South African Sport Awards honour the nation’s finest

South Africa’s sporting heroes once again took center stage at the 18th annual South African Sport Awards.

Zuko Komisa

Tatjana Smith, the nation’s swimming sensation, was the undisputed star of the night, clinching the coveted Sport Star of the Year award at the 18th annual South African Sport Awards. The glittering ceremony, held at the iconic Sun City Superbowl, celebrated the outstanding achievements that have elevated South Africa’s sporting legacy over the past year.

The theme of “Celebrating Sporting Excellence” rang true as both established champions and emerging talents were honoured. While Smith’s stellar performance captured the hearts of the nation, the 4x100m Men’s Team from the Paris Olympics was recognised for their collective brilliance, taking home the Team of the Year award. Their victory highlighted the depth and diversity of South African sport and proved that the country continues to be a formidable force on the world stage.

National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) 2025

🎥 “Tonight, we celebrate the heartbeat of our nation’s creativity.”
Deputy President Paul Mashatile congratulates all the nominees and winners at the 2nd Annual National Arts & Culture Awards, praising their excellence, passion, and… pic.twitter.com/M1uXKY1wiG

— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) August 23, 2025

The awards, hailed as the heartbeat of the nation’s sporting identity, paid tribute to the dedication and resilience of athletes, coaches, and administrators alike. The night was a powerful reminder that sport, in all its forms, is a source of national pride and inspiration.

Congratulations were extended to all nominees and winners, with organisers hailing them as the “IzinjaZeGame” – the ‘Dogs of the Game’ – whose commitment and discipline ensure South Africa continues to shine.

18th South African Sport Awards – List of Winners

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 Leolani (Football)
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 (Tug of War)
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 (Rugby)
Sport Team of the Year: 4x100m Men’s Team (Paris Olympics)
Coach of the Year: Rocco Meiring (Swimming)
Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability: Simoné Kruger (Para Athletics)
Sportsman of the Year with a Disability: Mpumelelo Mhlongo (Para Athletics)
Sportswoman of the Year: Tatjana Smith (Swimming)
Sportsman of the Year: Alan Hartherly (Cycling)
Sport Star of the Year: Tatjana Smith (Swimming)