Caxton journo scoops journalist of the year award
“My mission is to ensure female athletes receive the same attention and respect as their male counterparts. Their dedication, skill and passion deserve to be highlighted.”
The fifth annual Gauteng Women in Sports Awards (GWISA) 2025 recently took place at the Kyalami Country Club.
Founded by the NPO Futballing Girls, the awards recognise women in sports and honour those who contributed to upliftmenting women in the field.
Finalists from the Ekurhuleni, Tshwane and Sedibeng regions attended the event that celebrated the achievements of technical officials, coaches, administrators, sports journalists, volunteers and school athletes.
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Media members received acknowledgement for their role in highlighting women’s sports.
GCN journalist Obedience Mkhabela was honoured, walking away with two trophies and being named the Ekurhuleni and Gauteng sports journalist of the year.
He shared that not winning the previous year motivated him to refine his craft and highlighted the importance of providing a platform for women in sports through coverage and storytelling.
“Futballing Girls focuses on empowering women in sports, and the media plays a pivotal role in shifting societal views about women in the field. With media coverage, we can challenge outdated perceptions and showcase women’s capabilities.
“As a journalist, I had to expand my knowledge of sports such as bowls and athletics and ensure these stories were told. In addition to covering athletes and notable figures like former Banyana Banyana coach Fran Hilton-Smith, I worked with female coaches from local clubs and high school athletes,” Mkhabela explained.
He thanked his colleagues and family for their encouragement, particularly for urging him to enter the awards for a second time.
“This award goes to my editors, teachers and mentors. I also thank my father for sharing his sports knowledge with me when I was younger; it proved invaluable,” he said.
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“For too long, the stories of female athletes have been sidelined. My commitment is to change that narrative. I believe in the power of their voices, struggles and triumphs.
“I want to create a platform where their achievements are celebrated, their challenges understood, and their impact recognised.
“It’s about more than just reporting; it’s about amplifying their presence in the world of sports,” said Mkhabela.
“My mission is to ensure female athletes receive the same attention and respect as their male counterparts.
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“Their dedication, skill and passion deserve highlighting. I want to break down the barriers that have historically limited their visibility and create a space where their stories can inspire the next generation of athletes.”
His goal is to shed light on the journeys of female athletes, from grassroots to professional level. By giving them a voice, he hopes to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive sports landscape.
“These awards are not just for me; they represent a victory for every female athlete whose story I had the privilege of telling.
They are a testament to the power of their voices and the importance of ensuring their stories are heard, which aligns with Futballing Girls’ vision,” said Mkhabela, adding that local sports are the heartbeat of our communities.
“They are where dreams are born, talent is nurtured, and communities come together. My work celebrates these local heroes and highlights their vital role in our society.
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“Growing up in Ivory Park, I saw firsthand the transformative power of sports. It is where I learnt about teamwork, resilience and the importance of community.
By reporting on local sports, I want to inspire young athletes and show them their dreams are within reach.
“My work is rooted in the belief that every athlete, regardless of their background or level of competition, has a story worth telling. By building strong relationships with local athletes and coaches, I can capture the essence of their journeys and share them with the world.
“These awards reflect the stories I’ve told from the sports grounds in Thembisa, Germiston, Soshanguve and Ivory Park,” said Mkhabela.
