If 2025 proved anything, it is that our Purple Team isn’t just growing, we are thriving and showing South Africa what teamwork, commitment and passion look like on the road.
Both Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal hosted their annual Hollywood Athletics Club Awards, celebrating members across every level of the club from elite athletes and social runners to volunteers and supporters who make the club what it is. These celebrations did more than recognise performance; they highlighted the heart, culture, and growing momentum of the Hollywood Athletics Club community.
The awards season began in KwaZulu-Natal, with a ceremony filled with energy, pride, and recognition for athletes, volunteers, and supporters across the province. Gauteng followed, celebrating some of the country’s most iconic runners. Both ceremonies honoured athletes whose performances carried the Purple Team’s flag high across the nation’s biggest races.
In Gauteng, two names stood out after remarkable seasons. Gerda Steyn was crowned National Female Athlete of the Year and Gauteng Female Athlete of the Year. Her outstanding year included a sixth consecutive Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon title, a fourth Comrades Marathon crown, and a determined third place finish at The Soweto Marathon. Affectionately known as “The Smiling Assassin,” Gerda shared her gratitude for a club that has supported her from the very beginning, saying, “I couldn’t have asked for a better club.”
Khoarahlane Seutloali walked away with National Male Athlete of the Year, following a defining season that saw him secure the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon title and the African Bank Soweto Marathon crown, along with the club’s Moment of the Year award. His victories helped cement the Purple Team’s dominance in three of the country’s big four road races. The Best Male Athlete went to Stephen Mokoka, whose consistent performances, including running a sub-28:10 10km, Mokoka once again demonstrated why he remains one of South Africa’s most respected distance runners.
In KZN, the celebration reflected the same pride and unity. Each award symbolised countless kilometres of dedication, discipline, and the strong support system that makes the Purple Team a true home for runners across South Africa. The club also announced major growth milestones, the Gauteng North membership grew from 250 to 356 in the first six weeks of 2026. Central Gauteng (CGA) membership increased from 383 (2024) to 770 (2025) and now sits at over 1000.
Gauteng category winners
Best Volunteer of the Year – Sibongile Jacobs
Best Most Consistent Athlete – Pule Sithole
Best Newcomer – Delicious Molekoa Sekgwantsha
Best Supporter of the Year – Sibongiseni Magwaza – Madipho Leshilo Maesela
Best Female Social Media Personality of the year – Madipho Leshilo Maesela
Best Male Social Media Personality of the Year – Nimrod Mokoena
Most Consistent Athlete of the Year – Pule Ollen Sithole
Most Improved Male runner of the year – Mpho Ntsoane
Most Improved Female runner of the year – Wilhelmien Terblanche
Female Athlete of the year – Gerda Steyn
Male Athlete of the year – Joseph Seutloali
National Best Male Athlete of the year – Joseph Seutloali
National Best Female Athlete of the year – Gerda Steyn
Moment of the year – Joseph Seutloali (Soweto Marathon)
KZN category winners
Female Volunteer of the Year – Khanyisile Khanyile
Male Volunteer of the Year – Sipho Mthethwa
Social Media Personality of the Year – Lindelani Mjwara
KZN Supporter of the Year – Thembinkosi Cele
Most Consistent Female Athlete – Nolutando Gcaleka
Most Consistent Male Athlete – Menzi Ndaba
Female Newcomer of the Year – Lieketseng Molefe
Male Newcomer of the Year – Sphamandla Maduna
Most Improved Female Runner – Khanyisile Khanyile
Most Improved Male Runner – Jordan Appenah
Best Female Social Athlete – Samukelisiwe Dlamini
Best Male Social Athlete – Siyanda Gebashe
Best Female Athlete of the Year – Tayla Kavanagh
Best Male Athlete of the Year – Lindelani Mjwara
Both awards ceremonies made one thing clear, we are nurturing a culture of excellence, unity and continued growth across all provinces. From elite champions to our social runners, from volunteers to supporters, everyone plays a part in what the Purple Team achieves and 2026 is already shaping up to be even bigger.
To all our winners, congratulations, and thank you for carrying the Purple Team spirit with pride.
