Natalie Du Toit Appointed Laureus Sport For Good Foundation South Africa's New Head Of Brand

South African sporting icon, Natalie du Toit, has been capped as the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation’s new Head of Brand. This appointment marks a significant progression in Du Toit’s more than two-decade-long relationship with the Foundation as she transitions from a celebrated Ambassador to this key leadership role.

Internationally recognised as a gamechanger in sport, Du Toit’s remarkable journey with Laureus began in 2003, shortly after her standout performance at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. At just 18 years old, she was inducted as one of the first South African athletes to become a Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Ambassador. Her dedication was further recognised in 2010 when she received the prestigious Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award.

Welcoming Du Toit into the Laureus SA management team, Bryan Habana, Laureus Academy Member and Chairman of Laureus South Africa, notes: “What a full circle moment this is for Laureus. From being one of the first South African sporting personalities to win a Laureus award, to becoming an ambassador, Natalie’s appointment is one that we are exceptionally proud of and we look forward to her continuing to play an inspirational role within the organisation.”

"It is truly a privilege to close the loop from serving as an Ambassador for more than two decades, to being recognised as a Laureus Award winner, and now stepping into this new role," says Du Toit. "I look forward to building on this legacy and continuing to drive the impact of sport as a tool for social change and cohesion."

Du Toit attributes her deep understanding of brand building to her extensive experience and life as an elite sportswoman, and notes that her values of authenticity, resilience, and consistency have carried from the swimming pool into her professional life. She has long lived by the principle of giving back - seeing time, experience, and motivation as her currency.

“As Nelson Mandela said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world’,” Du Toit reflects. “Sport has had a massive impact on my life, and it continues to fuel my passion for building brands that inspire, connect and create meaningful change.”

As the new Head of Brand, she joins an exciting time of growth for the Foundation, which currently supports 28 programmes, and impacts more than 45,000 participants across South Africa. Her vision is to strengthen a brand that resonates with everyone—from sporting heroes to the communities and partners who believe in the power of sport for good.

"Trust, credibility and authenticity will remain at the heart of presenting ourselves," says Du Toit. "Innovation will be essential as we step into a future shaped by AI and Generation Alpha and Beta. I am eager to make a meaningful impact to a brand that stays relevant, forward-thinking and true to its mission, inspiring people, connecting communities and using sports as a force for good.”

Marlene Coetzee-George, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa CEO, also shares the team’s excitement for Du Toit’s new role. “We are excited to step into this new season with Natalie. In her capacity as Ambassador, she always embraced every opportunity to inspire and motivate the young beneficiaries associated with the programmes supported by Laureus. Now, together with the dynamic Laureus team, she gets to set the tone of our brand story. This is a full circle moment that we are sure will yield great results.”