Trailblazer Aimee Barrett-Theron is poised to make history as she becomes only the second woman, after Sara Cox, to referee 50 Test matches. She will reach this milestone during the Women’s Six Nations, scheduled from April to May 2026 in Europe. All Photos: Supplied

Zoe Naude will participate in the Women’s Six Nations, after refereeing the first of her two Tests when the Springbok Women took on Spain in 2024.

Part of World Rugby’s Talent ID programme, Giana Viljoen is one of the match officials on the panel for the inaugural U21 Women’s Six Nations.

#gsportNewsletter SA trailblazer Aimee Barrett-Theron will make history as the second woman to referee 50 Tests during the 2026 Women’s Six Nations, and the iconic ref is joined by Zoe Naude and Giana Viljoen in flying the flag for South Africa!
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/trailblazing...

‘Surfing is my life,’ says Danielle Powis as she begins her new role as General Manager of Surfing South Africa. With decades of experience in the sport, she is well-suited to this position. As her next chapter commences, she is intent on giving the sport the much-needed scope it deserves. Photos: Supplied

Stepping into her new role, Powis brings a wealth of competitive experience and administrative expertise to Surfing South Africa.

Powis intends to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers women and girls, ensuring the ocean remains accessible to all.

#gsportNewsletter Newly appointed GM of Surfing South Africa, decorated competitor Danielle Powis intends to use her lifelong grit to professionalise the sport, dismantle barriers for women, and ensure the next generation has the support to thrive
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/incoming-sur...

You've got mail! It's the #LeadershipEdition of the #gsportNewsletter: SA Rugby empowers next gen of elite coaches; Andisiwe Mgcoyi’s journey in leadership and the future of women’s football; and Trailblazing ref Aimee Barrett-Theron for a career milestone - Subscribe free mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za...

South African international hockey referee Annelize Rostron maintains her focus on the world stage as she prepares to bring her extensive experience to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Photos: Supplied

Balancing her ‘regular’ roles as an educator and a mother, Rostron has set a powerful leadership example through her historic career.

With over 130 senior international caps, Rostron has cemented her place in the global hockey officiating community.

#gsportNewsletter Olympic ref Annelize Rostron continues her historic career as she heads to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, proving that South African women can balance motherhood and professional excellence while serving the game at the highest level
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/annelize-ros...

Broadcast icon Carol Tshabalala is partnering with Terry-Anne Hart of Fighters Club Promotions to champion equality for women in South African boxing, ensuring they have the strategic platform and financial opportunities to achieve greatness. Photos: Supplied

Hart is transforming South African boxing by staging inclusive tournaments that provide female athletes a professional national platform.

International broadcaster Tshabalala will leverage her 20-year career to empower women and drive strategic impact within the SA boxing industry.

#gsportNewsletter Broadcast icon Carol Tshabalala is partnering with Terry-Anne Hart of Fighters Club Promotions to champion equality for women in South African boxing, ensuring they have the strategic platform and opportunities to achieve greatness
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/carol-tshaba...

The weekly gsport Newsletter publishes early evening weekly on Wednesdays around 6pm CAT, and features in-depth feature articles and interviews on gsport's four repeating themes: Athlete, Media, Sponsorship and Leadership, occasionally interspersed with special editions of the Newsletter to mark unique opportunities to enhance the prospects of girls and women in sport, along with descriptions of and links to relevant gsport content published in the week on the gsport.co.za website. To subscribe to the gsport Newsletter delivered by MailChimp: https://mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za/signup-today

You've got mail! #gsportNewsletter's #LeadershipEdition: New Surfing SA GM Danielle Powis will lead the charge for inclusivity; World Hockey referee Annelize Rostron takes every appointment as an honour; and Carol Tshabalala and Terry-Anne Hart team up to disrupt Women’s Boxing

Newly elected Netball South Africa President Mami Diale is poised to usher in a new era for the sport, driven by an unparalleled depth of experience, having served in every facet of netball, from player and umpire to coach and now, South Africa’s most popular women’s sport’s top administrator. All Photos: Netball South Africa

The new NSA President is committed to capacity building initiatives and continuous mentoring, to ensure more women are given roles in sport leadership.

Leveraging lessons learned from her coaching career, Diale champions the power of netball to change lives and to provide players with a better future.

#gsportNewsletter Newly-elected #NetballSouthAfrica President Mami Diale, a leader who has risen through the ranks, vows to restore integrity and transparency, rebuild the organisation, and ensure players remain central to NSA's plans
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/i-am-a-leade...

Nephrology Nurse and kidney transplant recipient, Dr Heilie Uys, has transformed her second chance at life into a remarkable sporting career, achieving world records and a huge haul of medals. All Photos: Supplied

Uys is unapologetic: “Being in my 70s does not prevent me from still being active in sport and making a difference in other transplant athletes' lives."

Celebrating her Hall of Fame Award, Uys honours her donor whose remarkable gift of 21 extra years gave her a second chance at life.

#gsportNewsletter Nephrology Nurse and kidney transplant recipient, Dr Heilie Uys, has transformed her second chance at life into a remarkable sporting career, achieving world records and a huge haul of medals all while honouring her donor
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/transplant-g...

From five-year-old figure skater to a history-making centre forward, South Africa's all-time Ice Hockey top goal scorer, Dalene Rhode, reflects on a decade dedicated to the sport she loves. All Photos: Supplied

Considering life’s challenges, Rhode says: “That’s taught me that leadership isn’t about control, it’s about helping others see their own potential.”

SA Women’s Ice Hockey is building towards the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division IIIB in Estonia, taking on the hosts, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Singapore, the Philippines and Israel.

South Africa's all-time top Ice Hockey goal scorer Dalene Rhode on her decade-long dedication to the game, the growth of the sport, and her vision for building a supportive, successful future for women’s ice hockey in the country
#gsportNewsletter
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/true-leaders...

The weekly gsport Newsletter publishes early evening weekly on Wednesdays around 6pm CAT, and features in-depth feature articles and interviews on gsport's four repeating themes: Athlete, Media, Sponsorship and Leadership, occasionally interspersed with special editions of the Newsletter to mark unique opportunities to enhance the prospects of girls and women in sport, along with descriptions of and links to relevant gsport content published in the week on the gsport.co.za website. To subscribe to the gsport Newsletter delivered by MailChimp: https://mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za/signup-today

You've got mail! #gsportNewsletter: Netball SA President Mami Diale believes in inclusivity and collective growth; Transplant Games Hall of Famer Heilie Uys on the gift of life; and Ice Hockey stalwart Dalene Rhode wants players to realise their potential #LeadershipEdition

It's #NewsletterDay - the #LeadershipEdition feat. New Netball South Africa President, Mami Diale; World Transplant Hall of Famer, Dr Heilie Uys; and SA's decade-long Ice Hockey treasure, Dalene Rhode.
Subscribe free mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za... #gsportNewsletter

Kaizer Chiefs' Marketing & Commercial Director Jessica Motaung continues to break barriers, becoming one of the few African women appointed to the FIFA Men’s Football Stakeholders Committee for a four-year term. All Photos: Supplied

Motaung’s latest appointment is a historic one for women in sports leadership, becoming one of a few women from Africa to hold such a high role at the global soccer body.

#gsportNewsletter Kaizer Chiefs' Marketing & Commercial Director Jessica Motaung continues to break barriers, becoming one of the few African women appointed to the FIFA Men’s Football Stakeholders Committee for a four-year term #LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/jessica-mota...

Khanyisa Chawane has played a central role in the Spar Proteas' recent success, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment. All Photos: Supplied

Khanyisa Chawane succeeded Bongi Msomi as captain in 2024, and has since led the team to victory in the Africa Netball Cup and a runner-up finish in the Vitality Nations Cup.

Chawane recently earned her 100th cap for the national team, and this achievement highlights both her passion and talent for the sport.

#gsportNewsletter Spar Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane reflects on leadership, saying it's about connecting with people, understanding what motivates them. She remains positive after the recent series loss to Australia, focussing on goals achieved
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/leadership-i...

COSAFA intent on ensuring women rise to leadership roles in Southern African Football  - gsport4girls COSAFA’s Women’s Leadership Programme brings together over 40 women to strengthen their capacity to shape the future of the regional game

#gsportNewsletter COSAFA is championing women's leadership in Southern African football with its Women’s Leadership Programme, which has over 40 women leaders strengthening their capacity to shape the future of the regional game
#gsportAfrica
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/cosafa-inten...

You've got mail! #gsportNewsletter: Jessica Motaung welcomes FIFA Committee appointment; Spar Proteas Captain Khanyisa Chawane says leadership is all about connecting with people; and COSAFA builds towards increased leadership roles for women! #LeadershipEdition

We are putting the final touches on today’s gsport Newsletter. Here’s Ministerial Recognition of Excellence recipient, Brenda Marolen, whose story features prominently, along with other great reads for current and upcoming leaders.
mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za...
#LeadershipEdition #IRecogniseHer

From starting a club in Bloemfontein to leading Pretoria’s top talent, Erica Dibela is shaping the future of SA netball, one game plan, one tribe at a time. At just 26, she’s proving that youth is no barrier to leadership. All Photos: Supplied

“I started the club to create opportunity for players who didn’t make provincial trials. Today, some of those players are leading teams.”

Dibela’s vision for the Pretoria Kudus is simple but bold: Build a tribe that thinks fast, works hard, and grows together.

#gsportNewsletter From starting a club in Bloemfontein to leading Pretoria’s top talent, Erica Dibela is shaping the future of SA netball, one game plan, one tribe at a time. At just 26, she’s proving that youth is no barrier to leadership
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/erica-dibela...

Seasoned rugby administrator Maha Zaoui has been appointed as the new Rugby Africa General Manager, to apply her decades of leadership experience to forge a path of growth and development for the continental rugby governing body. Photo: Rugby Afrique

#gsportNewsletter Rugby administrator Maha Zaoui has been appointed as the new Rugby Africa General Manager, to apply her leadership experience to forge a path of growth and development for the continental rugby governing body
#LeadershipEdition
#gsportAfrica
gsport.co.za/rugby-afriqu...

‘Winning on the gsport stage was an honour and privilege, but the impact was even greater!’ - Shamila Sulayman won the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2022, and discusses just what that recognition means, not just to her, but for all involved. Photo: Supplied

Sulayman’s relentless passion saw her appointed as the WP Rugby Vice-President earlier this year. Photo: gsport

A staunch proponent of Volunteering, Sulayman says it has given her many new skills and priceless opportunities. Photo: Supplied

#gsportNewsletter Shamila Sulayman is well-known for her selfless volunteering in the world of rugby, for she won recognition as the 2022 Volunteer of the Year on the gsport Awards stage, and she is now reaping the rewards
#IRecogniseHer
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/winning-was-...

Robyn Coetzee’s football journey began at just seven years old, playing for an all-boys club, Goulburn United. Her natural talent and tenacity soon found a home in the girls’ game, and by 12, she was competing in the Sasol League. Photo: Supplied

“Our team goal is simple: do more than just survive. We’ve set reasonable targets and we’re working every day to improve.”

“Back yourself and your abilities. Fuel yourself with positivity and confidence. Do it tired, but don’t stop grinding.”

#gsportNewsletter “Back yourself. Do it tired, do it sick (not too sick), but don’t stop grinding.” Robyn Coetzee shares her leadership journey as UCT FC make their way in the HBSL. A story of building a future for women’s football in South Africa
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/robyn-coetze...

#NewsletterDay You have mail 📥 In this #LeadershipEdition we hear from ardent rugby Volunteerism proponent, Shamila Sulayman; UCT FC skipper Robyn Coetzee advises unwavering determination; and we preview the Telkom Netball League’s Power Week 2 kicking off Friday #gsportNewsletter #TelkomStandTall

Captain of Telkom Netball League Contenders North West Flames, Martiné Jordaan, is a student-athlete pursuing Pharmaceutics at the North-West University, and embodies the kind of balance and composure that leaders strive for. All Photos: Supplied

From her goalkeeper position, Flames captain Jordaan sees the game with clarity, and communication is her superpower.

Jordaan: “Focus on the box you’re in. When it’s netball, give it everything. When it’s academics, switch your full focus there.”

#gsportNewsletter She may be quiet off the #TelkomNetballLeague court, but North West Flames captain Martiné Jordaan leads with heart and grit on a mission to inspire others, proving that leadership comes in all shapes and sizes #LeadershipEdition #TelkomStandTall gsport.co.za/flames-skipp...

The future is bright, which is certainly the case for the University of Cape Town Women’s football team. Several players recently graduated with degrees as they look to further their careers on and off the pitch. gsport caught up with two players Isabella Kaombwe and Jesse-Leigh Nomdo, who shared their excitement at obtaining qualifications in various fields as they also make a name for themselves in football.  All Photos: Supplied

“I am also very grateful for all the support I have received from family and friends throughout my academic career” - Nomdo

Kaombwe: “My advice to young ladies would be that it is doable by them, and that they are probably a lot more resilient than they think.”

#gsportNewsletter As UCT Women’s football players Isabella Kaombwe and Jesse-Leigh Nomdo bask in their glory after graduating with university qualifications, gsport spoke with them about balance and navigating their careers as Student-Athletes #LeadershipEdition gsport.co.za/uct-womens-f...

14-year old ITF Junior Tour competitor Lyndsey Phillips already has more than Tennis SA tournament 20 titles to her name, and the young prodigy is focussed on pursuing her dreams of becoming a tennis great as she forges her path in the sport. All Photos: Supplied

“As a young leader, I hope to show that with determination, a positive mindset, and belief in yourself, anything is possible.” - Phillips

Phillips has decided on her future: I love tennis, because it's more than just a sport! It's the memories I make, the adventures I go on, and the lessons I learn on and off the court.”

#gsportNewsletter 14-year-old ITF Junior Tour competitor Lyndsey Phillips has more than 20 Tennis SA tournament titles to her name already, and the young prodigy is focussed on pursuing her dreams of becoming a tennis great as she forges her path #LeadershipEdition gsport.co.za/tennis-is-mo...

The weekly gsport Newsletter publishes early evening weekly on Wednesdays around 6pm CAT, and features in-depth feature articles and interviews on gsport's four repeating themes: Athlete, Media, Sponsorship and Leadership, occasionally interspersed with special editions of the Newsletter to mark unique opportunities to enhance the prospects of girls and women in sport, along with descriptions of and links to relevant gsport content published in the week on the gsport.co.za website. To subscribe to the gsport Newsletter delivered by MailChimp: https://mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za/signup-today

#gsportNewsletter - the Leadership Issue feat. Keneilwe Mathibela from SAFA to FIFA; North West Flames skipper Martiné Jordaan on Leadership as a Student-Athlete at the #TelkomNetballLeague, UCT graduates on balance; and tennis prodigy Lyndsey Phillips aims for the stars #LeadershipEdition

Chief Director of Maties Sport, Ilhaam Groenewald believes that creating leadership pathways is essential to ensuring that women take up leadership positions in sport. All Photos: Supplied

Groenewald: “Sustainability requires long-term investment, structured development pathways, and governance policies prioritising gender equality.”

Groenewald encourages young women leaders to stay committed to their vision, embrace learning, and never be afraid to take up leadership roles.

#gsportNewsletter Maties Sport Chief Director Ilhaam Groenewald has established a reputation as a fierce champion of women in sport and sportswomen, she believes that creating leadership pathways for women is essential to rise into leadership positions #LeadershipEdition gsport.co.za/ilhaam-groen...

The weekly gsport Newsletter publishes early evening weekly on Wednesdays around 6pm CAT, and features in-depth feature articles and interviews on gsport's four repeating themes: Athlete, Media, Sponsorship and Leadership, occasionally interspersed with special editions of the Newsletter to mark unique opportunities to enhance the prospects of girls and women in sport, along with descriptions of and links to relevant gsport content published in the week on the gsport.co.za website. To subscribe to the gsport Newsletter delivered by MailChimp: https://mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za/signup-today

📬You have mail!📥 Ilhaam Groenewald on pathways to build women's leadership; Precious Mthembu prepares Baby Proteas for World Cup; Hong Kong Women's Hockey Coach Pholo builds player confidence; and U19 T20 World Cup finalist captain Kayla Reyneke proud of historic achievement. #LeadershipEdition

Warrant Officer Elma Kemp, the only female member of South Africa's Special Task Force in Pretoria, led an all-male team at the 6th edition of the UAE SWAT Challenge 2025, held in Dubai's elite training grounds in February, 2025. Photo: Supplied

Kemp does not underestimate the commitment needed: ”Being a woman in a high-stakes, physically demanding role isn't just about keeping up-it's about excelling. You must be as fast, strong, and resilient as your male counterparts. You cannot be a burden; you must be an asset. That's the only way forward in this field.” Photo: Supplied

#gsportNewsletter Former pro athlete, Warrant Officer Elma Kemp - the only female member of SA's Special Task Force in Pretoria, led an all-male team to the 6th edition of the UAE SWAT Challenge 2025 in Dubai's elite training grounds in February #LeadershipEdition gsport.co.za/warrant-offi...

Increasingly regarded as more than capable leaders, women are taking up sports industry leadership roles in greater numbers, a trend which is key to the sector’s growth as gsport considers what it takes to hone leadership skills. Stock Photo: Envato

#gsportNewsletter Increasingly regarded as more than capable leaders, women are taking up sports industry leadership roles in greater numbers, a trend which is key to the sector’s growth as gsport considers what it takes to hone leadership skills #LeadershipEdition gsport.co.za/increased-wo...

#gsportNewsletter SA Hockey recently announced the appointment of Inky Zondi as the Head Coach of the South African Women’s Hockey Team for a term extending through to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands #LeadershipEdition gsport.co.za/inky-zondi-a...