gsport Hall of Famers Reflect on what Freedom Means

It can be said that Freedom is a luxury only afforded to a select few. Women in sport and sportswomen know this too well. The recent shift in thinking and perspective has seen women finally take up space in the sporting world in various capacities. It goes without saying that this has brought the necessary change we need to see, and has afforded various freedoms to women in various sporting codes. 

Freedom Day in South Africa is significant as it commemorates our first-ever democratic elections in 1994. This event was a major catalyst not just for the country but for its people as a whole, bringing about the necessary change that has now seen Mzansi emerge as a leading nation when it comes to democracy and women’s rights.  

Women’s sport has seen the benefit as the country moves to create gender parity in various sporting codes where females are not taking up space but also proving that they have always been a sure bet displaying grit and resilience.

gsport spoke to several of its Hall of Fame recipients and asked them: “What I can do with My Freedom?” Many of the women were not afforded certain opportunities because of the apartheid government at the time. Despite the oppressive government, they rose to prominence and are now worthy role models of the next generation.

South African Football legend in her own day, a former professional who debuted for South Africa in Banyana Banyana’s first-ever official match, now Head Coach of the national women’s team and 2018 to 2023 CAF Women’s Coach of the Year, Dr Desiree Ellis responded quickly to gsport’s request for insight.

“It’s like standing at the edge of an open field, after being inside for years. Uplift someone who is not there yet –  Dream big, without being afraid to fail!”

2009 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee, Dr Desiree Ellis

One of those women is 2019 Hall of Fame inductee Odessa Swarts, she has spoken about her past as an athlete and told gsport in a previous interview that she ‘does not look back with regret’. She is now thriving, and loving every minute of it. 

“I get to choose me every day and I can do it boldly and free. I get to do what I love daily and that is to keep fit and be healthy at a gym where all women are welcome, white, black, pink or blue, fat, thin, sexy, … and I love it!”

“Our mothers and grandmothers could only dream of an opportunity like this, to have the freedom to work at a gym where everyone irrespective of race or gender was allowed.”

2019 Hall of Fame inductee Odessa Swarts

2017 Hall of Fame Inductee Vicky Masuku can only be described as a legendary broadcaster, she was not only one of the first women – but also one of the first women of colour – to do cricket commentary on radio. This pioneering move has since opened the door for more and more women to follow in her footsteps. 

“Looking at the meaning of freedom – the right to speak, act without interference, hindrance or restriction … I think as far as women in sport are concerned, that is exactly what is happening in our country.”

2017 Hall of Fame Inductee, Vicky Masuku

“This would not have been possible if a change in the government did not happen. We would not have organisations, such as gsport, that promote women’s sports and encourage women to be participants. The 27th of April in our country will forever stay in our hearts and minds,” said Masuku.

“Be that as it may, women shouldn’t take things for granted. When an opportunity arises, in whatever capacity in sport, they should grab it with both hands and perform to the utmost. Wishing you all a peaceful freedom day,” said the now-retired broadcaster.

Marian Marescia is well-known for her contribution to hockey. She played under the SACOS (The South African Council on Sport), a non-racial sports federation that allowed athletes of colour who were excluded from the sport due to the abhorrent apartheid laws at the time. She was inducted into the gsport Hall of Fame in 2022. 

“I think that it is important for us to take cognisance of the reason that we get to celebrate Freedom Day in South Africa,” said Marescia, “And why it is a Public holiday.”

“This commemoration whereby we are reminded that this was when we began a new chapter for all South Africans, should motivate us as sportswomen to think of ways in which we can contribute.”

2022 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee, Marian Marescia

As many of us are still on our journey to freedom we need to assist in whatever way we can to continue building a better sporting nation regardless of the challenges that still exist. We might ask: ‘How?’ Are there sporting events being held that one could attend to participate in, or celebrate just having the freedom to enjoy all sports in our country? 

“Is there any platform that one has available to share their passion for sport and encourage others to be a part of sport whether in the capacity of an athlete, administrator, or official?,” asks Marescia. 

“This is the day that we as women were given the freedom to use our voices, make choices, and make use of the doors opened to us to compete in various sports at grassroots level and even in professional leagues,” says Marescia. “Let us use our Freedom to break down barriers and increase opportunities to empower women in sport.”

Jane Bramley has seen how sports newsrooms have changed since South Africa came out of years of isolation from sport. The 2021 gsport Hall of Famer says while there have been strides in the last three decades there is still work to be done. 

“Although things have improved by leaps and bounds, there is still a long way to go. Coverage of women’s sports still lags way behind men’s sports. And it’s up to today’s journalists and sportswomen to carry on the fight for more coverage of women’s sports.”

2021 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee, Jane Bramley

“Keep asking questions and demanding more until the achievements of women are given the same recognition as those of men,” insists Bramley. 

Main Photo Caption: More than just a seat at the table, how about the whole banquet? We approached gsport Hall of Famers asking: “What I can do with My Freedom”. All Photos: gsport / Rebecca Hearfield 

Photo 2 Caption: Select gsport Hall of Famers (Clockwise from left) Hazel Gumede, Odessa Swarts, Dudu Msane, Motlatsi Keikabile, Blanche Moila and Vicky Masuku.

Photo 3 Caption: In this file photo, in attendance on the special occasion of the induction of Mandisa Williams into the gsport Hall of Fame were (from left) Momentum Integrated Brand Manager, Thandi Smith, Jane Bramley (2021 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee), Odessa Swarts (2019), Marian Marescia (2022), Hazel Gumede (2007), Thelma Achilles (2018), Motlatsi Keikabile (2010), the incoming 2024 Hall of Famer, Mandisa Williams, Desiree Ellis (2009), Blanche Moila (2023), Dudu Msane (2020), Vicky Masuku (2017), Penny Heyns (2006) and Kass Naidoo, founder of the gsport Trust in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Wednesday, 11 September, 2024.

Photo 4 Caption: gsport Hall of Famer (from left) Jane Bramley with Olympic heroine,,  Penny Heyns, Zelda van Vuuren and former SABC Executive Producer, Melinda Lombard.