Mlaba And Nene Receive VW Polos As KZN Sport Stars Of The Year

KZN’s elite athletes, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Zakithi Nene, officially took delivery of their brand-new VW Polo vehicles on Friday after being named the province’s Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year.

The duo was initially honored at a glitzy ceremony at the Durban ICC on 18 April. However, the official handover by long-standing partner Joma Sport—a collaborator with the awards for the past six years—took place this week, cementing the province’s commitment to its stars.

For Mlaba, the Proteas spinner born in Ntuzuma, this victory marks an unprecedented “three-peat.” She has now claimed the Sportswoman of the Year title and a vehicle for three consecutive seasons.

“I’m pinching myself,” Mlaba told Sportswire.

“Winning for the third time shows that my hard work is paying off. I don’t take my talent for granted. It’s always special to be recognized at home; people know me now because of the profile these awards have given cricket in KZN. This recognition has even opened doors for support from other provinces.”

Ladysmith-born sprinter Zakithi Nene, who enjoyed a stellar 2025 on the international track, received the honor for the first time.

“It’s a fantastic incentive,” Nene said. “What KZN is doing is wonderful because not many provinces offer this level of support. This is definitely not my first and certainly won’t be my last recognition.”

Philani Xaba of Joma Sport South Africa emphasized that the sponsorship is about more than just transport.

“We want to change lives,” Xaba noted. “Having a car makes an athlete’s life easier—from training sessions to attending events. We want to highlight success stories from townships like Ntuzuma and Ladysmith to inspire the next generation. Sport is a career that can sustain families and uplift entire communities.”