EWN reporter Palesa Manaleng wins Sports Media Journalist of the Year award - 'Sports saved my life, even though it took my legs'

Cape Talk's Clarence Ford chats to Eyewitness News sports reporter, Palesa Manaleng.

Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below:

"Sports saved my life, even though it took my legs. It's mixed emotions when it comes to sports."

- Palesa Manaleng, EWN sports reporter 

Eyewitness News (EWN) sports reporter Palesa Manaleng has been honoured for her passion and commitment to telling the stories others overlook.

She scooped the coveted Sports Media Journalist of the Year title at the recent 18th Annual South African Sports Awards. 

From jump rope champions to para-athletes and pool players, Manaleng is known for spotlighting underrepresented athletes and fringe sports. 

"The stories that I tell do not focus on the big sporting codes."

- Palesa Manaleng, EWN sports reporter 

Manaleng credited her lifelong love of sport, from childhood netball and football in Mpumalanga to a career as a reporter. 

"I love sports. I played sports my entire life. I played netball, soccer, and hockey provincially for Mpumalanga." 

- Palesa Manaleng, EWN sports reporter 

Her win underscores a shift in the industry, as more women (including former athletes) take up space in the world of sports journalism.

Looking ahead, Manaleng hopes to lead a media house’s sports department, advocating for equal coverage of all sporting codes.

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation.