The 16th edition of the South African Sports Awards (SASA) was held on Saturday, March 25th, 2023, at the Sun City Superbowl in the North-West Province, and it was a night to remember for the country’s top athletes and sports administrators. The event, themed “Celebrating Sporting Excellence,” recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to sports in South Africa and internationally. Among the big winners of the night were two well-known sports administrators, Dr. Malumbete Ralethe and Mr. Louis Nel, who were awarded the prestigious Steve Tshwete Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Malumbete Ralethe, who served as the 3rd President of FASU, has been a champion for sports in higher education nationally and internationally. He was also the President of the South Africa Student Sports Union from 2011 to 2019. He has dedicated more than three decades to the betterment of sports and was honored with the Honorary Member Award from FISU at the 2023 Winter World University Games in Lake Placid, New York.

Louis Nel, who served as the CEO of the South Africa Student Sports Union and University Sports South Africa, has also been a force for good in sports administration. He has contributed significantly to the development of sports in South Africa and has been a role model for young sports administrators. The Steve Tshwete Lifetime Achievement Award is given to individuals who have made a significant contribution to sports in South Africa and have dedicated their lives to promoting excellence in sports.

We would also like to thank the two for the tremendous job of inspiring and nurturing disciplined, decent and honorable people through sports.