Lebogang Maile confirms return of Gauteng Sports Awards in November

Cancellation disappointed sports federations, athletes and fans, with the department offering no public explanation at the time.

Maile, who has returned to the sports portfolio 14 years after previously serving as MEC from 2010 to 2014, says he is determined to restore the awards to their former status. 

The 46-year-old revealed that last year's event was cancelled because of budget constraints, but he has made its return one of his top priorities.

"They are coming back, certainly. We just have to work out the format, but the awards will definitely return."

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Maile, who succeeded Matome Chiloane as Gauteng's MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, explained that financial pressures forced the department to cancel last year's awards. 

However, he says the department is now working with the private sector to secure the necessary support and ensure the ceremony takes place this year.

Maile, who assumed office on 1 April after serving as MEC for Finance and Economic Development, says he has no interest in hosting a scaled-down event. 

Instead, he wants the Gauteng Sports Awards to be a world-class celebration that gives athletes the recognition they deserve.

He says his vision is to stage a memorable, glamorous ceremony that will leave a lasting impression on everyone who attends.

"The product must outlive us and it must be able to stand on its own in the future, that's why we also want to make sure that the product is quality in terms of the production, the process of nominations, and everything else."

Maile, who grew up in Alexandra township, says the Gauteng Sports Awards have always been about more than just handing out trophies.

He says the awards play an important role in celebrating excellence and should never be treated as just another event on the calendar.