Benoni City Times sports journalist Lebohang Pita and the newspaper were recognised at the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) awards at The Venue, Melrose Arch, on December 7.

Pita was awarded the 2025 Media Excellence accolade for his coverage of athletics in Benoni and across Central Gauteng, while the newspaper was recognised for its continuous support with athletics coverage and giving exposure to the province’s young athletes.

“The past three years of covering athletics across the province have been amazing. I have had the honour to meet and write about some of the country’s top emerging talent and have also witnessed amazing performances from athletes like Chelsea van Dyk, Mahlatse Mamonyane and Leendert Koekemoer.

“I don’t do this for the accolades. It’s all about the athletes. I’m passionate about development. I enjoy seeing the youngsters thrive and make it at senior level. It gives me great joy seeing an athlete I have followed from sub-youth level go through the ranks and eventually succeed at senior level,” said Pita.

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City Times and Boksburg Advertiser editor Lana O’Neill is beaming with pride.

“Lebo recently did us proud at the Forum of Community Journalist awards by taking the honours for Best Column Writing and the Alet Roux award for the Most Promising Journalist. It didn’t surprise me to hear Lebo had again flown his personal flag and that of Caxton high at the CGA awards.

“He has consistently broadened his own development in sport reporting by going the extra mile; going way beyond the borders of Benoni to keep up with the accomplishments of local athletes.

“His CGA stories have and will continue to be featured in Caxton newspapers across Johannesburg, which is an absolute win-win for the athletics body and our sports pages. Thank you, Lebo.

“You have trusted the process, pushed yourself out of your comfort zone and now you can revel in the recognition. We are very proud of you.”

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