Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has congratulated Team South Africa on an outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where the team started Saturday with 25 medals.
“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.
With one day left before the curtain falls on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, South Africa could still add to its medal tally at the multi-sport event in Scotland, which began on 23 July 2026 and ends on 2 August 2026.
By Saturday morning, Team South Africa had won 25 medals in Glasgow — seven gold, nine silver and nine bronze — placing the country seventh on the medal table, with competition continuing.
A large part of Team South Africa’s delegation arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday morning as the competition nears its close.
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.
“I also want to thank the coaches, doctors, physiotherapists, technical staff and team management for work that no camera records. And I want to thank the families who sat up through the night watching a child they raised compete under our colours and flag. This belongs to you as much as to them,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za
