President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the triumphs of South African athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games at a celebratory ceremony held at the Union Buildings, in Tshwane.
The event honoured the medalists and highlighted the transformative power of sport in uniting the nation.
“This is a moment of great pride for our nation. It is a moment to express our gratitude to those who have represented our nation with such distinction on the world’s greatest stage. Today, we are not just celebrating medals and the star athletes who won them,” the President said on Friday.
The President emphasised that this is also a celebration of South Africa's spirit, the unifying power of sport, its ability to inspire, and its reminder of the strength when united as a nation.
“We are celebrating the extraordinary resilience of our athletes, their unwavering determination and their incredible talent. We are celebrating the profound symbolism that sport holds in our society,” the President said.
The President reflected on South Africa’s journey in international sport, from years of exclusion under apartheid, to reclaiming its place on the world stage during the 1992 Olympics. He noted that the country’s participation in the Games symbolises the pursuit of equality, justice, and national unity.
South Africa’s athletes returned from Paris with an impressive haul: six Olympic medals (one gold, three silver and two bronze), and six Paralympic medals (two gold and four bronze).
Key highlights of the ceremony today included the presentation of recognition awards to all medalists and the prestigious Shield of Jove to swimmer Tatjana Smith and Paralympic athlete Mpumelelo Mhlongo for their outstanding performances.
This prestigious award was donated to the South African government in 1948 by Frederick Mitchell-Hedges, a British archaeologist involved in mining in South Africa.
It is a symbol of excellence, perseverance and dedication to the pursuit of sporting greatness.
“We are also honouring the athletes that achieved the most outstanding performances at the Olympic and Paralympic Games with the presentation of the Shield of Jove.
“This year, we are proud to award the Shield of Jove to Tatjana Smith and Mpumelelo Mhlongo, in recognition of their exceptional achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games,” the President said.
He said these achievements are a testament to the investments the country has made in sports infrastructure and grassroots development.
“However, we must do more to ensure that the next generation of South African athletes has even greater opportunities to succeed,” he said.
The President emphasised the need for expanded youth development programmes, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and strengthened partnerships with schools and community centres.
“We must continue to invest in youth development, ensuring that children in every part of our country – whether urban or rural – have access to sports programmes. This means strengthening our partnerships with local schools, community centres and clubs.
“We must make sure that our youth are equipped with the skills, coaching and facilities they need to reach their full potential,” the President said.
In addition to athletes, the President acknowledged the critical role of coaches, trainers, families and sponsors, including the National Lotteries Commission and corporate partners, in supporting Team SA’s success.
“We are a nation forged in struggle, in adversity and in hope. To the Olympic and Paralympic champions with us here today, we say thank you.
“We are a nation that stands united, proud and ready for the challenges of the future. Together, we will continue to build a legacy of sporting excellence. A legacy that will inspire many generations to come,” the President said.
The event celebrated not only the athletes’ remarkable accomplishments but also the broader role of sport in fostering unity and national pride in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
