Cape Town - Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) has won the South Africa's Sports Federation of the Year award.
It is the first time Lifesaving South Africa has won the prestigious award in a year when the sport received a major commercial investment from General Tire South Africa and Princes Charlene of Monaco was confirmed as the Patron of Lifesaving South Africa.
LSA beat off the challenge of Netball South Africa and Surfing South Africa.
The SA Sports Awards took place on Sunday, November 12 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.
LSA President Dylan Tommy, on the Federation's nomination and success, hailed those who give so effortlessly of their time and who believe so much in the value of life.
"We are inspired by our lifeguards and sportsmen and women who continue to push themselves in the sport and who give of their time voluntarily to keep our beaches, pools and public swimming areas safe," said Tommy, who was also nominated as one of the three finalists for Administrator of the Year.
"Lifesaving plays a very important role in South African communities and is the only sport that is focused around saving lives."
Tommy also thanked General Tire SA, the three-year investment and for recognising the role Lifesaving plays in society and also the standing it can have in the South African sporting environment.
"With investment from our new national sponsor General Tire, we have been able to elevate the sport of lifesaving in our country, allowing LSA to proudly stand on the podium with Netball SA and Surfing SA. The award is a credit to everyone involved in Lifesaving and recognition of those daily and on-going efforts," said Tommy.
Full list of winners:
Federation of the Year: Lifesaving SA
Administrator of the Year: Sanelisiwe Khuzwayo
School Team of the Year: St. Mary's School
Developing School Team of the Year: Hlangabeza Primary School (Under-13 Chess)
Indigenous Games Team of the Year award: North West Kho-Kho Team
Recreation Body of the Year: In-Touch Community Support Group
Photographer of the Year: Simphiwe Nkwali
Journalist of the Year: OG Molefe
Newcomer of the Year: Sokwakhana Zazini
Team of the Year: Springbok Sevens
Sportsman of the Year with a Disability: Dyan Buis
Volunteer of the Year: Samuel Maduwa
Coach of the Year: Jean Verster
Sportswomen of the Year with a Disability: Ilse Hayes
Sportsman of the Year: Luvo Manyonga
Sportswoman of the Year: Caster Semenya
People's Choice Sports Star of the Year: Caster Semenya
Sports Star of the Year: Luvo Manyonga