Boipelo Awuah with her brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro on the Kumba Skate Plaza in Kimberley. PHOTO: Helena Barnard
Boipelo Awuah with her Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. PHOTO: Helena Barnard

Kimberley-born Boipelo Awuah, the highest-ranking African female skateboarder in history, has become the first skater in South Africa to secure a car sponsorship.

The 20-year-old Awuah has represented the country and continent on the world stage. With the sponsorship of a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, she is also becoming a brand ambassador for Chery Kimberley.

The handover took place on Friday 23 January at the dealership (watch video), followed by a photo session at the Kumba Skate Plaza in Kimberley.

Boipelo Awuah from Kimberley with her sponsored Chery Tiggo 4 Pro at the Kumba Skate Plaza in Kimberley. PHOTO: Helena Barnard

The Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism said its Diamond and Dorings Kimberley Diamond Cup (KDC) acted as a crucial launch pad for Awuah’s skateboarding career.

Awuah, who has been learning stunts at the Kumba Skate Plaza since she was five years old, received vital development, exposure and opportunities through the KDC, helping her become a two-time Olympian.

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Among her achievements, she finished 18th in women’s street skateboarding at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and fifth in the Grand Skate Tour 2025 in Moscow. She has been featured across local, national and international news platforms.

With the 2028 Olympic Games in mind, Awuah says she is currently raising funds to attend the Olympic qualifier event in Brazil in March.

Chery Kimberley says this partnership is more than just a set of keys, but also represents a shared commitment to youth empowerment. The company will sponsor Awuah for one year, including insurance coverage for the vehicle.

Focus on youth

Whilst taking part in international events, she remains deeply rooted in her community and youth development work.

Through her 053 Fantasy Girls Skateboarding Foundation, she runs skate lessons for young girls, among other activities.

On 21 February, she will be running a 053 Girls’ Skate Workshop at the Kumba Skate Plaza. Registration starts at 14:0, and the workshop ends at 20:00. Girls of all ages are welcome. For more information, follow her on Instagram at @053_girlsskateboarding.

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