ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY CELEBRATES SPORTING EXCELLENCE AT INAUGURAL RECOGNITION SPORTS AWARDS
EThekwini Municipality, in partnership with the eThekwini Sport Confederation, proudly honoured the City's sporting excellence at the inaugural eThekwini Recognition Sports Awards.
The ceremony, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre last night, celebrated the remarkable achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, technical officials, volunteers and sporting organisations whose contributions continue to strengthen and grow sport across the Municipality.
The awards recognised individuals and organisations whose dedication, leadership and excellence have made a significant contribution to the development of sport at both grassroots and elite levels.
Community-nominated sporting heroes who have made a lasting impact within their respective sporting codes were also honoured.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairperson of the Community Services Committee, Councillor Zama Sokhabase, congratulated all nominees and winners, describing them as ambassadors of sporting excellence and role models for future generations.
"The inaugural eThekwini Recognition Sports Awards affirm our commitment to recognising those who use sport as a vehicle for social cohesion, youth development and community empowerment. We congratulate every nominee and every winner for inspiring the next generation of sporting stars," said Councillor Sokhabase.
She added that eThekwini has a proud legacy of producing national champions and internationally acclaimed athletes who have represented South Africa with distinction across various sporting codes, including football, athletics, cricket, rugby, boxing, swimming, netball and many others.
Councillor Sokhabase also congratulated Bafana Bafana on their impressive victory, noting it as a moment of national pride.
Awards were presented across several categories, including District Sport Excellence, Recreation Innovation, Emerging Sport Talent Accelerator, Rising Sport Star, Technical Excellence Champion, Community Sport Hero, Development Coach of the Year, Youth Excellence in Development and Adaptive Sport Excellence.
The winners were:
Recreation Innovation Award: Sathasivan Govender
Emerging Sport Accelerator Award: Nkosinathi Ngubane
Adaptive Sport Excellence Award: Sabelo Ngema
Rising Sport Star Award: Luyanda Gumede
Development Coach of the Year Award: Mfanafuthi Ntombela
Community Sport Hero Award: Ntethelelo Ngcobo
Youth Excellence in Development Award: Teme Aureliah Govender
District Sport Excellence Award: District 1
Technical Excellence Champion Award: Mandla Mkhize
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Mayoral Special Awards, recognising individuals whose exceptional contribution to sport has left a lasting legacy and continues to inspire athletes and communities across eThekwini.
The Mayoral Special Awards were received by Manqoba Mkhize, Joseph Kunene and EasyIn Young Swimming Development.
Delivering a message of support, Director-General of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Dr Stella Khumalo, congratulated the Municipality, noting its leadership in hosting an innovative and dedicated sports recognition platform.
The Municipality extends its sincere appreciation to the eThekwini Sport Confederation, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, sporting federations, the adjudication panel, stakeholders and members of the public whose nominations contributed to the success of the inaugural awards.
EThekwini Municipality remains committed to investing in sport development programmes, nurturing local talent and creating opportunities that strengthen Durban's position as South Africa's premier sporting destination.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality's Marketing and Communications Directorate.
