Latest news with #NonkululekoMlaba
IOL News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Meet the game-changers: Young South African women making their mark
These 10 phenomenal women under 30 are redefining success and inspiring change. Image: IOL Ron AI As we celebrate Women's Month, there's a powerful narrative unfolding across South Africa, one that speaks to an unstoppable force of talent, passion, and purpose. It's a story of a generation of young women who are not just waiting for opportunities, but actively creating them. From the sports fields to the frontlines of social change, these trailblazers are not just making their mark; they are rewriting the rules, proving that when passion meets purpose, anything is possible. Nonkululeko Mlaba: Cricket's fearless trailblazer Nonkululeko Mlaba Image: Supplied From the township streets of Durban to the international stage, Nonkululeko Mlaba is a left-arm spin sensation for the Proteas. As a Proteas player since 2019, she has a fearless attitude that has inspired her teammates and fans alike. In a historic achievement in December 2024, she became the first South African woman to take a ten-wicket haul in a Test match, a milestone that cemented her status as a cricketing force. Yewon Choi: A storyteller of culture Yewon Choi Image: Supplied Yewon Choi is a South African by heart, though Korean by birth. She has become a celebrated storyteller of culture, weaving together her love for local brands with the authentic flavours of her home. Through her content, she shares the beauty of Asian cuisine, skincare, and style, creating a world rooted in identity, care, and connection. Her work highlights the joy of feeling seen and celebrated. Masabata Sebusi: The agri innovator Masabata Sebusi Image: Supplied Masabata Sebusi is an agri-innovator transforming South Africa's food systems from the ground up. She co-founded AgriVuno, an organisation that empowers smallholder farmers with training and access to markets. Sebusi is a fierce advocate for youth leadership and sustainability, helping build a future that feeds both people and purpose. Sive Mfenyana: High-flying role model Sive Mfenyana Image: Supplied From cadet to senior first officer, Sive Mfenyana is an airline pilot for South Africa's biggest airline, FlySafair, flying Boeing 737-800s. As one of the country's few black female pilots, she is a role model for aspiring aviators. Mfenyana is passionate about mentoring individuals from under-represented communities, proving that women belong in the cockpit. Constable Brooke Erin Fritz: Underwater hero Constable Brooke Erin Fritz Image: Supplied Constable Brooke Erin Fritz is redefining bravery as the youngest female SAPS diver in the Western Cape. Her work spans from crime-scene recovery to life-saving rescue missions. She was celebrated by the SAPS during Youth Month 2025 as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that women belong at every depth of service. Jessica Thompson: Teenage swim star Jessica Thompson Image: Supplied At just 16, Jessica Thompson is a rising star in the swimming world. She made waves at the Commonwealth Youth Games by breaking the record in the 50m butterfly. She also holds three age-group records at the SA Nationals and came within a whisker of qualifying for the Paris Olympics. With Romania 2025 on the horizon and LA 2028 in her sights, she is training to make history in the pool. Georgina Bennett: Fashion's circular champion Georgina Bennett Image: Supplied As the brand director at Style Rotate, one of South Africa's most innovative fashion rental platforms, Georgina Bennett is making fashion more sustainable and accessible. She has styled icons like Rachel Kolisi and led major campaigns, including the Style Rotate X Poetry Collection, rewriting the fashion rulebook with elegance and a commitment to circularity. Bridget Mangwandi: MasterChef with a mission Bridget Mangwandi Image: Supplied At the age of 20, Bridget Mangwandi made television history by becoming the youngest and first black female winner of MasterChef SA, pocketing a cool R1 million. A food science student, she impressed judges and viewers alike with her ability to blend creativity with culinary heritage. Now, she is building a culinary empire, with plans for a cooking show, studio, and her own product line. Candice Chirwa: Minister of menstruation Candice Chirwa Image: Supplied Candice Chirwa is a gender activist, author, TEDx speaker, and founder of Qrate, a non-profit organisation dedicated to menstrual education and policy reform. Popularly known as the "Minister of Menstruation," Chirwa has authored books such as 'Flow' and 'Perils of Patriarchy'. She is shifting the conversation around period poverty, paid menstrual leave, and reproductive rights, sparking national dialogues that aim to turn shame into strength. Lindo ASMR: Zulu's calmest voice Lindo ASMR Image: Supplied
IOL News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Stay tuned . . . I want to be the best bowler in the world, says Proteas Women's star Nonkululeko Mlaba
Proteas star Nonkululeko Mlaba shows off her SA Women's Cricketer of the Year award. Picture: CSA Image: CSA JOHANNESBURG - Nonkululeko Mlaba rushes off into a corner, hands her canteen of silverware to Proteas Women's team media liaison Lita Gqirana, and calls on her personal make-up artist. 'We'll be on camera right? … Okay, just give a few minutes to top up,' Mlaba says ahead of our interview. The left-arm spinner is not just an outstanding cricketer, but she's also a fashionista that looks splendid in her gold gown that's fitting for South Africa's newly-crowned Women's Cricketer of the Year. 'So, this dress was made by my friend. I went to school with her,' before admitting she had overcome a fashion faux pas on the night. 'Actually, I had side arms on the side, but then I was celebrating my friend's award winning. And then I don't know what happened. Everything just went south. 'But then I tried to make it look like this now. Hopefully you're not going to get mad at me, girl. I still look pretty!' Mlaba said. A little dress mishap was certainly not going to spoil a glorious night at Emperors Palace for the 25-year-old, who swept the board at Cricket SA's annual awards ceremony. Along with the premier prize in South African cricket, she was also honoured with the Women's T20 International Player of the Year, Women's Players' Player of the Year and the Best Delivery Fuelled by KFC. 'It means a lot, firstly. And to be honest, I've been working hard because I want to be the best bowler in the world,' Mlaba said. 'So there you've heard it. I'm setting high standards for myself. And it doesn't stop here. 'I'm only reaching higher and higher. So just watch the space, stay tuned. There's more to come from me. This is not the end.' The 25-year-old from KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal has created history during the past 12 months when she became the first South African women cricketer to record a 10-wicket haul in the once-off Test against England in Bloemfontein. But despite the achievement, Mlaba's focus remains on the white-ball formats as she openly admits the longer version of the game 'is a bit boring'. 'To be honest, I don't really like Tests because it's long. I've watched a lot of Tests from guys and I'm like, this is too much for me. It was boring,' she said. 'Um, but yeah, I played against England and it turned out to be the best Test I've ever played, so far. Maybe as the time goes by or the more I get to play Test matches, then I'll fall in love with the game.'
The Citizen
01-08-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Maharaj crowned SA Player of the Year: All the CSA Awards winners
Nonkululeko Mlaba was the big winner in the women's categories. Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj capped off a memorable season by being named Player of the Year at the CSA Awards in Johannesburg on Thursday night. Maharaj played a key role in South Africa's World Test Championship triumph, including the final against Australia at Lord's, and was rewarded for his consistency and match-winning performances across formats. Proteas captain Temba Bavuma also featured prominently on the night, scooping the Test Player of the Year and the SA Fans' Player of the Year awards. Recently retired Heinrich Klaasen, who was a standout performer in 50-over cricket, walked away with the ODI Player of the Year, while pace bowler Anrich Nortje claimed the T20I Player of the Year title. In the women's categories, Nonkululeko Mlaba was the big winner, taking home both the Player of the Year and T20I Player of the Year awards. All-rounder Annerie Dercksen was named ODI Player of the Year. Nonkululeko Mlaba took home more than one award. Picture: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images 2025 CSA Awards winners International Men's Newcomer of the Year: Ottneil Baartman Men's T20I Player of the Year: Anrich Nortje Men's ODI Player Of The Year: Heinrich Klaasen Men's Test Player Of The Year: Temba Bavuma Men's Players' Player Of The Year: Kagiso Rabada SA Men's Player of the Year: Keshav Maharaj International Women's Newcomer of the Year: Ayanda Hlubi Women's T20I Player of the Year: Nonkululeko Mlaba Women's ODI Player of the Year: Annerie Dercksen Women's Players' Player of the Year: Nonkululeko Mlaba SA Women's Player of the Year: Nonkululeko Mlaba SA Fans' Player of the Year: Temba Bavuma Makhaya Ntini Power of Cricket Award: Dane Paterson T20 Challenge Player of the Season: Kwena Maphaka (Lions) T20 Knockout Player of the Season: Christopher Britz (Eastern Storm) Division 1 One-Day Cup Player of the Season: Jon-Jon Smuts (Dolphins) Division 2 One-Day Cup Player of the Season: Jerome Bossr (Eastern Cape linyathi) Division 1 4-Day Domestic Series Player of the Season: Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Titans) Division 2 4-Day Domestic Series Player of the Season: Ernest Kemm (Northern Cape Heat) Saca Most Valuable Men's Player of the Year: Prenelan Subrayen (Dolphins) Domestic Men's Players' Player of the Season: Dewald Brevis (Titans) Pro Series Women's Division 1 Coach of the Year: Shaun Pretorius (Lions) Pro 20 Player of the Season: Kayla Reyneke (Western Province) Pro 50 Player of the Season: Suné Luus (Titans) Saca Most Valuable Women's Player of the Year: Leah Jones (Western Province) Domestic Women's Players' Player of the Season: Nondumiso Shangase (Dolphins) SA20 Rising Star of the Season (U25): Dewald Brevis SA20 Batsman of the Season (most runs): Lhuan-dré Pretorius SA20 Bowler of the Season: Marco Jansen CSA Umpires' Umpire of the Year: Abdoellah Steenkamp CSA Umpire of the Year: Allahudien Paleker Domestic Division 1 Coach of the Year: Russell Domingo (Lions) Domestic Division 2 Coach Of The Year: Ahmed Amla (Tuskers) This story first appeared on It is republished here with permission. For the original story click here.
IOL News
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lefties reign supreme at CSA Awards with Nonkululeko Mlaba and Keshav Maharaj crowned
Proteas spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba scooped four awards, including the prestigious SA Women's Cricketer of the Year, at Emperors Palace on Thursday evening. Picture: AFP Image: AFP Johannesburg — Nonkululeko Mlaba was the Queen of the Night at a glittering Cricket SA Awards at the Emperors Palace on Thursday evening. The Proteas Women's star scooped four prestigious prizes after being crowned SA Women's Player of the Year, Women's Players Player of the Year, T20 Player of the Year and Women's Best Delivery Fuelled by KFC. Mlaba, who is nicknamed Lefty, was consistent across all formats, starring with the ball in Proteas' solitary Test match, claiming a maiden 10-wicket haul, while she also bagged 15 ODI wickets at an average of 22, and a further 16 T20I wickets at 18.62. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading She spearheaded the Proteas' charge to a successive ICC T20 World Cup final in the UAE last year, where the left-arm spinner finished as the tournament's second top wicket-taker with 12 scalps at an average of 11.33. Mlaba broke the record for the most wickets by a South African at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Fellow left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj was once again overcome with emotion when he was named Cricket SA's Men's Player of the Year for the second time in three seasons. Maharaj pipped fellow nominees Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Marco Jansen after snaring 40 Test wickets at 20.57. The 35-year-old played just three ODI's during the judging period, but also enjoyed a solid T20 season with 14 wickets at 22.21. Bavuma, who was strong contender for the premier prize in South African cricket, was awarded the Test Player of the Year and SA Fans Player of the Year. Rabada, meanwhile, was honoured by his teammates as the Players Player of the Year, while the white-ball awards were divided between Heinrich Klaasen (ODI Cricketer of the Year), Anrich Nortje (T20 Cricketer of the Year) and Ottniel Baartman (International Newcomer of the Year). Seamer Ayanda Hlubi won the corresponding Women's International Newcomer of the Year award, while impressive allrounder Annerie Dercksen walked away with the ODI Player of the Year prize. A huge congratulations to all our winners at today's CSA Pathway Awards! 🏆 It's been a phenomenal season of high-performance cricket, a true celebration of talent, dedication, and greatness. 🌟👏#CSAAwards2025 #WozaNawe — CSA Domestic Leagues (@DomesticCSA) July 31, 2025 CSA PROTEAS AWARDS 2024/25 WINNERS MEN INTERNATIONAL NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR Ottneil Baartman T20 INTERNATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR Anrich Nortje ODI PLAYER OF THE YEAR Heinrich Klaasen TEST PLAYER OF THE YEAR Temba Bavuma PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR Kagiso Rabada SA PLAYER OF THE YEAR Keshav Maharaj WOMEN INTERNATIONAL NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR Ayanda Hlubi T20 INTERNATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR Nonkululeko Mlaba ODI PLAYER OF THE YEAR Annerie Dercksen PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR Nonkululeko Mlaba SA PLAYER OF THE YEAR Nonkululeko Mlaba OTHER CATEGORIES MEN'S BEST DELIVERY FUELLED BY KFC Nandre Burger to Mikyle Louis – WIvSA 2nd Test 15 - 17 August | WI 1st innings 1.6 overs WOMEN'S BEST DELIVERY FUELLED BY KFC Nonkululeko Mlaba to Sobhana Mostary | ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024
IOL News
29-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Proteas Women stars set to be crowned at Emperors Palace
Proteas Women's spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba has been nominated in five categories in the upcoming CSA Awards. Picture: BackpagePix The Cricket South Africa Awards are all set to be a grand affair at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg on Thursday evening. The attention will undoubtedly be on the Proteas Men's Test side after their marvellous achievement in winning the World Test Championship final at Lord's last month, and in the process breaking South Africa's 27-year drought without a major ICC trophy. The WTC Final heroes will no doubt be lauded and afforded the much-deserved plaudits. However, it is fast forgotten that the Proteas Women's team had come perilously close to winning an ICC tournament themselves, after reaching a successive ICC Women's T20 World Cup final towards the end of last year. While Laura Wolvaardt's team were just not able to get over the line against New Zealand in the UAE, there were some outstanding performances by her team throughout the tournament and also across the other formats over the past calendar year.
