By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie congratulated Team South Africa on an outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Team SA reached an impressive total of 28 medals: 7 gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze.
This outstanding effort placed South Africa 11th overall on the international medals table.
There was disappointment on the final day of the track and field competition, as the national athletics team completed their Games campaign with just four medals.
After winning their 4x100m heat in 38.30 seconds, the SA men’s quartet – Mvuyo Moss, Cheswill Johnson, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine – lined up among the favourites in the final. But they crashed out, finishing fifth before being disqualified for a lane infringement.
“This team went to Glasgow and did us proud. They have given it their all, and every single one of them comes home having helped to add another proud chapter to South Africa’s sporting history,” the Minister said in a statement on Saturday.
A large part of Team South Africa’s delegation arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday morning.
Although the Minister was unable to welcome the team, he conveyed a message of congratulations to the athletes and officials through the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC).
Several South African athletes remain in Scotland and are expected to compete until the closing ceremony on Sunday.
“To every young South African who watched these Games: these athletes were once just like you, and you can write your own names into the record books if seeing these achievements lit a fire in your belly.”
“And to every South African living with a disability who saw Nathan Hendricks, Christian Sadie, Danika Vyncke and Masala Makatu on that podium – that was a reminder that the focus of life should never be only on what you cannot do, or what may be denied to you, but rather should be on the many things you can do. By overcoming adversity, you inspire someone else facing their own struggles.”
“We salute you all as the heroes you are, and I look forward to being with the whole team again soon,” McKenzie said.
The Minister confirmed that the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture would be arranging a formal reception for the full delegation once all athletes had returned from Glasgow.
“My office is arranging a proper occasion for the whole team, once they are all reunited, and SASCOC will hear from us this week, added McKenzie.