Lynn Butler, a distinguished sports journalist at News24 Sport, has been instrumental in amplifying the presence of South African women in sports media. Since joining the News24 Sport team in 2016, she has become a prominent byline, renowned for her insightful coverage.
Butler was a finalist at the #gsport15 Awards, but it was in 2024, at the 19th edition of South Africa’s premier Women in Sport Awards, that she lifted the coveted gong. Not a woman of many words in person, but certainly a force with the pen, Butler expressed her gratitude following the recognition on the gsport stage:
“It was amazing, I felt truly blessed and honoured to get recognised. Never thought I’d be an award-winner,” says Butler, “But it was never about that.”
“I truly felt like my hard work meant something in the end. I’ve been doing this for years and never thought people noticed. But it’s amazing to be part of the rise of female sports writers, and I hope it can open more opportunities and inspire someone.”
From 2020 to 2024 and beyond, Butler has remained a trusted part of the Sport24 team, covering major tournaments around the world. The last time we profiled her, she was already making waves. Fast forward to today, and the cricket fundi—who is equally adept at covering other sporting codes—reflects on some of the iconic moments in her career.
“Following Covid, I got to cover the Tokyo Olympics in Japan. It was amazing but very difficult, as it was in the heart of the pandemic. But it was an eye-opening experience, as I’ve never covered anything on the scale of the Olympics. Getting to experience and be there for all six medals won by Team SA, even in empty arenas, was special too.”
“Apart from that, I also enjoyed covering the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup held in South Africa, especially when we made the first-ever final in front of a sold-out Newlands crowd—it was pretty awesome.”
A passionate advocate for women’s cricket, Butler is buoyed by the work and progress made by Cricket South Africa to promote the women’s game in the country.
“Cricket South Africa is at the forefront of women’s sports. The Proteas women have succeeded more than anyone expected, and it’s been a privilege to witness. There’s still a long way to go in terms of getting more attention, but women’s cricket is on the rise.
“Obviously, it helps when you have some world-class players in your team. Cricket South Africa just needs to be cognisant of the fact that they need to spring into action more in terms of promoting the game, but already so much work has been done over the last seven years, and long may it continue.”
From football to netball, other sporting codes can take a leaf from CSA’s book.
“Investing plays a huge part, and exposure is key. South Africa is home to many talented sportspeople, and it’s disappointing to see how other federations look after their stars. I think supporting them and giving them the backing they deserve is crucial, and then also making them more accessible to the fans.”
Young women in South Africa still struggle to break into print media, and in sports journalism, the barriers are even greater. While Butler has broken through many of those barriers, she hopes to see more women in newsrooms. She shares some sage advice for those eager to follow in her footsteps.
“Journalism is tough, I’m not going to lie. You need to be prepared to work long hours and give yourself to the job. You need to be passionate, or you’ll get disheartened pretty quickly. But if you’re willing to put in the hours and work, then it’s rewarding.”
As she continues chasing breaking news and unearthing inspiring South African sports stories, Butler still has the desire for more stamps on her passport, driven by her love for the craft.
“I would love to do another international travel trip in the near future, but I’m not putting too much pressure on it.”
Asked to sum up her journey after nearly a decade at Sport24, she chose one word: “Blessed.”
“I was pretty fortunate to get all the opportunities I have had, so it’s been a bit of luck mixed in between.”
Main Photo Caption: Lynn Butler, a distinguished sports journalist at News24 Sport, has been instrumental in amplifying the presence of South African women in sports media. Since joining the News24 Sport team in 2016, she has become a prominent byline, renowned for her insightful coverage. All Photos: gsport
Photo 2 Caption: Butler says the career is not a cake walk: “Journalism is tough, I’m not going to lie. You need to work long hours, and give yourself to the job.”
Photo 3 Caption: After winning on the gsport stage, Butler says: “It was amazing, I felt truly blessed and honoured to get recognised.”
