsten Neuschäfer was honoured after she became the first woman solo round-the-world yacht race champion. Photo: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Photo 3 Caption: Simoné Kruger, who made history in the F38 discus event at the 2023 World Para Athletics Champs in Paris. Photo: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
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