Looking back at women’s month, an event of profound significance, it is only fitting that we reflect on a remarkable celebration of female excellence.
On Friday, August 25, 2023, the MultiChoice City in South Africa was awash in pink as SuperSport rolled out the red carpet to honor over 100 remarkable women during the inaugural #HereForHer awards ceremony. The theme for the day was clear – it was all about celebrating the incredible achievements of women. Men and women alike gathered to pay tribute to the unsung heroes behind the screens who brought three iconic world cups to our screens: the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the Netball World Cup, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The event attracted a star-studded guest list, including sports figures such as Bongi Msomi, captain of the Spar Proteas, and Sinalo Jafta from Proteas Women.
Behind these historic events were 132 women in production roles who played pivotal roles in making this year of sport truly remarkable.
One standout achievement was the all-female production crew that brought the Netball World Cup to viewers worldwide in July and August. This accomplishment was a testament to SuperSport’s commitment to women in sports and was symbolized by their decision to switch from their traditional blue motif to a pink one for the entire year.
According to SuperSport operations manager Zodumo Maphumulo, this event marked both the conclusion and commencement of the broader #HereForHer campaign. She noted, “Today was the end of a campaign but the beginning of a culture that SuperSport has adopted.”
For Maphumulo, the true measure of success lies in sustaining this culture and providing ongoing opportunities for young women across various sporting disciplines.
The awards ceremony acknowledged the invaluable contributions of women who served as camera operators, vision mixers, EVS operators, producers, and directors. Notably, the number of female camera operators increased from just five at the start of the #HereForHer campaign to an impressive 25, highlighting the industry’s growth potential for women.
Adjacent to this award celebration was the Agenda Women’s Summit, held in the vibrant heart of Johannesburg. This summit brought together a diverse array of women who shared a common passion for progress and empowerment. Hosted by the dynamic Nomndeni Mdakhi, the summit served as a platform for women from all walks of life to connect, share experiences, and inspire one another to overcome the hurdles on their path to professional success.
Central to the summit was the resounding voice of MultiChoice and its #HereForHer campaign, which advocates for gender inclusivity in corporate initiatives. This campaign’s impact was palpable, especially during the enlightening Career Panel featuring luminaries like Dheshnie Naidoo, Head of Production Operations at SuperSport; Sibu Mabena, an entrepreneurial pioneer supported by the MultiChoice Group Innovation Fund; and Yolanda Cuba, a dynamic figure known for her influential roles across various industries.
Marcelle Jacobs, Football Producer at SuperSport, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, saying, “I feel truly blessed to be part of this. It is beautiful to see that women are taking up their space and that we can show that we have the same skills and energy as the men do.”
Spar Proteas captain Bongi Msomi also commended the impact of the campaign, noting that it showcased how many people are behind women. She stated, “It’s been great to see women taking up space. I love the idea of having women celebrated.”
Sinalo Jafta emphasized the importance of giving women the spotlight they deserve, saying, “The women deserve this recognition because of the amount of work they have put into their craft.”
Her message was clear to all women in sports: seize opportunities and take them with both hands when they come your way.
The #HereForHer awards ceremony was a testament to the growing influence and recognition of women in the world of sports broadcasting. It celebrated the achievements of these unsung heroes, showcasing their incredible skills and paving the way for more women to excel in the industry. It was a day filled with inspiration and a powerful reminder that gender should never limit one’s potential in any field.
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