Minister Marais acknowledges Western Cape athletes' achievements
On Tuesday, 18 July 2023, the provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, hosted a recognition ceremony for Western Cape athletes and administrators who have achieved exceptional results in the past few months.
Some of the athletes honoured were Lunga Sitemela (Boxing World Champion), Nabilah Ebrahim (Gold medalist at the Region South Karate Championship) and Simamkele Tutsheni (Boxing – nominated as female prospect of the year at SA Sport awards).
Large sporting events play an important role in bringing an economic boost to the province, as well as creating local job opportunities. The Western Cape Government is committed to growing and promoting sport in the province to ensure that we can achieve growth for jobs.
Thanking the athletes and congratulating them on flying the South African flag so well, Minister Marais said: “As the Western Cape Government, we want to provide the support and opportunities which will allow out athletes to compete. It is equally important that we have athletes who can be role-models to others in their communities. You are the ones who have put in the hard work, who have dedicated yourself to sport and who have shown tenacity and spirit in working towards your dreams. We are your biggest fans and congratulations on making your dreams a reality.”
The department continues to support sporting codes within the province to ensure that athletes can reach top success.
Please see the complete list of athletes honoured below:
| Name | Federation | Achievement |
| Jackie Brice | Boxing | Nominated at SA Sport awards for promoter of the year |
| Lunga Stimela | Boxing | World Champion |
| Emil Brice | Boxing | World Champion Trainer |
| Allan Dillon | Boxing | World Champions Manager |
| Nabilah Ebrahim | Karate | Gold medalist at the Region South Karate Championship |
| Mzoli Tempe | Boxing | Support to large events |
| Simamkele Tutsheni | Boxing | Nominated at SA Sport awards for female prospect of the year |
| Sinethemba Blom | Boxing | Nominated at SA Sport awards for fight of the year |
| Shepard Dyani | Boxing | Nominated at SA Sport awards for ring announcer of the year |
| Shaun Bartlett | SAFA | Head Coach of CPT Spurs that won promotion to PSL |
| Calyton Daniels | SAFA | Captain of CPT Spurs |
| Thabiso Mekuto | SAFA | Media Officer of CPT Spurs |
| Tania Bailey | Events Manager at Waves for Change | |
| Ilhaam Groenewald | Maties | CD of Maties Sport – various achievements by athletes |
Media Enquiries:
Tania Colyn
Acting Spokesperson for Minister Anroux Marais
Tel: 076 093 4913