The much-anticipated 12th edition of the Gauteng Sports Awards took place at the Ace Ntsoelengoe Stadium in Mohlakeng on November 18.
This is where Gauteng-based athletes, teams, officials, and media received recognition for their outstanding achievements in the past year.
Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Morakane Mosupyoe said, “We celebrate athletes whose relentless pursuit of excellence has inspired us all.
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“Their dedication to their craft is a testament to the power of commitment and perseverance. Through their feats, they’ve not only brought glory to themselves but also to our province, uniting us in pride and joy.”
The Coach of the Year and Technical Official of the Year categories this year had an unprecedented all female finalists and saw Ilse Roets Pelser (Gymnastics) and Hayley Walker (Figure Skating), crowned as the respective winners for their successes which reached international levels.
Winners were announced in 20 categories of the prestigious provincial awards, which saw the highly coveted Sport Personality of the Year go to Wheelchair Tennis ace, Kgothatso Montjane.
Chosen by the public through SMS voting, Montjane claimed the night’s top prize which includes a brand-new car.
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Also winning Sportwoman of the Year with a Disability, Kgothatso Montjane is the first black South African woman to ever play at the Wimbledon championships and first black African to compete at all four grand slams in one calendar year.
The Lifetime Achievement award, as selected by MEC Mosupyoe, was awarded to four recipients, whose contributions to the Gauteng sports fraternity have left an impactful legacy.
Patrick ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe, Wiseman Dlamini, Aladani Stevens and Wilhemia Grobbelaar were recognized for their extraordinary contribution to their respective fields in sport.
“Let us also recognise the unwavering support of coaches, families, and communities who stand as pillars behind every athlete, offering encouragement and guidance through the highs and lows of their journey,” said MEC Mosupyoe at the ceremony.
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The Gauteng Sport Awards are hosted annually by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, with support from the Gauteng Sports Confederation to honour and reward Gauteng’s best sporting talent who have excelled in sporting activities on and off the field.
