This year's awards are themed "Celebrating 30 years of freedom through sporting excellence. The #SASA17Edition is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 5th May 2024 at the Sun City Superbowl, North-West.
The 30th anniversary of celebrating freedom and democracy through sporting excellence has positioned South Africa on a global stage as a Winning Nation across all sporting disciplines. The three decades of the nation's sporting journey have seen history-making achievements, from the dismantling of apartheid through negotiations and reconciliation to the establishment of a constitutional democracy founded on the principles of equality, justice, and human rights.
Over the past 30 years, South Africa has achieved more through sport than almost any other area. South African Sports were excluded from international sporting scene during the apartheid era and only started to compete at the beginning of our democracy. However, our nation's sportsmen and sportswomen, from all walks of life, united on and off field to foster a sporting culture within South Africa that pushes the nation to unite in its diversity. South African sport has played a pivotal role in influencing the country to be a Rainbow Nation and in making each South African to be proud of their flag.
This year's edition of the awards with the hashtag #IzinjaZegame / #SASA17Edition carry a total of 19 categories, including the Sport Star of the Year, People's Choice and Journalist of the year. All categories are beamed to recognise performances from individuals, teams, and administrators of the SA sporting landscape for the period under review (i.e.) 01 September 2022 - 31 August 2023.
"The SABC is proud to be the host broadcaster for the 17th SA Sports Awards," said Nomsa Chabeli, SABC Group CEO.
"SABC Sport has always been the ultimate sporting home to the nation and has brought unforgettable sporting events over the years. We are very excited that we are part of this historic moment of honouring key sport talent in the country and we wish the nominees all the best. We are looking forward to broadcasting this event live on our platforms."
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa says, "The 17th edition of the South African Spors Awards take place in a significant time in South Africa's history. We celebrate 30 years of democracy, and our national athletes and teams have been raising the nation's flag sky high. In the South African Sport Awards, we celebrate the role sport continues to play to unite our diverse people, and in lifting the nation's mood.
"South African sport is enjoying unprecedented success. Our athletes and sports teams have made us all so proud with their performances. I congratulate all the nominees for the 17th edition of the South African Sport Awards."
The #SASA17Edition / #IzinjaZegame Nominees and categories are listed as follows:
SPORT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
Mark Alexander Sibongile Fondini Louis Polome
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Kisten Neuschafer Tatjana Smith Laura Wolvaardt
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Andrew Birkett Eben Etzebeth Sivenathi Nontshinga
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY
Mpumelelo Mhlongo Donald Tebogo Ramphadi David Watts
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY
Simone Kruger Kat Swanepoel Kgothatso Montjane
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jacques Nienaber Rocco Meiring Jason Sewanyana
SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Khanyiso Tshwaku Sihle Ndebele Vaylen Kirtley
SPORT PHOTO OR VISUAL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Samuel Shivambo Vincent Matlou (Vino Snap) Kirsten Olivier
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Gerald Coetzee Manie Libbok Karabo Cassius Morapedi Elanza Jordaan"
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Hubert Oliphant Beka Ntsangwese Zelma Basson
SPORTS STAR OF THE YEAR
Siyamthanda Siya Kolisi Tatjana Smith Simone Kruger
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Springbok T20 Women Cricket team Sheep shearing
FEDERATION OF THE YEAR
South African Rugby Union Cricket South Africa Cycling South Africa
RECREATION BODY OF THE YEAR
Amandal WC Vakhegula-Vhakhegula Made 4 More
INDIGENOUS GAME TEAM
KZN Kho-Kho Male Team LP Nvuca Team GP Diketo Team
SCHOOL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Hoer Lanbouskool Oakdale - Tug of War 560kg Men Afrikaanse Hoer Meisieskool - netball Clapham High School - football
DEVELOPING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR
Edendale Technical High School MM Sebitloane Special School Hlabi School
Technical Official of the year
Sean Rapaport Reinet Barnard Aimee Barrett-Theron
PEOPLE'S CHOICE Nominees (this category Sport fans are encouraged to participate by voting for their athlete of choice by SMS 120*32020# followed by an alphabet representing their athlete of choice. The nominees are:
A: Eben Etzebeth
B: Gerda Steyn
C: Siyamthanda Kolisi
D: Percy Tau
E: Kirsten Neuschafer