The award was made at the South African Sports Awards ceremony in Sandton on Sunday evening.
“Vernon has been an inspirational member of the Proteas Castle Lager Test squad during the past year,” commented CSA Acting CEO Jacques Faul.
“To become the fastest player to take 50 Test match wickets in more than 100 years is a phenomenal achievement on its own. But to do so in his debut year of test match cricket is truly remarkable.
“To cap it all he was named Man of the Match in South Africa’s test victory at Lord’s this year when the Proteas claimed the No 1 ranking in Test match cricket.
“I am sure this award will serve as an inspiration to the entire Proteas squad as they head into their test series against Australia this week.
“On behalf of the CSA family it gives me great pleasure and pride to congratulate Vernon on this award.”