South Africa's refereeing boss, André Watson, has announced the referee to receive an award as the most improved referee of the year.

Jason Jaftha of South Western Districts will receive the award after an outstanding season.

Jafta, who is 23, has been a student of Freek Burger's at his academy for referees which is a part of Alan Zondagh's Rugby Performance Centre.

Jaftha has now gone back to South Western Districts as a referees' development officer but will stay in contact with Burger in a development year.

Burger is pleased with the award, saying it is a boost for the young man.

Amongst the prestigious matches Jaftha refereed this year there are the final match of the 2008 Craven Week and the match between SA Schools and SA Academy.

He has already had international recognition with his appointment to three rounds of the IRB's Sevens World Series - in George, Edinburgh and London.