The Cape Winelands Farmworkers Sport Recreation and Association, in collaboration with the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM), Western Cape Department of Agriculture, and the Cape Winelands Sport Council, proudly hosted the first-ever Cape Winelands Farmworkers Sport Awards on 13 June 2026 at the Hugenote Community Hall in Paarl.
This landmark event brought together 180 athletes, farmworkers, partners, and community members to celebrate and showcase the rich sporting talent within farmworker communities across the region.
The awards ceremony was dedicated to recognising active participation in sport while providing a platform to identify and nurture emerging talent. It highlighted the critical role of sport in community development and personal growth.
The event featured six key sporting codes, namely Football, Netball, Rugby, Cross Country, Dominoes, and Tug of War, highlighting a diverse range of athletic participation across the region.
The programme also ensured inclusive participation, with representation from sportsmen and women living with disabilities.
With a vision to become the leading sporting organisation in the Cape Winelands region, the Cape Winelands Farmworkers Sport Recreation and Association is committed to empowering farm and rural sportspeople. Its goal is to uncover and develop talent within farmworker communities, thereby strengthening the overall sports development pipeline across the region.
2026 Award Winners
| Award | Recipient(s) | Municipality |
| Best Player (Disabled Men) | Haindrick Fortuin | Langeberg |
| Vlakkie Cricket Best Team | Langeberg Municipality | Langeberg |
| Best Dominoes Team | Andries Rosenburg & Leandre Vrolick | Breede Valley |
| Best Player (Tug of War – Men) | Emile Krugler | Stellenbosch |
| Best Player (Tug of War – Women) | Candine Salvester | Stellenbosch |
| Best Player (Netball) | Le-Handre Galant | Drakenstein |
| Best Player (Rugby – Women) | Shanice Lukas | Witzenberg |
| Best Player (Rugby – Men) | Lecian Botto | Stellenbosch |
| Best Player (Football – Women) | Joanique Abrahams | Breede Valley |
| Best Player (Football – Men) | Kurt Syster | Stellenbosch |
| Player of the Year (Women) | Candine Salvester | Stellenbosch |
| Player of the Year (Men) | Emile Krugler | Stellenbosch |
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to the following partners and stakeholders: the CWDM, Stellenbosch Municipality, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Stellenbosch Landbougenootskap, SATI, and Deon Carinus (Late Councillor – In Memoriam).
By investing in these initiatives and partnering with organisations such as the Cape Winelands Farmworkers Sport Recreation and Association, the CWDM not only promotes active and healthy lifestyles but also encourages participation in sport as a powerful tool for social cohesion, talent development, and community empowerment.