South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has heaped praise on the country’s athletes after they returned with an impressive 106 medals from the 13th African Games held in Accra, Ghana.
The 106 medals, comprising 32 gold, 32 silver and 42 bronze across multiple disciplines, represent South Africa’s most successful outing at the African Games in recent editions of the continental multi-sport event.
In a statement released soon after the games concluded, Minister Kodwa congratulated the South African contingent for raising “the country’s flag sky high”.
“Congratulations to Team South Africa for collecting 106 medals at the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana., Minister Kodwa said.
“You have raised the country’s flag sky high and have made us all so proud!”
The teams stellar performance saw swimming sensation Catherine van Rensburg grabbing five gold medals in the Women’s 1500m Freestyle, 400m Freestyle, 400m Individual Medley, 4x200m Freestyle Relay, and 800m Freestyle.
The African Games are held once every four years, with the 13th edition seeing over 5,000 athletes from 54 African nations competing across different sporting disciplines.
South Africa’s stellar performance has raised expectations of more podium finishes at upcoming multi-disciplinary events like the Commonwealth Games and Olympics over the next few years.
