The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is thrilled to announce the 17th edition of the South African Sport Awards (SASA). This year’s awards are themed “Celebrating 30 years of freedom through sporting excellence”. The #SASA17Edition is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 5th May 2024 at the Sun City Superbowl, North-West.
The 30th anniversary of celebrating freedom and democracy through sporting excellence has positioned South Africa on a global stage as a Winning Nation across all sporting disciplines. The three decades of the nation’s sporting journey have seen history-making achievements, from the dismantling of apartheid through negotiations and reconciliation to the establishment of a constitutional democracy founded on the principles of equality, justice, and human rights.
Over the past 30 years, South Africa has achieved more through sport than almost any other area. South African Sports were excluded from international sporting scene during the apartheid era and only started to compete at the beginning of our democracy. However, our nation’s sportsmen and sportswomen, from all walks of life, united on and off field to foster a sporting culture within South Africa that pushes the nation to unite in its diversity. South African sport has played a pivotal role in influencing the country to be a Rainbow Nation and in making each South African to be proud of their flag.
This year’s edition of the awards with the hashtag #IzinjaZegame / #SASA17Edition carry a total of 19 categories, including the Sport Star of the Year, People’s Choice and Journalist of the year. All categories are beamed to recognise performances from individuals, teams, and administrators of the SA sporting landscape for the period under review (i.e.) 01 September 2022 – 31 August 2023.
“The SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) is proud to be the host broadcaster for the 17th SA Sports Awards. SABC Sport has always been the ultimate sporting home to the nation and has brought unforgettable sporting events over the years. We are very excited that we are part of this historic moment of honouring key sport talent in the country and we wish the nominees all the best. We are looking forward to broadcasting this event live on our platforms” Nomsa Chabeli SABC Group CEO.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa says, “The 17th edition of the South African Spors Awards take place in a significant time in South Africa‘s history. We celebrate 30 years of democracy, and our national athletes and teams have been raising the nation’s flag sky high. In the South African Sport Awards, we celebrate the role sport continues to play to unite our diverse people, and in lifting the nation’s mood.”
The Minister adds, “South African sport is enjoying unprecedented success. Our athletes and sports teams have made us all so proud with their performances. I congratulate all the nominees for the 17th edition of the South African Sport Awards.”
The #SASA17Edition / #IzinjaZegame Nominees and categories are listed as follows:
SPORT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
Mark Alexander
Sibongile Fondini
Louis Polome
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Kisten Neuschafer
Tatjana Smith
Laura Wolvaardt
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Andrew Birkett
Eben Etzebeth
Sivenathi Nontshinga
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY
Mpumelelo Mhlongo
Donald Tebogo Ramphadi
David Watts
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY
Simone Kruger
Kat Swanepoel
Kgothatso Montjane
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jacques Nienaber
Rocco Meiring
Jason Sewanyana
SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Khanyiso Tshwaku
Sihle Ndebele
Vaylen Kirtley
SPORT PHOTO OR VISUAL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Samuel Shivambo
Vincent Matlou (Vino Snap)
Kirsten Olivier
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Gerald Coetzee
Manie Libbok
Karabo Cassius Morapedi
Elanza Jordaan”
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Hubert Oliphant
Beka Ntsangwese
Zelma Basson
SPORTS STAR OF THE YEAR
Siyamthanda Siya Kolisi
Tatjana Smith
Simone Kruger
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Springbok
T20 Women Cricket team
Sheep shearing
FEDERATION OF THE YEAR
South African Rugby Union
Cricket South Africa
Cycling South Africa
RECREATION BODY OF THE YEAR
Amandal WC
Vakhegula-Vhakhegula
Made 4 More
INDIGENOUS GAME TEAM
KZN Kho-Kho Male Team
LP Nvuca Team
GP Diketo Team
SCHOOL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Hoer Lanbouskool Oakdale – Tug of War 560kg Men
Afrikaanse Hoer Meisieskool – netball
Clapham High School – football
DEVELOPING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR
Edendale Technical High School -under 15 girls – Sihle Basi sportchairpern
MM Sebitloane Special School – mr bitso
Hlabi School
Technical Official of the year
Sean Rapaport
Reinet Barnard
Aimee Barrett-Theron
PEOPLE’S CHOICE Nominees (this category Sport fans are encouraged to participate by voting for their athlete of choice by SMS 120*32020# followed by an alphabet representing their athlete of choice.
The nominees are:
A: Eben Etzebeth
B: Gerda Steyn
C: Siyamthanda “Siya” Kolisi
D: Percy Tau
E: Kirsten Neuschafer
Mallow Man
Interestingly, basketball emerged as an offshoot of rugby. A rugby coach seeking an indoor activity to keep his players engaged and active during the offseason invented the sport, which has since gained immense popularity worldwide.
Wings
Gary Player Made Golf More Interesting in South Africa: Even though South Africa has witnessed many excellent golf players, Gary Player remains unbeatable. Yes, we agree that Ernie Els was also a great golf player, but still, most golf lovers believe in the supremacy of Gary, and so do we!