The much-anticipated 12th edition of the Gauteng Sports Awards took place at the Ace Ntsoelengoe Stadium in Mohlakeng in Rand West Municipality on 18 November 2023 where Gauteng-based athletes, teams, officials, and media within the sports fraternity received recognition for their outstanding achievements in the past year of the considered period of 01 August 2022 to 31 July 2023.
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.
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 4 grand slams in one calendar year.
This year’s sport awards introduced the new Sport Photographer of the Year category, with Denga Netshituka named the first ever recipient.
The Lifetime Achievement, as selected by MEC Morakane 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 in their respective fields in sport.
The Coach of the Year and Technical Official of the Year categories this year had 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.
2023’s youngest award recipient for the Amayanga Yanga Young Athlete of the year, went to 10-year-old tennis player Mpho Bowers who was the youngest player in the U12 National Tennis Team and won the Southern African Tennis Team Championships in Mozambique.
“We celebrate athletes whose relentless pursuit of excellence has inspired us all. 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. Let us also recognize 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 Gauteng MEC of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ms Morakane Mosupyoe at the ceremony.
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.
