POLOKWANE – “Kgothatso, your victory is not just a personal triumph but a celebration for the entire province of Limpopo.”

These were the words of the Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba during a congratulatory dinner in honour of Wimbledon champion Kgothatso Montjane at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World on Tuesday night.

Ramathuba said Montjane’s hard work, perseverance and dedication paid off in showcasing her “exceptional talent” and noted that she had made the province proud.

She also added that she is the first premier on the African continent to ever touch a Wimbledon trophy.

The dinner was hosted in collaboration with the Polokwane Municipality and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture following Montjane’s first Wimbledon win and her third Grand Slam title together with her doubles partner Yui Kamiji from Japan.

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba says KG Motjane became a Wimbledon champion without the resources that other renowned tennis players had during their journey. "Kgothatso has beaten those who grew up knowing that there is tennis," she said. pic.twitter.com/rBwfKqclFk

— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) July 24, 2024

The pair clinched the prestigious title after they triumphed over the Dutch duo Diede de Groot and Jiske Griffioen with a straight-sets victory of 6-4, 6-4 on July 14, making Montjane the first African woman to win a Wimbledon title.

Read more: Seshego’s KG Montjane brags with Wimbledon title

Montjane said her strength is what led to her victory and she now stands as the first black South African woman to win Wimbledon.

“The strength to conquer growing up with a disability and trying to find my place in the community when I did not see it. It hasn’t been an easy journey and we are here because there are nice things happening but there have also been horrible things but I found the strength to conquer,” she said.