The Sun City Superbowl was alive with glamour and pride last night as South Africa honoured its sporting heroes at the 18th edition of the South African Sports Awards. Attended by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, the ceremony highlighted not only athletic achievement but also the unifying role of sport in shaping national identity and inspiring future generations.
Tatjana Smith Bows Out in Style
Retired Olympic swimming star Tatjana Smith was the standout of the evening, taking home both Sportswoman of the Year and the prestigious Sports Star of the Year titles, along with a cheque for R500,000. The four-time Olympian, who ended her career after her success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, gave an emotional acceptance speech:
“South Africa, thank you for allowing me to be your golden girl. It’s honestly been an honour, bigger than I ever dreamed. I can’t put into words how much your support has meant. To stand on the stage and represent South Africa – I never want to give that up for the world.”
Olympic and Paralympic Success Recognised
The night belonged to athletes who brought glory to South Africa at the Paris Games. Alan Hartherly, bronze medallist in men’s mountain biking at the Olympics, was crowned Sportsman of the Year, while Paralympic champions Simoné Kruger and Mpumelelo Mhlongo were named Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year with a Disability.
Kruger, who set national records in discus and clinched gold in Paris, doubled up on honours by also winning Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year. Mhlongo, a record-breaking sprinter, was recognised for his gold in the 100m T44 and bronze in the 200m T64 final.
The Men’s 4x100m Relay Team, silver medallists in Paris, claimed Sports Team of the Year. Sprinter Shaun Maswanganyi reflected on the team’s journey:
“It’s been a journey with the 4x100m. From the heartbreak in Tokyo to making history in Paris – it’s been an honour, and we owe so much to our coaches and support staff.”
Recognising Leaders, Coaches and Media
The evening also celebrated those working tirelessly behind the scenes. Cricket South Africa’s Pholetsi Moseki was awarded Sport Administrator of the Year, while Rocco Meiring, long-time mentor of Tatjana Smith, was named Coach of the Year.
In recognition of contributions to sports media, Roger Sedres (Sport Visual Journalist of the Year) and Palesa Manaleng (Sports Media Journalist of the Year) were honoured for their impact in capturing and telling South Africa’s sporting stories.
Full List of Winners
- Sportswoman of the Year: Tatjana Smith (Swimming)
- Sportsman of the Year: Alan Hartherly (Cycling)
- Sports Star of the Year: Tatjana Smith (Swimming)
- Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability: Simoné Kruger (Para Athletics)
- Sportsman of the Year with a Disability: Mpumelelo Mhlongo (Para Athletics)
- Sports Team of the Year: 4x100m Men’s Relay Team (Athletics)
- Coach of the Year: Rocco Meiring (Swimming)
- Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year: Simoné Kruger (Para Athletics)
- Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year: SA U19 Tug of War Men’s Team
- Sport Administrator of the Year: Pholetsi Moseki (Cricket)
- Recreation Body of the Year: Made for More Zama (Para Surfing)
- Sport Volunteer of the Year: Phuti Lekoloane (Football)
- Sport Visual Journalist of the Year: Roger Sedres
- Sports Media Journalist of the Year: Palesa Manaleng
- Technical Official of the Year: Ernesta Strydom (Para Cycling)
- National Federation of the Year: South African Rugby Union
- Zola Budd-Pieterse (Athletics)
- Louis Massyn (Athletics-Comrades)
- Desire Wilson (Motorsport-F1)
- Josiah Thugwane (Athletic)
- Bayanda Walaza (Athletics)
- Vuyisile Jaca (Sailing)
- Gerda Steyn (Athletics)
- Tete Dijana (Athletics)
- Rassie Erasmus (Rugby)
- Tatjana Smith (Swimming)
- Bruce Fordyce (Athletics)
- Peter Ngobeni (Athletics)
- Norman Hlabane (Boxing)
- Johannes Mosehla (Athletics)
- Errol Tobias (Rugby)
A Night of Pride and Inspiration
With its theme of “Celebrating Sporting Excellence”, the ceremony highlighted the achievements of athletes, administrators, coaches, and volunteers who have carried South Africa’s flag with pride.
