About SAWASF
Welcome to the South African Women And Sports Foundation
Empowering Women, Transforming Communities
The South African Women and Sport Foundation is a purpose-driven organisation committed to ensuring that the contributions of South African women to the world of sport are fully realised, widely recognised, and meaningfully rewarded. We work to highlight the achievements, leadership, and potential of women in sport — not only as athletes, but as coaches, administrators, officials, and advocates — ensuring they receive the visibility, respect, and opportunities they deserve within every aspect of the sporting landscape.
Our Pillars of Purpose
Equity
We are committed to advancing gender equity in sport by creating fair, accessible opportunities for women and girls at every level of participation.
Empowerment
Through training, mentorship, and leadership development, we equip women and girls to thrive — both on and off the field.
Recognition
We celebrate and uplift the vital contributions women make to the sporting world as athletes, coaches, officials, and change-makers.
Leadership
By nurturing confident, capable leaders in sport, we are shaping a future where women lead boldly and inclusively
Meet The Trustees
Muditambi Ravele
Ms Muditambi (commonly called Ntambi) Ravele, is a ground-breaking woman in the field of Women and Sport in South Africa (WASSA) where she initiated the formation of Women and Sports South Africa in 1996. In 2008 she founded and is the Chairperson of the South African Women and Sport Foundation (SAWASF) and is a founder member of the Africa Women Sport Network (AWSN). She presently serves on the following Boards: Laureus Sport for Good South Africa, Gauteng Tourism Authority and Tennis South Africa. She is the former Chairperson of Wheelchair Tennis South Africa and Netball South Africa. She is also the former Chairperson of the Boxing South Africa Board (BSA), the first and only woman to be appointed into such a position in a historically male dominated sport.
Fran Hilton-Smith
Fran Hilton-Smith was at the forefront when Banyana Banyana was established. Ms Hilton-Smith started the first High Performance Centre for Women footballers in SA 14 years ago which was the first in Africa. She has worked as FIFA and CAF instructor and trained 87 football administrators and 21 women coaches in the process. The former Banyana Banyana coach has done and seen it all women’s football. She is fondly known as ‘Franzo’ in football circles.
Blanche Moela
Ms Moela matriculated at Good Hope College in the Cape. She pursued a career in Nursing at Groote Schuur Hospital, earning diplomas in General Nursing, Midwifery, and Psychiatric Nursing. Ms Moela then started competitive running in 1981 which now spans a 40-year running career. She won several National titles and records in Distance running in the 80's and 90's. A defining moment was being awarded National/Springbok Colours in 1984. To date Ms Moela has completed 17 Comrades marathons and is still active in Grandmaster’s competitions.
Linda Rulashe
Linda Rulashe has worked as a Communications, Public Relations, and Reputation Management practitioner for the last 10 years. Her work experience in the media, academic, and government sectors has included almost 20 years as a practising journalist across a wide range of publications. She has covered an array of sporting codes, also shining the spotlight on South Africa’s readmission into the international sporting arena post-apartheid.