Ramaphosa praises athletes’ grit in putting SA on the map

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South African Paralympians are a reminder that greatness knows no boundaries.

He says in a country that has endured years of division and hardship, sport has been established as an element to forge a shared identity.

Ramaphosa, flanked by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, and various sporting codes honoured the 2024 Olympians and Paralympians.

The prestigious event was held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

South Africa won six Olympic medals and six Paralympic medals at the games.

Tatjana Smith, Akani Simbine, Shaun Maswanganyi, Bayanda Walaza, Simone Kruger and Mpumelelo Mhlongo are some of the athletes who were honoured.

Smith and Mhlongo were awarded the Shield of Jove, the highest achievement in sport recognition.

Smith’s two medals at the games saw her become South Africa’s most decorated Olympian in the country’s history.

The President reflected on how South Africa’s participation in the Olympic games sport sport sport has been more than just but the quest for equality and fight for justice.

“We recall the years of discrimination and segregation in South African sports in the past. It was a time when so many of our athletes were denied the opportunity to compete as equals, those who were capable were humiliated and excluded in South Africa or the world stage,” he said.

South Africa returned to the Olympic Games in 1992 after negotiations to end apartheid took place.

Ramaphosa says South African athletes have shown the globe that the country is capable of producing world-class, excellent talent and competent athletes.

He also commended the Paralympians for taking it upon themselves to challenge the perceptions about disability.