Nelson Mandela Bay Region kept its flag flying after it won several awards during the glittering Eastern Cape 2023 Achievers Awards function held at the East London International Convention Centre on Friday.
Among the distinguished guests, the Eastern Cape MEC of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, was in attendance. The awards recognised and celebrated individuals, federations and teams that excelled, both on and off the field, for the period between June 1 and July 30.
The Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture (DSARAC) hosted the awards function in partnership with the Eastern Cape Sport Confederation, BCM Municipality, partners such as Old Mutual Joma Sports and new sponsors, Hollywood Bets.
The Nelson Mandela Bay region continued where they left off in 2022, winning more awards in the Buffalo City Metro region on Friday. Things were tough at the awards function, Nelson Mandela Bay won 15 different awards in different categories, but BCM came close, with 14 awards.
One of local the awards winners, Mthobeli Vena, a judo sensei, won Technical Official of the Year – which he won in 2022 as well.
“I feel very happy and privileged to have won this award for the second time in a row. This means a lot to me. Furthermore, the work that we do as officials in various sporting codes, we do it because we love the sport and we are interested in the development of judo going forward. The goal and aim is not on the awards, but it is ensuring that the sport grows with proper leadership and guidance.”
Other awards that went to Nelson Mandela Bay region in the world of sport:
- Sportswoman of the year: Marizanne Kapp (cricket)
- Sportswoman of the year for persons with a disability: Sinesipho Mahlatshana (para-athletics)
- Sportsman of the year for persons with a disability: Jaco Smit (para-athletics)
- Sportswoman of the year-golden age: Susanna Burri (athletics & road-running)
- Sportsman of the year-golden age: Andre Ludik (powerlifting)
- Coach of the year: Adrian Birrell (cricket)
- Journalist of the year: Vuyokazi Nkanjeni (print media)
- Presenter of the year: Noloyiso Bonga (electronic media)
- MEC special awards: Sipho Tyatya and Enoch Screetch (both in judo); Zola Yeye (rugby);
- Recreation award: Isaac Barendse (drie stokkies)
- Administrator of the year: Jean Miggels (disability sports)
- Developing school of the year: Lonwabo Special School (disability sports)
- Legends awards: Michael Louwrens (para-athletics)
