At this year's SA Sports Awards, the Springboks won eight categories while the South African netball team did not get a single nomination, win or accolade. This, even after they did well at the 2023 Netball World Cup last year. The president of Netball SA, Cecilia Molokwane, is disheartened by not receiving the necessary recognition at this year's South African Sports Awards, hosted in Sun City, by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture over the weekend. 

According to research, the South African team ranks number one in the continent and number five globally.

South Africa has long been among the top five ranked nations in netball. Last year, they came fourth place at the Netball Quad Series, then sixth place at the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town. At the 2023 Hollard Sport Industry Awards, they shortlisted over 20 nominations in over five distinguished categories, including the coveted Event of the Year, Sports Organisation of the Year and African Excellence. Molokwane said decision-makers need to know that not recognising netball is disheartening. "We don't even know who the panelists are. It's not transparent," she said adding that, "It's not about an individual, it's about a federation. The year 2023, was declared as the year of female sports. We were calculating as a country that women in sports did well. But at this year's awards, I did not see a lot of women on that stage."

Molokwane added that it's not about winning an award but being recognised for a job well done and effort. She has not spoken to the minister Kodwa about her concerns. "I have not tried reaching out to the minister. I don't know the reason or purpose but I am done fighting. I am just saying this because it needs to be said," she said. She added that recognition can be acknowledgement, not even a trophy. Molokwane said women did well in sports last year and that they must be given credit they deserve. "After 30 years of democracy are we still sitting with this."w The new Spar Proteas netball squad has been named for the next World Cup in Australia and will train under the guidance of newly appointed national team coaches Jenny van Dyk and Zanele Mdodana.