By Zuko Komisa

- Team South Africa concluded their 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow with 28 medals, surpassing their 2022 tally.
- The squad placed 11th overall, led by swimmer Pieter Coetzé’s dominant five-gold performance alongside victories in athletics and para-swimming.
- Minister Gayton McKenzie praised the delegation’s inspiring performance, confirming an official state reception will be held once all athletes return home.
Team South Africa concluded a successful campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, securing 28 medals seven gold, 11 silver, and 10 bronze to finish 11th on the final medals table.
The overall haul surpasses the 27 medals won at the Birmingham 2022 Games.
Swimmer Pieter Coetzé spearheaded the squad’s achievements, securing three individual backstroke golds and two relay golds.
Further gold medals were claimed by Lara van Niekerk in the pool, Sinesipho Dlamini in athletics, and para-swimmers Nathan Hendricks and Christian Sadie.
Reflecting on the nation’s success, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie commended the squad’s dedication in an official statement:
“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.”
Minister McKenzie also highlighted the powerful impact of the nation’s para-athletes, noting that their podium success serves as a vital reminder to focus on ability over adversity.
A significant portion of the delegation landed at OR Tambo International Airport over the weekend, with the Ministry confirming that a formal government reception will take place once the remaining athletes return from Scotland.
READ NEXT: Hugo Broos bids farewell to Bafana Bafana after leading the team to new heights