Christa Swart Fighting Spirit Award

The Christa Swart Fighting Spirit Award has been awarded for the past four years to honor ordinary women who have shown extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of adversity. This award is a beacon of hope, showing other women that triumph over hardship is possible.
Notable Award Recipients:

• Mariandra Heunis (2024 Winner): Survived a horrific home invasion where here husband was killed in front of her and her daughter.
• Jessica Louwrence (2024 runner up): Ongoing fight for justice against her father that abused her as a child.
• Karo van Tonder (2024 3rd prize): Sport star that was groomed and raped by her sponsors.

Our GOSA Girls on Fire Christa Swart Fighting Spirit award was awarded at this year’s Top Shot Event @ the CIRK in Cresta. The award was sponsored by Glock International, Bernhard Agencies, Tac SHAC Training, Kalahari Ancient Desert Secrets and Beans Accounting.

The Award honors and celebrates extraordinary women who embody the spirit of courage and resilience.

Olivia Jasriel, our runner-up for the award last year, was sadly lost a few weeks ago was honored by a minute of silence. Olivia was a beacon of strength and a warrior for victims of abuse, especially within the sports arena.

Keshna Schoeman, our winner from last year, to the stage. Keshna, your courage and dedication continue to inspire us all was awarded special gift.

A voucher from Bean’s Accounting for Ribbons of Justice, Keshna's Non-Profit organization.
This voucher, worth R16,000, will support your incredible work and help continue the vital services you provide. Congratulations, Keshna, and thank you for your unwavering commitment.

Martin Swart, the late husband of Christa Swart was present at the award.. He is a long-time supporter of GOSA Girls on Fire and the driving force behind the Christa Swart Fighting Spirit Award, named in honor of his late wife.

Martin, your story touched us deeply and inspired the creation of this award. It’s a testament to the strength and spirit of those who face adversity with grace and resolve. Thank you for being here tonight and for all that you do.

This year’s Fighting Spirit Award continues to celebrate women who, despite facing unimaginable challenges, have emerged as beacons of hope and resilience.
Each of our nominees has demonstrated extraordinary courage:

• Deepashini Naidoo: A survivor of gender-based violence, now leading the Facebook group 'SA Women Fight Back.'
• Jessica Louwrens: Overcoming childhood abuse, she continues her battle for justice and healing.
• Mariandra Heunis: Endured a brutal home invasion and the loss of her husband, now exemplifying resilience.
• Arieke Coetzee: Survived marital rape and abuse, now a valued Girls on Fire Range Officer.
• Rachel Langley: A dedicated crime patroller in her community.
• Karo van Tonder: A top athlete and survivor of abuse, bravely taking her perpetrator to court.
• Refilwe Sedumedi: A cancer survivor and advocate for others battling cancer.

 

• Third Prize: Arieke Coetzee-Gericke, with a final score of 426. Arieke, please come forward to receive your Jonsson Workwear voucher. Congratulations!
• Second Prize: Jessica Louwrens, with a final score of 427. Jessica, please join us to accept your Jonsson Workwear voucher. Well done!
• First Prize: Mariandra Heunis, with a final score of 444. Mariandra, please come up to receive your prize – a voucher for a firearm and proficiency training from Bernhard Agencies and Tac SHAC. Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition!

Thank you all for celebrating these incredible women with us tonight. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the strength we all possess. Let’s continue to support and uplift one another as we move forward.

For nominees for next year's fighting spirit award please contact GirlsOnFire@GOSA.co.za or WhatsApp Lynette 072 244 8262.