Not just cricket: Basil D'Oliveira
Basil D'Oliveira never played for South Africa, yet was nominated one of the country's cricketers of the 20th century. While it was England that benefited from D'Oliveira's prowess with bat and ball, it was, ultimately, South Africa that was rewarded most by his actions on and off the field.
Natalie du Toit: ability of mind
South African swimmer Natalie du Toit, whose left leg was amputated below the knee in 2001, has gone on to win five Paralympic and three world titles for athletes with disability - six of these in world record time. Perhaps her greatest achievement, however, has been bridging the gap between able-bodied and disabled athletes.
'Baby Jake': small boxer, big heart
He was the shortest ever boxing world champion, and the only South African to win four world titles. But it was "Baby Jake" Matlala's heart that captured the imagination of the South African public.
Frik du Preez: ultimate Springbok
When South African rugby fans named Frik du Preez the country's rugby player of the twentieth century, it was a vote not only for his prodigious performances on the field, but also for his charisma and influence on those around him.
Penny Heyns: breastroke queen
Penny Heyns, who set 14 world records and became the first woman to complete the Olympic double of winning both the 100 and 200 metres breaststroke, is arguably the greatest female breaststroke swimmer of all time.
Graeme Pollock, batsman supreme
A left-handed batsman who struck the ball with immaculate timing, making the game look at once simple and stunning, Graeme Pollock was arguably the greatest left-hander in cricket history, with a test average second only to Sir Donald Bradman.
Ace: South Africa's greatest footballer?
Pule "Ace" Ntsoelengoe, who made his mark both in South Africa and the United States, was inducted into the US Soccer Hall of Fame in 2003. This came as no surprise: former SA coach Clive Barker puts Ntsoelengoe on a par with Zinedine Zidane, while former Argentinean manager Oscar Martinez once described him as "almost a perfect footballer".
