Cynthia Tshaka will forever be etched in South African broadcast history as one of the greatest to ever do it. She has graced our screens for over three decades, and continues to be at the top of her game. For her invaluable contributions, she has been named the 2025 gsport Hall of Fame Inductee.
“To be inducted into the gsport Hall of Fame means a lot to me as I will be in the company of great sportswomen across the sporting field who have worked hard to excel and utilise that excellence to empower other women and men, not just in sport but across the board,” said Tshaka on her latest triumph.
Tshaka’s pioneering career has been one that is for the record books, being the first black female to host a sports show on SABC, to become a household name on television and radio. She says this recognition has made her reflect on her transition from being a sportswoman to being a broadcaster.
“This recognition has made me reflect. I transitioned from being an athlete to being a sports broadcaster of different sporting codes.“
2025 gsport Hall of Fame Inductee, Cynthia Tshaka
“When I started broadcasting sport, you had to be versatile and know more than one sporting code for you to be recognised as a sports broadcaster.”
“When I now share the ‘spotlight’ with the likes of Penny Heyns, Des, Odessa, Vicky Masuku, Blanche, Elena Meyer and Mandisa Williams, just to mention a few Hall of Famers, it makes me proud that something that I did because I was passionate about, has actually now made me Cynthia Tshaka to share the spotlight with Penny, Des and Elena is just amazing.”
“I never thought that my name could be mentioned one day, possibly, in the same sentence as these South African sporting legends.”
One thing Tshaka is well-known for is opening the door of opportunity for women in the industry, and gsport founder Kass Naidoo has seen this firsthand.
Working on the maxim ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’, Cynthia was one key element in Kass becoming South Africa’s first woman cricket commentator – Kass saw a powerful black woman successful in the field of sports journalism in South Africa, helping her own acceptance of what lay ahead.
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Tshaka reflected on what it means to pay it forward to the next generation of female broadcasters.
“It is in my belief that it is crucial to bring other sports talents whenever you can, wherever you see them. One such talent for me is Vaylen Kirtley, whom I took from a primary school with no TV or acting background, to act in an Easter religious drama for SABC 2. As I worked with Vaylen and other young people in this Christian production, I noticed that she had talent.”
“I offered her an opportunity to be a sports broadcaster. She was scared; she was not sure. SABC did not want to be part of it. I said to Melinda Lombard, ‘Look, I will take her with me to my shoots and train her, and I will pay her out of pocket,’’ she agreed. Vaylen was a quick learner, and eager to learn too. Fast forward, and she got a contract at SABC.
gsport will be celebrating a milestone event as it celebrates its 20th Awards Ceremony. Tshaka says gsport’s contribution to the industry has been priceless and made special mention of the efforts put in by its founder.
“gsport has done a tremendous job in putting women’s excellence and women’s contribution in sport in the spotlight. It has not been easy because, for some reason, women in sport is a product that corporate SA struggles to be associated with; you must twist their arms for them to come on board.”
“There are a handful of corporates who saw from early on the value in partnering with Women’s Sports, such as Sasol and Spar. This battle for women to be recognised and be assisted, I must add, is not just in sport; women have to work twice as hard to prove that they deserve a seat at the table. gsport, Kass and her team have done a great job to stay even though the getting gets tough, but to keep doing this work for women in Sport to get the recognition they so deserve.”
In keeping with the theme of an ‘Ode to 2006’, gsport’s first-ever inductee, Olympic double gold medalist Penny Heyns, shared her praise and best wishes to the Hall of Fame’s latest member.
“Just want to say a huge congratulations to this year’s 20th inductee into the gsport Hall of Fame. Cynthia is someone I have known for many years, greatly respected in her industry, and certainly a most worthy recipient of this honour.”
The gsport Hall of Fame
Penny Heyns (2006 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Hazel Gumede (2007 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Elana Meyer (2008 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Desiree Ellis (2009 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Motlatsi Keikabile (2010 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Dorothy Tsotsobe (2011 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Muditambi Ravele (2012 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Frith van der Merwe (2013 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Tinky Pringle (2014 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Natalie du Toit (2015 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Cheryl Roberts (2016 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Vicky Masuku (2017 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Thelma Achilles (2018 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Odessa Swarts (2019 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Dudu Msane (2020 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Jane Bramley (2021 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Marian Marescia (2022 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Blanche Moila (2023 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Mandisa Williams (2024 gsport Hall of Fame Award Inductee)
Main Photo Caption: Cynthia Tshaka’s trailblazing career is being celebrated after the South African sports broadcasting legend was inducted into the gsport Hall of Fame at an intimate gathering of industry leaders in Johannesburg on Friday, 29 August, 2025. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: One thing Tshaka is well-known for is opening the door of opportunity for women in the industry, and many stars today have benefited from her support.
