Western Cape Athletes Nominated for National Sport Awards

Media Statement by Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport

The Western Cape Government is proud to announce that a number of our athletes have been nominated for the prestigious National Sport Awards, which will be hosted in November by the National Department of Sport and Recreation.

It is a great moment for our province to have our athletes in the running for these awards. The Western Cape athletes who have been nominated are: Cornel Fredericks (Sportsman of the Year),  Ernst van Dyk (Sportsman of the Year with Disability and Sports Star of the Year), Gezelle Magerman (Newcomer of the Year), Duane Vermeulen (Sports Star of the Year), Paarl Gymnasium (School Team of the Year) and Oudtshoorn School of Skills (Developing School Team of the Year). The Springbok 7’s team was nominated as Team of the Year, and we are happy that five of the team members hail from the Western Cape - Stephan Dippenaar, Justin Geduld,  Seabelo Senatla, Chris Dry and Branco du Preez.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport continues to support sport federations in order to ensure development of our athletes. This ensures that our athletes receive proper support and training to deliver their best performances and to prove that the Western Cape is one of the best when it comes to competing in sport. Many athletes have to overcome obstacles in order to achieve their sporting dreams and we want to continue to make the journey as easy as possible for them.

I would like to congratulate the athletes who have been nominated for the awards this year. The Western Cape Government is very proud of you and we thank you for the contribution that you are making to sport in our country.