Lerato Cheese Tlale
Nominee's Province:
Free State
Project Name/Description:
Department of Correctional Services – Regional Manager of Employee Sport and Recreation
Lerato Cheese Tlale lives by her motto, “Aspire to inspire before you expire”, using sports as a tool to build confidence and restore hope among her colleagues. For over a decade, she has overseen employee sports and recreation programmes at the Department of Correctional Services, ensuring staff across the Free State, Northern Cape, and Gauteng Provinces stay fit, healthy and energised.
Tlale is a strong advocate for women in sports, using social media to promote, recognise, and celebrate their achievements. Earlier this year, she launched a mentorship programme specifically designed to support women passionate about sports, particularly unemployed sports graduates.
With more than 16 years of experience as a hockey coach at various levels, Tlale deeply values this role, as it allows her to act as a mother, mentor and source of hope for those in need.
“As I continue my work to touch lives through sport, I strive to make a difference by creating and organising memorable and meaningful events that restore hope through sports, while also leading without the need for a title,” Tlale shared.
Tlale holds a teaching qualification and a degree in Sports Management from the Central University of Technology, and she hopes to pursue an Honours degree in Sports Management next year.
