Kudos for Gauteng sporting stars
Nie Cele
Oupa Kekana
Dozens of sports personalities, government officials, esteemed members of the communities converged at the Silverstar Casino in Mogale City to witness and celebrate the sixth edition of the provinces sport awards.
The evening was described as a night of glamour and purpose due to its popularity and elegance that saw over 800 guests walked the black carpet for an elegant evening to celebrate the spirit of sports.
Organizers made sure that everyone present understood that ‘ Sport is a unifier and a bridge towards harmony’
Speaker after speaker m unwittingly agreed that it was fitting for Gauteng, “The enabler of excellence” ensured that those ladies and gentlemen who uphold the Province’s flag were given the recognition they deserve.
They also stressed that, Not only does the Gauteng government pride itself in recognizing the best sporting talent in South Africa, but this was also an opportunity to expose upcoming young artists and behind the scenes staff to bring the prestigious ceremony to life.
To crown the event, Comedian, Shammponiser (Thapelo Seemise) had the audience in stitches with his jokes and sense of humour. This was followed by breathtaking performances by Kelly Khumalo, Mahotella Queens, Skwatta Kamp and many more artists who were part of the evening’s entertainment lineup.
Sports Minister, Fikile Mbalula, to the gave the province a big thumb up. “It is good to honour people when they are still alive and good.”
Throughout the evening’s celebrations continued unabated as shortlisted finalists were announced.
It was also announced that finalists were shortlisted by a panel of independent adjudicators, represented by individuals from the media, academic and sporting fraternity. Futshane Consulting Pty (Ltd) were the appointed auditors for the adjudication process.
Winners were as flollows
Sportswoman of the Year with a disability
Zandile Nhlapo for Javelin & Shot-put
Sportsman of the Year with a disability
Ntando Innocent Mahlangu for Athletics: 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m
Sports Team of the Year with a disability
Central Gauteng Blind Cricket Team for Cricket
Administrator of the year
Karen Losch for Wheelchair Tennis
Coach of the year
Geoffrey Toyana for Cricket
Most Promising team of the Year
Pretoria Technical High School 1st Team Rugby for Rugby
Sports team of the year
Xerox Golden Lions Currie Cup Team 2015
Sportsman of the year
Kagiso Rabada for Cricket
Sportswoman of the year
Alyssa Conley for Athletics (100m and 200m)
Most promising player/athlete
Siphamandla Hadebe for Volleyball
Sports journalists of the year
Charles Baloyi for Daily Sun/Sunday Sun
Technical official of the year
Mpho Makhoba for Tennis
Community media of the year
Tshepo Thafeng for Soweto TV
School sport athlete of the year
Nokwande Hlongwane for Wheelchair Tennis SA/ Adelaide Tambo School
Community sport and recreation programme of the year
Johannesburg Spikers Volleyball Academy for Volleyball
Lifetime Achievement Award
Mme Rosina Sedibane
The following categories are determined through public sms voting:
Sport Fan of the Year
William Mukwevho
Sport Programme of the Year
Sportsbuzz- SABC1
Sport Personality of the Year
Andrea Dalle Ave for Athletics
Prize money:
– R 5000, 00 per finalist,
– R 15,000 for the winner per category
– Sport Personality Award winner will receive R 45,000
– The Life Time Achiever award recipient will receive R 50,000
The Gauteng Sport Awards would like to acknowledge and appreciate all guest award presenters, our hosts Thato Moeng and Motshidisi Mohono, the production team and all the performers for the night.
We would like to thank all our sponsors for partnering with us in celebrating and rewarding the Province’s sports stars for their efforts in keeping the passion of sport alive in the hearts of millions of South Africans.
Please visit www.gautengsportawards.co.za for more information.
ENQUIRIES
Ms. Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Media Relations
Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation
(e) nomazwe.ntlokwana@gauteng.gov.za/083 507 8068
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