Deputy Minister Peace Mabe praises elevated standard of SA Sports

This is thanks to the remarkable achievements across multiple sporting codes, which will be rewarded at the awards evenings at Sun City’s Superbowl on 24 August 2025.

Mabe, speaking at the official announcement of the finalists for the 18th edition of the awards, says this year’s ceremony will honour stories of excellence, perseverance, and the rising standard of South African sport.

"It was easy for them to take correct decisions because South African sports has elevated, so we are looking forward [to more success]," said Mabe.

"Today's a big day, the announcement of the 18th edition of the national sports awards."

READ: Nominees for 18th edition of SA Sport Awards announced

Wheelchair tennis trailblazer Kgothatso Montjane, a seven-time recipient of the Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability award, says the recognition continues to be a strong source of inspiration to push boundaries, especially in underrepresented spaces.

"Instead of pushing yourself even more, every year you're just like, 'I just want to make the cut,' so it really pushes you to get good results and it does serve as motivation, to be honest," she added.

"But the goosebumps, the nervousness you feel before you go to compete, so it's kind of like the same feeling because you're so anxious and you don't know [who will win].

"You're competing against the best in the country, so it's nerve-racking, but at that particular moment when you're in that room [as a winner], you feel like I've done something special."