Crowned by Greatness: South Africa’s Athletic Elite Honoured at the 19th National Sport Awards
Hosted by dynamic television personalities Graeme Richards and Lerato Kganyago, the prestigious evening celebrated a year defined by world-class performances, discipline, and national pride.
Sprinting icon Akani Simbine captured the top honor of the night, being crowned Sport Star of the Year following an incredible season of consistency and speed on the international track. In the individual athlete categories, swimming sensation Pieter Coetzee took home Sportsman of the Year after continuing to break records on the world stage, while middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso was named Sportswoman of the Year for her breakthrough performances in athletics.
In Para athletics, Puseletso Michael Mabote earned Sportsman of the Year with a Disability for his achievements in the 400m T63 event, while Simoné Kruger claimed Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability after another dominant year in thrown events.
19th SA Sport Awards Full Winners List
| Category | Winner | Code / Discipline |
| Sport Star of the Year | Akani Simbine | Athletics |
| Sportsman of the Year | Pieter Coetzee | Swimming |
| Sportswoman of the Year | Prudence Sekgodiso | Athletics |
| Sportsman of the Year with a Disability | Puseletso Michael Mabote | Para Athletics (400m T63) |
| Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability | Simoné Kruger | Para Athletics |
| Sport Team of the Year | Protea Men's Test Cricket Team | Cricket |
| Coach of the Year | Thabo Matebedi | Athletics |
| National Federation of the Year | Cricket South Africa | Cricket |
| Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year | Bayanda Walaza | Athletics |
| Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year | Men's Under-20 Rugby Team | Rugby |
| Sport Administrator of the Year | Anthony Moruthane | Tennis |
| Sports Media Journalist of the Year | Rachel Makhura | Broadcasting |
| Sport Visual Journalist of the Year | Skhu Nkomphela | Photography |
| Technical Official of the Year | Aimee Barrett-Theron | Rugby |
| Sport Volunteer of the Year | Nqobile Kunene | Rural Horse Racing |
| Recreation Body of the Year | Khokho Association South Africa | Recreational Sport |
Lifetime & Ministerial Honors
Steve Tshwete Lifetime Recognition: Mr. Veli Nhlapo, Mr. Selwyn Nathan, Ms. Siya Vabaza-Booi
Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket: Prof. Mlungisi Ngubane, Mr. Teenage Dladla, Mr. William Mtolo
Minister’s Excellence Recognition: Temba Bavuma, Mustapha Cassiem, Mzwandile Stick, Adriaan Wildschutt, Ms. Tasneem Solomons, Mr. Rayno Nel
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie closed the ceremony by reaffirming the government's commitment to building grassroots sporting infrastructure across all codes. By supporting development pathways nationwide, South Africa ensures its legacy of sporting excellence will continue to thrive on global stages for generations to come.
#CrownedByGreatness #SASportAwards
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