Resilience and 
perseverance took centre stage at the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Sports Awards, as table tennis star Sthabile Mnyandu celebrated a breakthrough victory that marked the culmination of years of determination.
The awards, recently held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in Durban, honoured athletes and sporting figures from across the province. Mnyandu’s triumph stood out as a powerful reminder of the strength behind sporting success.
Mnyandu was named Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability, an achievement she described as deeply emotional after years of near-misses. Speaking at the awards ceremony, she reflected on the significance of finally securing the honour after being shortlisted several times before.
"I’ve been a nominee for the past three years and I’ve never won it," said Mnyandu. "This moment is really special. I have a lot of people to thank, from the national board of table tennis, down to KZN table tennis, eThekwini table tennis, and my club, Chesterville. They’ve all played a huge role in my career.
This may seem like a personal achievement, but it is for everyone who supported me, including my family and my employer. Thank you."
At the age of six in 2002, Mnyandu’s life changed dramatically when she suffered extensive burns during a raging wildfire in Ndwedwe, north of Durban. The devastating incident resulted in prolonged hospitalisation, including a nine-month coma, followed by a lengthy and demanding recovery period.
The ceremony brought together athletes, administrators, and volunteers from across KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting the province’s growing reputation as a hub for sporting excellence.
Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, congratulated all winners and nominees, emphasising the importance of sustained investment in sport development and recognition platforms.
"KwaZulu-Natal has built a model of recognition and development that is now reflected in the achievements of its athletes," said Deputy Minister Mabe. "This is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate planning, provincial leadership, and sustained investment in sport. This is the standard that must continue to be strengthened across all provinces."
She added that recognition programmes such as the KwaZulu-Natal Sports Awards play a vital role in strengthening the sporting ecosystem and supporting athlete progression.
Other Notable Honours
The night also celebrated several other top performers:
- Sportsman of the Year: Zakithi Nene
- Sportswoman of the Year: Nonkululeko Mlaba
- Junior Sportsman of the Year: Connor Doig
- Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Mbali Diphoko
- Coach of the Year: Precious Mthembu
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