Programme Director
Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula
Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Gert Oosthuizen
All dignitaries present here tonight
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
I am honoured and humbled to be standing here this evening to welcome you to this special occasion as we pay tribute to some of the most distinguished sporting heroes and heroines of our land.
Programme Director, these Awards are an expression of our profound and collective appreciation for the excellent performance of our sons and daughters in their various codes. We are proud of the achievers of tonight and we are moved by their determination and dedication to help our country conquer the world.
I welcome you to the North West province, and specifically to Moses Kotane Local Municipality, which is named after one of the most distinguished sons of our province.
As we honour our achieves tonight, we must also pay tribute to Moses Kotane, an exemplary patriot who lost his life in service of his nation, and whose sacrifices made it possible for our sportsmen and women to compete and excel on the global stage.
It is not by accident that the North West is the host of this prestigious occasion. We are the home of achievers! We are home to distinguished sportsmen and women who excelled on the international stage and made us the envy of the world.
Programme Director, this is the home of Phil “Chippa” Masinga, whose memorable goal literally propelled our country into the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. This is the home of Hestriel Cloete, our World High Jump champion for many years, who went on to become a proud recipient ofthe Order of Ikhamanga in 2003.
Not only that, our province is home to Norman “Pangaman” Sekgaphane, that boxing legend, whose name was synonymous with boxing. Hezekiel Sepeng, that athlete whose performance on our tracks was simply extraordinary, is proud to call this province his home.
I welcome you to the home of Andrew Kelehe, our famous former Comrades Marathon winner and ten times gold medalist. I am confident that you will enjoy your stay in the province of Amanda Coetzer, our tennis legend, and Derick Hougaard, the Springbok flyhalf.
Distinguished guests, welcome to the province that moulds and produces international stars and sporting icons! This place made Lucas Radebe an international star. Let us not forget that this legend learnt the basics of football in the dusty streets of Lehurutshe, Montshiwa and Atamelang. He went on to become captain of Leeds United in England. More noteworthy, he led Bafana Bafana to two World Cups – an unprecedented feat, indeed!
Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to the home of Solomon “Stix” Morewa, Professor Lesole Gadinabokao, Leepile Taunyane and Louis Luyt - some of the most distinguished sports administrators our country has ever produced.
You will recall that when our country won the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 1996 African Cup of Nations, both football and rugby were under the leadership of the sons of our province, namely, Lesole Gadinabokao and Louis Luyt respectively!
As we celebrate Women’s Month, I hope you will all join me in congratulating Athletics South Africa for electing a woman as its Deputy President. I am confident that Ms Motlatsi Keikabile, whose home is a mere stone’s throw from where we are, will be equal to the task and make the North West and the entire country proud.
Even in the area of sports commentary and analysis, our province can afford to walk tall. Our own Cebo “CC’ Manyaapelo and Oshebeng Alpheus Koonyaditse are recognised nationally and internationally as being amongst the best in the field. These two gentlemen are the walking libraries and encyclopaedia of sports.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am certain that by now you all appreciate why the North West province had to be chosen as host of the South African Sports Awards.
The country is repaying our province for producing heroes and leaders whose contribution helped to put our country on the international map. Tonight’s event is a tribute to these men and women.
Welcome to our province; Welcome to Bojanala; Welcome to Moses Kotane Municipality; Welcome to Sun City!
Lo amogelesegile, bagaetsho. Dintja di bofilwe!
Pula!
Province
