VODACOM Durban July winning jockey S’manga Khumalo was the beneficiary of a R20,000 bonus from Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula at a function in Johannesburg earlier this month.

At the function, the 18 members of the Proteas netball squad and the five coaches each received a cheque for R15,000, as did cyclist Daryl Impey for winning a stage of the Tour de France. The Proteas beat hosts Malawi 54-52 to win the African Netball Championships, played in Blantyre in June.

“We abhor mediocrity and only roll out the red carpet for champions,” Mbalula said. “You inspire a generation and that is why we deem it fit to make a special day to reward you. By doing so, many others will aspire to achieve the same things as you.

“We celebrate excellence and that is what you have achieved.”

After handing Khumalo his cheque, Mbalula, in one of the spontaneous moments for which he has become known, also promised R300,000 to the SA Jockey Academy to nurture and develop champion jockeys for the future.

Read also: S’Manga’s Time Has Come.