Leading the way for women in sports

There is no one who embodies the saying ‘girl power’ more than Karabo Mabilo who recently won an award in the Administrator of the Year category at the Gauteng Women in Sports West Rand awards.

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Karabo has served on many different sporting bodies over the years and is a leader and inspiration for women in sports. When she is not working in her community she is a Fiduciary and Tax Specialist who has been working in the banking industry for 18 years.

She was born in Kagiso and now lives in Krugersdorp with her two children, a 16-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl. She just finished her LLB and will begin a new chapter in 2023. She not only works hard, but she also plays hard. As an avid runner, she completed the Comrades Marathon five times and the Two Oceans Marathon three times, not to mention numerous other marathons.

This was the first time she has won this award and to her it means she can rise and rise further as a woman in sports.

“For the longest of time women have only played a nurturing role sports, but it is time we take the lead and make decisions that will take sports forward while we continue to nurture.”

She believes this award stems from her representing the province as a leader, not just a woman leader, but voted in as someone who is passionate about the development and empowerment of women.

“This has been by far the best year of my life,” she said adding that she was voted Deputy President of one of the largest athletics federations in South Africa, the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA).

She is also the leader of the women’s committee at the CGA and earlier this year held a very successful hygiene pack and sanitary drive in support of young female athletes in underprivileged schools.

“The position that I am in now has exposed me to many new great people and opportunities that will definitely take athletics forward. I have had an incredible 2022 and I think 2023 will even be better.”

Previously she has also been a board member for the Soweto Marathon Trust and the chairperson of the parents committee at Curro Wilgeheuwel.

She would like young girls who have a dream of a future in sports to know that there are enough opportunities for all women.

“We need not step on each other as women. Let us carry each other. We need to work together for the betterment of the sports.”

For 2023 she wants to expand her drive to involve more items young athletes need to compete in the sport.

She said she was very grateful for the nomination and wanted to thank those who nominated her for believing in and supporting her.

“I will continue to strive for greatness and ensure that I create opportunities for other women. To my community, thank you for the support always. Please continue to support us especially by ensuring that you encourage and protect young girls.”