Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

Thirty-five sporting legends and 16 members of the media will be inducted in this year's South African Sport Hall of Fame at Emperors Palace on February 24.

This was disclosed by Butityi Konki, director of the Hall of Fame, at a media briefing at a plush hotel in Sandton yesterday.

Some of the dignitaries and who attended the event included rugby legend Naas Botha, boxing icon Jacob Matlala and Oupa Mahlangu, SABC head of sport, and former disability sport athlete and administrator Andy Scott.

Konki said they were happy that for the first time they will acknowledge the South African media who had worked tirelessly to put South African sport on the international map.

"It has been our wish to induct members of the media for years but we could not bring everything at the same time. Hence this year we felt we can do the media induction," said Konki.

He said the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee will assist with the selection of inductees and serve on the board of trustees to ensure the talent identification programme is developed cohesively.

He added they had good support from the government who entrenched their concept and shaped it to be what it is today.

Mahlangu said his organisation has committed itself to playing a major role in educational programmes in terms of highlighting the achievements of the various inductees.

"We are proud to be part of the initiative commemorating the achievements of both men and women who have competed locally and internationally," said Mahlangu.

He added that they will cover the event on February 24

Botha, also director of Sashof, said the building of a Sports Hall of Fame resort, which houses a museum, sport fields, exhibition and conference centres was on track. He said they expected to spend R1,6 billion on the project.