The Momentum Proteas are the toast of South African sport after being honoured by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa at his Recognition of Excellence along with leading male and female athletes who punched above their weight during Covid-19 to put South African sport on the map.
The Proteas Women reached the semifinals of the ICC Women’s World T20 over a year ago in Australia and since then have been on the rise, beating New Zealand in New Zealand, emerging victorious over Pakistan at home and then heading to India to make history and beat the home team to leap up in the world rankings.
Fresh off their flight from India after making history, the team grabbed the attention from media and guests alike who could not get enough of these champion athletes, who represented South Africa with pride on the world stage.
We are at Emperors Palace for the Minister’s Recognition of Excellence in Sport Awards.
Stay tuned to our timelines for all the updates 😉#GoGirls @SportArtsCultur @NathiMthethwaSA pic.twitter.com/Rb3t7hgKDL
— gsport4girls (@gsport4girls) March 25, 2021
Other leading women in sport who were honoured include Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio, for her outstanding performance winning the first ever UCI Cycling eSports title.
Reigning ISA World Para Surfing silver medallist, Noluthando Makalima, made an emotional speech as she thanked the Minister for the recognition. The popular adaptive surfer continues to raise the South African flag high in surfing and inspire the next generation.
Well done to all our Award recipients. Tonight, Minister @NathiMthethwaSA emphasised that as a country it is
important that we give recognition to the exceptional performances of athletes, coaches, administrators and technical officials.🇿🇦 [1/2]#MinistersRecognitionAwards pic.twitter.com/QTGwekMNkW— Masechaba Khumalo™️®️👑💕 (@MasechabaAfrica) March 25, 2021
Wheelchair tennis ace, Kgothato Montjane is a true champion on and off the court and was honoured for her doubles runner-up medal at the 2021 Australian Open while also signing major sponsors during Covid-19.
After the event, the overjoyed recipients took to social media to thank the Minister for honouring them and committed to rising to greater heights.
Thank you Minister @NathiMthethwaSA for the special Recognition of Excellence Award last night. So blessed to be a part of this team! #momentumproteas 🇿🇦🏏 pic.twitter.com/bE396a77Lw
— Marizanne Kapp (@kappie777) March 26, 2021
The Minister’s Recognition of Excellence Awards happens periodically throughout the year when athletes shine but because of Covid-19, this has impacted this and also prevented the Department from hosting the 2020 SA Sport Awards last November.
The Momentum gsport Awards and the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Awards also fall under the Recognition Pillar of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, along with the prestigious SA Sport Awards.
Photo 1 Caption: The Momentum Proteas are the toast of South African sport after being honoured by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa at his Recognition of Excellence along with leading male and female athletes who punched above their weight during Covid-19 to put South African sport on the map. Photo: Masechaba Ndlovu (Twitter)
Photo 2 Caption: South African wheelchair tennis ace, Kgothatso Montjane, is a true champion on the court and has been honoured for her doubles runner-up medal at the 2021 Australian Open. Photo: gsport
Photo 3 Caption: Adaptive surfer Noluthando Makalima continues to raise the South African flag high in surfing and has been recognised for her sterling efforts. Photo: Mickey Modisane
Photo 4 Caption: Minister Nathi Mthethwa and first Vice President of SASCOC, Lwandile Simelane, pictured at the Recognition of Excellence awards evening. Photo: Mickey Simelane