The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Sport Division celebrated the institution’s 20th anniversary in grand fashion with a prestigious awards ceremony on the evening of Friday, 14 November 2025. The event recognized outstanding achievements by UJ’s student-athletes and external club members, underscoring two decades of sporting excellence and dominance.
Top honours for track stars and student-athletes
The coveted titles of Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year were clinched by Athletics track stars Lythe Pillay and Precious Molepo, respectively. Each athlete was awarded a substantial cash prize of R20,000.00 and a laptop, courtesy of the two categories sponsor MTN.
Netball player Alexandra Meimaris earned the distinguished Student-Athlete of the Year award, which recognizes a student who demonstrates exceptional performance both in their chosen sport and in their academic studies.
The competition for the top honours was fierce:
Sportsman of the Year nominee Pillay faced strong contenders including talented footballers Keletso Sekhwela and Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, basketballer Sbongakonke Mkhwanazi, and sprinter Retshidisitswe Mlenga.
Sportswoman of the Year nominee Molepo was challenged by netballers Tarle Mathe and Cornelia Mupenda, runner Joviale Mbisha, and footballer Gugulethu Dhlamini.
Excellence is non-negotiable
Ms. Nomsa Mahlangu highlighted the high standard of the nominees, stating, “At UJ, excellence is non-negotiable… Well done on your great achievements. This year has been a tough and long season, and while we have experienced losses where we needed wins, we have done well due to your great performances in your different clubs and teams.”
A Legacy of dominance and consolidation
Reflecting on UJ Sport’s journey over the past two decades, Prof. Bongani Ngqulunga, Senior Executive Director of University Relations, Student Affairs, and UJ Sport, affirmed the University’s status as a powerhouse in South African university sport.
“The period between 2005 to 2024 was defined by consolidation and dominance,” said Prof. Ngqulunga. “UJ solidified its position, transforming from a new entity into a formidable national powerhouse. We became a consistent frontrunner in the intensely competitive USSA championships and the prestigious Varsity tournaments.”
He further noted that UJ has consistently produced provincial and national team representatives across major codes, including Basketball, Cricket, Hockey, Rugby, Netball, Rowing, Sport for Students with Disabilities teams, and now eSports, establishing UJ as a widely recognized breeding ground for South Africa’s top sporting talent.
Recognizing the unsung heroes
In his keynote address, the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi, delivered a stirring tribute, praising the athletes, support staff, and leadership for elevating the UJ brand. He specifically shone a spotlight on the crucial, often overlooked, role of the support team.
“Now I need to shine the spotlight to the heroes and heroines who don’t usually get the spotlight; the coaches, the physical trainers,” Prof. Mpedi remarked. “You don’t just instruct, you inspire. You are the life coaches, the therapists, alarm clocks, you manage egos, mend torn muscles, and somehow make a 10km run seem like fun. Thank you for your tireless and often thankless dedication. Please go out there and tell the others; UJ means business, ladies and gentlemen!”
The winners for the other categories:
Student-Athlete of the Year:
- Alexandra Meimaris (Netball) – Gold
- Nhlakanipho Moyo (Football) – Silver
- Joviale Mbisha (Athletics) – Bronze
Age Group Sportsman of the Year:
- Alzeadon Felix – Gold
- John-Paul Britz – Silver
- Sbongakonke Mkhwanazi – Bronze
Age Group Sportswoman of the Year:
- Martha Nkosi (Athletics) – Gold
- Thato Mofolo (Football) – Silver
- Siyonela Macamba (Rugby) – Bronze
Club Sportsman of the Year:
- Udeme Okon (Athletics) – Gold
- Sabelo Dhlamini (Athletics) – Silver
- Cheswill Johnson (Athletics) – Bronze
Club Sportswoman of the Year:
- Shirley Nekhubui (Athletics) – Gold
- Oluchi Ndubueze (Athletics) – Silver
- Sanelisiwe Ntobela (Netball) – Bronze
Internal League Award Winners:
- Electrical – Overall Winners of Internal League
- Mošate Heights Ladies Residence – First Years Athletics Meeting 2025
- Kopano Men’s Residence – First Years Athletics Meeting 2025
Team of the Year:
- UJ Senior Women’s Football Team
Club of the Year:
- Athletics
In celebration of the University’s 20th anniversary, a cake cutting moment and fireworks set the tone for the night, marking the momentous achievements of sport over the 20 years of UJ.
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