Tidimalo Bambalala: Administrator of the Year

Tidimalo Bambalala, an administrator at the USSA Office, was honored with the prestigious Administrator of the Year award in both Tshwane and Gauteng. This recognition marked a significant milestone in her career, one that she attributes to hard work, perseverance, and the support of her colleagues and family.

"Winning the Administrator of the Year at the Gauteng Women in Sports Awards is one of my biggest achievements as an administrator. Never would I have imagined that my very first nomination would end up with me winning the award. Working in the University Sport space with administrators and managers across the country has made this moment an even greater testament to God’s grace and blessings. I would like to thank my colleagues and family for shaping the woman I am today," said Tidimalo, her words reflecting the pride and gratitude she feels for this recognition.

Beatrice Themane: Volunteer of the Year

Beatrice Themane, who was an intern at the USSA Office and worked on multiple projects in 2024, was named Volunteer of the Year in both Tshwane and Gauteng Province. Beatrice’s journey exemplifies the heart of volunteerism, with her unwavering commitment to sports at all levels being recognized as key to driving transformation in the sporting community.

"Being named Volunteer of the Year at the Gauteng Women in Sport Awards by Futballing Girls Foundation is a profound honor that recognizes the passion, dedication, and commitment to uplifting sports at all levels. This award is not just about individual contribution but a celebration of the collective efforts of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to create opportunities and drive transformation in sport. Through my work with fellow administrators at University Sport South Africa, I am dedicated to fostering growth, enhancing student-athlete experiences, and building a strong foundation for the future of university sports. This recognition reinforces the importance of volunteerism in shaping a more inclusive and thriving sporting community," Beatrice shared.

Kutlwano Ramokopelwa: Journalist of the Year

Kutlwano Ramokopelwa, a key member of the USSA media team, was recognized as Journalist of the Year in both Sedibeng and Gauteng for her outstanding contribution to sports journalism. Through her work, Kutlwano has become a powerful advocate for athletes, using her platform to elevate their stories and ensure their achievements are seen and celebrated.

"Receiving this award from the Gauteng Women in Sports Awards is an honour that reaffirms my commitment to showcasing athletes’ stories with depth, authenticity, and impact. Through my work with my institution and USSA, I strive to highlight the brilliance, resilience, and dedication of sports personalities, ensuring their journeys reach platforms that inspire and empower. This recognition fuels my passion to continue pushing the boundaries of sports photography and journalism, creating visibility for athletes who deserve to be celebrated," said Kutlwano, whose words reflect her deep passion for sports media and the importance of giving athletes the recognition they deserve.

A Celebration of Dedication and Hard Work

The Gauteng Women in Sports Awards serve as a reminder that while the athletes themselves often steal the spotlight, the tireless work of those behind the scenes is just as crucial to the success of sports at all levels. Tidimalo, Beatrice, and Kutlwano’s awards are a testament to the impact of their dedication, passion, and expertise within University Sport South Africa and the broader sporting community.

As these remarkable women continue to contribute to the world of sports, their recognition at the Gauteng Women in Sports Awards is a well-deserved celebration of the hard work and passion that fuels the sporting world behind the scenes. Their stories inspire us all to keep pushing for excellence and to never underestimate the power of dedication in shaping the future of sports.