Women athletes make South Africa proud

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has congratulated Team South Africa on its performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

Team South Africa won 28 medals in Glasgow – seven gold, eleven silver and ten bronze – to finish seventh on the medal table.

“This team went to Glasgow and did us proud. They gave it their all, and every single one of them comes home having helped to add another proud chapter to South Africa’s sporting history,” said McKenzie.

Due to the reduced format of the Commonwealth Games, sporting codes such as Rugby Sevens were not included, denying the Blitzboks the opportunity to defend the gold medal they won at the previous Games.

McKenzie said he was confident South Africa would have another opportunity to compete for the title at the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India.

Meanwhile, the Proteas netball team, coached by Jenny van Dyk and captained by Khanyisa Chawane, finished fifth after defeating Uganda 62-54. The team also set a new South African Commonwealth Games scoring record in a 96-42 victory over Tonga during the tournament.

“Fourth is the hardest place in sport to stand. To Marione, Aiden, Chris and Douw – I know what it cost you to get there and this country does not measure you by medals alone. And to the Proteas, fifth place with a national scoring record is a team moving forward, so keep building on this momentum,” he said.

The Minister also thanked the coaches, doctors, physiotherapists, technical staff and team management for the work they do behind the scenes to support South African athletes.

Banyana Banyana continue to play an important role in raising the profile of women’s football in South Africa and across the continent. Through their performances on the international stage, the team has inspired young athletes and contributed to the growth of women’s sport in the country.

Government encouraged South Africans to unite behind the teams and celebrate their achievements.

“Their courage, determination and resilience have inspired the nation and demonstrated that South Africa can compete with the very best on the global stage,” said Acting Government Spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa.