Western Cape Honours Best at Sport Awards | Western Cape Government

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Western Cape Honours Best at Sport Awards

17 March 2014

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) celebrated the best sporting achievements of 2013/14 at the Western Cape Sport Awards in Paarl on 14 March 2014. The event was supported by regional federations, sport councils and district municipalities.

A total of 21 awards were handed over to the province’s elite athletes.

Sportsman  of the Year Award:

  • Western Province and Springbok rugby player Eben Etzebeth. 

Sportswoman of the Year Award:

  • National u21 netball star Mari-Lena Joubert (Boland Netball).

Other notable winners were:

  • Western Province Rugby Union (Federation of the Year). 
  • DHL Currie Cup Rugby Team (Team of the Year).
  • Hilton Langenhoven (Sportsman with a Disability).
  • Ilse Hayes (Sportswoman with a Disability).
  • Prof. Christo de Coning (Tim Noakes Scientific/ Research Award).

Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer also handed out Ministerial Commendation Awards to:

  • Charles de Villiers.
  • Mark Lewis.
  • Floris Brown (for chess). 
  • Bennie Saayman.
  • Edith Williams.
  • Marlene Wagner (for netball).

Cycling awards were handed out to the South Western Districts Cycle Team:

  • Celina-May Arries.
  • Tony Roberts.
  • Nolan Hoffman.

Dr Meyer said the occasion demonstrated the “Better Together” slogan of the Western Cape Government. “The Western Cape is proud of you for the inspirational role you play and for making a difference in your communities,” he said. “You are role models and promote cultural warmth through your achievements.” Dr Meyer also paid tribute to those who have contributed to the development of chess, cycling and netball for a brighter sporting future in the province.

Etzebeth, who was in 2013 named South African Rugby Young Player of the Year for the second successive season, said this was a special award for him. “Achievements on provincial level make it possible for me to excel on the national stage, so I feel very honoured. The award makes me proud to represent the Western Cape.” Volunteer of the Year winner Henry Rhoode from George said he has been actively involved in reaching out to youth through sport, and that he feels proud of what he’s achieved. The event showed that athletes can, through hard work and dedication, achieve exceptional results. Through their efforts, they restore dignity, pride and patriotism to all South Africans.

Find more details of all the winners.

Media Enquiries: 
Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for Minister Meyer
Tel: 021 483 3261