NEW documentary shines spotlight on the challenges and sacrifices faced by women in sport.
The documentary, She Owns Her Success in Sport features top sportswomen such as Paralympian, Sandra Khumalo, netball coach, Dumisani Chauke, Banyana Banyana goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini and athlete, Alyssa Conley.
The project, supported by Momentum and directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker, Lebogang Rasethaba, aims to create awareness of the struggles female athletes face.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Qhawekazi Mdikane, executive head: Momentum brand marketing, said the film was an extension of the work Momentum has been doing to support women.
"We are really proud advocates for women in sport. We have been sponsoring women in sport for many years through our sponsorship of the Women Proteas as well as the G Sport Awards. And we really have made an impact, life-changing impact in the lives of sportswomen," she said.
Mdikane said the documentary exposes the tough realities that women in sport face.
"The film itself really exposes some of the sacrifices and challenges that women in sport often face. And these are sacrifices that are unseen. Sacrifices that are not really spoken about. They are sacrifices that the media don't cover. They don't get the headlines and this is our way of just creating awareness and education and in the hope that we can encourage.
ALSO READ | Lebo M to honour Joseph Shabalala!Opens in new window
"Firstly, brands and administrators and organisations really have the means to start supporting women in sport so that we can start eradicating some of their challenges. Some of the challenges that really shocked me is that women in sport, besides just being paid far less than their male counterparts, actually have to juggle many jobs. Multiple streams of income just to make ends meet," she said.
Sandra said she learnt a lot of things from being part of the documentary.
"The importance of investment and having support around you is very important. It's the best time for us athletes to be celebrated and recognised. The recognition is beyond what I expected. I was shocked when they said they wanted to work with me. I was so happy and grateful. The recognition is amazing," she said.
Alyssa thanked the people who made the documentary a reality.
"Thank you to Momentum and this amazing production for giving us this platform and saying this not just about our generation. This was the first time I told my story, so I really love it," she said.
She Owns Her Success in Sport premiered on SABC3 on Monday, 15 September and is available to stream on SABC Plus.
It can also be watched on Momentum's YouTube channel.
