WATCH | Retired Sowetan snapper Veli Nhlapo gets lifetime prize at SA Sport Awards

Former Sowetan photographer Veli Nhlapo was given his flowers by sport, arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie during the SA Sports Awards on Sunday night, when he was handed the Steve Tshwete Lifetime Award.

Nhlapo earned much respect from his colleagues, politicians, entertainers and the sporting community throughout his working career. He was recognised alongside Siya Vabaza-Booi and Selwyn Nathan during the awards ceremony on Sunday night.

Nhlapo, who retired as a photographer at Sowetan in July after a career spanning more than 40 years, was grateful for the award.

“I am very happy because I started taking pictures of sports 38 years ago, and today, I’m honoured,” Nhlapho told Sowetan.

“I didn’t think a moment like this would come to my life — I’m so very happy. I can meet all the athletes from soccer, athletics, rugby, basketball and everyone.”

Nhlapo said he was very emotional receiving the award and said even though he has retired, he will never stop taking pictures.

“I’m not going to stop taking pictures; I’m only going to stop when I’m no longer alive,” he said. “I’m very emotional because of this award — I didn’t think I would ever get it. I don’t know what to say.”

Meanwhile, Akani Simbine was the biggest winner as he walked away with the Sports Star of the Year award, while Sportswoman of the Year went to Prudence Sekgodiso and Sportsman of the Year was Pieter Coetze.

SA Sport Award winners

Sport Administration of the Year: Anthony Moruthane, Tennis.

Recreation Body of the Year: Khokho Association SA.

Sport Volunteer of the Year: Nqobile Kunene, rural horse racing.

Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year: Bayanda Walaza.

Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year: Men’s U/20 rugby team.

Sport Visual Journalist of the Year: Skhu Nkomphela, sport photographer.

Sports Media Journalist of the Year: Rachel Makhura, broadcasting.

Technical Team of the Year: Aimee Barrett-Theron, rugby.

National Federation of the Year: Cricket SA.

Sport Team of the Year: Proteas men’s Test cricket.

Coach of the Year: Thabo Matebedi, athletics.

Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability: Simone Kruger, athletics.

Sportsman of the Year with a Disability: Puseletso Michael Mabote, Para athletics 400mT63.

Sportswoman of the Year: Prudence Sekgodiso, athletics.

Sportsman of the Year: Pieter Coetze, swimming.

Sportstar of the Year: Akani Simbine, athletics.

Steve Tshwete Lifetime: Siya Vabaza-Booi, Selwyn Nathan, Veli Nhlapo.

Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket: William Mtolo, Teenage Dladla, Mlungisi Ngubane, Patson Banda.

Excellence: Rayno Nel, Tasneem Solomons, Temba Bavuma.

Sowetan