By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African sprint star Akani Simbine was named Sport Star of the Year at the 2026 SA Sport Awards, ahead of Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx and Proteas captain Temba Bavuma.
Simbine is one of South Africa’s most decorated sprinters and continues to compete regularly on the international stage.
The 19th edition of the South African Sport Awards took place at the Sun City Superbowl on Sunday, 23 August 2026.
The ceremony recognised South Africa’s leading athletes, coaches, administrators and sporting federations for their achievements and contributions during the past year.
South African middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso claimed the Sportswoman of the Year award, while swimming sensation Pieter Coetze was named Sportsman of the Year.
Coetze has emerged as one of South Africa’s leading swimming talents and a medal contender.
He won all three backstroke events (50, 100 and 200 metres) at the Glasgow Commonwealth games last month. He also set a Games record each time. He almost set a world record.
The Proteas Test side won Team of the Year after clinching their maiden ICC World Test Championship title in 2025.
Congratulating winners Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie noted the importance of building platforms that recognise excellence.
He stated that government will create opportunities for young people both on and off the field.
McKenzie has also turned up the heat on the South African Football Association (SAFA), demanding that state money provided for the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) be returned.
He expressed his anger and frustration over the stalled VAR project and his dealings with SAFA.
The minister said he had made State funding available to SAFA for the implementation of VAR, but has now written to the association demanding that the money be returned.
“I wrote SAFA a letter where I said they should return my money, the money of the state, because I am responsible for it,” McKenzie said.
According to the minister, SAFA requested 21 days to respond to his demand. However, McKenzie said that period has passed without the money being returned.
Full list of 2026 SA Sports Awards Winners
Sport Administrator of the Year
- Anthony Moruthane, Tennis
Recreation Body of the Year
- Khokho Association South Africa
Sport Volunteer of the Year
- Nqobile Kunene, Rural Horse Racing
Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year
- Bayanda Walaza, Athletics
Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year
- Men’s under 20 Rugby Team Rugby
Sport Visual Journalist of the Year
- Skhu Nkomphela, Sport Photographer
Sports Media Journalist of the Year
- Rachel Makhura, Broadcasting
Technical Official of the Year
- Aimee Barrett-Theron, Rugby
National Federation of the Year
- Cricket South Africa
Sport Team of the Year
- Protea Men’s Test Cricket
Coach of the Year
- Thabo Matebedi, Athletics
Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability
- Simoné Kruger, Athletics
Sportsman of the Year with a Disability
- Puseletso Michael Mabote, Para athletics 400m T63
Sportswoman of the Year
- Prudence Sekgodiso, Athletics
Sportsman of the Year
- Pieter Coetze, Swimming
Sport Star of the Year
- Akani Simbine, Athletics
Excellence
- Rayno Nel
- Tasneem Solomons
- Temba Bavuma.
Steve Tshwete Lifetime
- Siya Vabaza-Booi
- Selwyn Nathan
- Veli Nhlapo
Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket
- William Mtolo
- Teenage Dladla
- Mlungisi Ngubane
- Patson Banda.