Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

South Africa's most powerful political icon Nelson Mandela topped the list of people inducted into the South African Sport Hall of Fame at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park on Tuesday.

The former president was among the 51 inductees - 30 sportsmen and sportswomen, 16 members of the media and five contributors - saluted at a glittering function.

A former boxer, Mandela trumpeted the merits of sport all over the world.

Butityi Konki, director of Sashof, thanked Mandela for his contribution in changing the country into a rainbow nation through sport.

This was echoed by another inductee, Olympic medallist Elana Meyer, who said: "Mandela deserved the recognition because he is a symbol of unity.

"Tonight, black and white sports personalities are honoured under one roof, unlike in the past."

Mandela was hailed as a unifying force in all spheres of national sport. This was shown when his famous magic inspired the Springboks to lift the World Cup trophy at Ellis Park Stadium in 1995.

Sowetan Sports Editor Molefi Mika was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his immeasurable contribution to sport.