Ugu District Municipality recently hosted a Sports Awards ceremony to celebrate and recognise the outstanding achievements of athletes, sporting codes, municipalities and officials who contributed to the success of the 2025 SALGA Games.
The awards ceremony was held in partnership with the Ugu District Sports Confederation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and local municipalities within the Ugu District.
Winning best organised code was karate full contact. The gold status code went to karate semi-contact, while the most improved code went to athletics.
The athletes who won gold status include Asenathi Jali, Elihle Shezi, Zelda Banaard, and Leonie De Cork.
In karate semi-contact, awards went to Ilhaam Amod, Shristi Royston Bisram, Wickus Van Der Wath, and John James Atherton.
Recognised for swimming was Pretorius Lia, Khuzwayo Ulwando, Curtis Kaitlyn, Leonard Ela, Curtis Peter, Pakkiri Zuriel, Pretorius Chris, and Venter Liam.
Meanwhile, awards for best performing athletes went to Pakkiri Zuriel and Leonard Ela.
Umuziwabantu Municipality won best organised local municipality.
Also Thembinkosi Makhathini, a Golden Games player won player of the season.
Recognition of outstanding performance went to Hellen Cele and Lucky Gumede.
As part of the celebrations, a handover of sporting equipment was donated to various federations.
