MINISTER of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula has pleaded with SA Sports Awards winners to be patient as they wait for their cash rewards.
Mbalula said the transactions could take a while.
He wants to avoid an incident similar to the one between him and Olympic silver medallist Sunette Viljoen. They exchanged verbal blows on social media after Viljoen sent the minister a WhatsApp message enquiring about her R70 000 winning bonus from Mbalula’s department.
Said the minister: “The Sports Awards are the biggest local platform to recognise athletes who shine during the year. We shower them with accolades because winning an award is getting recognition from the people. It says we are behind you in what you are doing. We love you for what you have achieved.
“Everybody has been sorted out, Viljoen too. Everybody is happy, as we are getting into the Christmas spirit.”
Mbalula also praised Wayde van Niekerk who scooped three major categories at the SA Sports Awards.