The Woman in Radio category at the gsport Awards is always a hotly contested affair, and this year is no different. This year, being the 20th anniversary of the first Awards ceremony, it’s set to be another memorable affair, and the finalists will be hoping that this will be their crowning moment.
Rachel Makhura, Oarabile Diphoko, and Mahlodi Ranku are the finalists for the Woman In Radio category for the 2025 edition of the event. Makhura is a perennial nominee, having been in various categories in previous gsport Awards.
In 2016, she was a Finalist in an incredible three categories, and as the years have passed with more accolades, she continues to solidify her position as one of the most recognisable voices in radio sports broadcasting.
Despite being a celebrated media icon, Makhura says she was initially surprised by her nomination.
“A gsport nomination is a worthy nomination. I am grateful. I must take this opportunity to also congratulate my fellow nominees, my sisters in radio, Mahlodi Ranku and Oarabile Diphoko. I can’t wait for us to connect on the day of the Awards #IRecogniseHer
Woman in Radio Award Finalist, Rachel Makhura
This will be the Radio 2000 broadcaster’s fifth gsport Awards, and she says she is grateful for those who helped her change the narrative along the way.
“I love my job, and it’s an absolute honour to be one of the many at the forefront of telling the stories, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and in so creating a safe space for women in sport to share their stories.”
“I am often reminded of how I started, and how it was out of the norm to tell women in sports stories, especially in mainstream media. But things have changed now. I have to thank SABC Sport and Radio 2000 for giving me the platform on national radio to drive important women’s sport conversations.”
She also wished gsport more success as it recently celebrated its 19th birthday and reminisced about how the organisation began and how it’s grown in stature.
“19 years of gsport, Happy Birthday! It feels just like yesterday when I attended my first gsport Awards ceremony in 2012. gsport has changed the game in providing consistent, dedicated media coverage of women’s sports.”
“In the last 31 years of democracy, women’s sport has been growing in terms of recognition and stature. Kudos to gsport for always going the extra mile in recognising the excellence of women in sport both on and off the field.”
Oarabile Diphoko is the next nominee in the Woman in Radio category, and she is well-known for her groundbreaking storytelling on Kaya 959. She consistently elevates underrepresented voices and codes and puts the spotlight on those who are excelling in various sports.
She has now reached a decade in the industry and says her second nomination feels like a full-circle moment.
“For it to come on such a big milestone for me, that really was just such a full circle moment.”
Woman in Radio Award Finalist, Oarabile Diphoko
“It was first: Gratitude more than anything, because I absolutely love what I do. It was then also just excitement, because I know what being recognised at the gsport Awards, on the Awards stage, what that brings, and the kind of visibility that brings to my name and just the work that I do. So I was absolutely excited, and more than anything, just grateful that not only is God blessing me with this, but also just to be seen and the recognition that made it massive.
“We are creating a space where young people, young and upcoming women in sport, can turn and tune into Kaya 959, and know that they might hear something new for the first time. They might also be able to open up their minds to the fact that women are doing great things out there,” said Diphoko.
“So recognition for me is not just for me alone. It’s for all those who said yes to a call, yes to a comment, yes to an interview with me, and being able to be vulnerable enough to share their stories. So that’s what recognition for me means.”
Diphoko says gsport needs to be constantly showered with praise for the work they have done over the years.
“Firstly, happy birthday to gsport. We have an outgoing teenager in the building. 19 is no small feat. You have elevated women so much,” said Diphoko. “I don’t think gsport ever gets enough credit for how much they put women’s sport on the map, and the visibility and the recognition that it gives to women who are so deserving.”
Mahlodi Ranku has become well known for her vibrant energy and her commitment to ensuring communities are given ample coverage to grow sport on all levels. The Alex FM sports presenter shared that she was deeply humbled by her nomination.
“There are countless incredible women in this industry doing remarkable work, so having my efforts recognised truly means a lot.”
Woman in Radio Award Finalist, Mahlodi Ranku
She says she is deeply appreciative to be honoured amongst some of the best women in the business.
“When I began this journey, I wasn’t chasing awards or accolades. I simply wanted to create a platform that could serve others,” said Ranku.
“To now be acknowledged for pursuing that dream is an incredible blessing. I am truly grateful to everyone who has supported and uplifted my work, and to gsport for the continuous commitment to empowering women throughout the years.”
Good luck to all the Finalists! Remember, free daily voting for your favourite #GSPORT20 Finalist is hosted at the 2025 Voting Hall at the gsport website, make sure to login daily to make your mark of support for these deserving women as often as you can before Public Voting closes at midnight, on Sunday, 10 August.
Main Photo Caption: The Woman in Radio category at the gsport Awards is always a hotly contested affair, and this year is no different. This will be Radio 2000 broadcaster Rachel Makhura’s fifth gsport Awards, and she says she is grateful for those who helped her change the narrative along the way. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Oarabile Diphoko has now reached a decade in the industry and says her second nomination feels like a full-circle moment.
Photo 3 Caption: Mahlodi Ranku: “When I began this journey, I wasn’t chasing awards or accolades. I simply wanted to create a platform that could serve others,” said Ranku.
