Durban-based photographer Sandile Ndlovu has been named a finalist for Photographer of the Year at the 11th annual KZN Sports Awards, marking a proud moment for the province’s sporting and creative community.Ndlovu finds himself among respected names such as Thuli Dlamini and Gerhard Duraan, while also sharing the stage with some of South Africa’s top athletes, including Keshav Maharaj, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Zakithi Nene.
The prestigious awards ceremony is set to take place on 18 April at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.For Ndlovu, the nomination is both humbling and inspiring. He described the recognition as a powerful reminder that years of dedication, passion and hard work are being acknowledged.
“It’s not just a personal achievement,” he said. “It reflects the support from my family, mentors, colleagues and the community who have been part of this journey.”Deeply rooted in his faith, Ndlovu added that being recognised in his home province carries special meaning. “To be honoured at home is truly significant,” he said.
The nomination also represents a milestone for the Durban Africa Sports Club, an organisation that has grown steadily since its establishment in 2007 with the backing of SA Fasteners. From humble beginnings, the club has developed into a vibrant multi-coded sports hub serving communities across eThekwini.
Ndlovu’s nominated work is a collection of striking images captured across a wide range of sporting codes, including football, rugby, cricket, horse racing and open-water swimming. His photography focuses on capturing decisive moments — from the fall of a wicket to the intensity of a tackle — while also highlighting the emotion and story behind each scene.One standout feature of his work is its diversity.
Beyond stadium action, Ndlovu has documented events such as the Durban July and ocean-based competitions, blending sport with broader themes like community and environmental awareness.Producing the body of work required long hours, technical precision and the ability to adapt to different conditions. From night matches under floodlights to early morning ocean shoots, Ndlovu said preparation and understanding each sport were key.
Ultimately, his work aims to tell meaningful stories through sport — capturing not just what happens, but what it truly means.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
