Deputy Minister of Sports Peace Mabe happy with Team SA’s performance in Paris

Mabe has arrived in Paris to witness the final three days of this global sporting event. 

READ: Noah Lyles says he tested positive for Covid but chose to compete in 200m final

Team SA secured four medals – two in swimming, with Tatjana Smith earning a gold and a silver, a bronze from Blitzboks, and another bronze by mountain biker Alan Hatherly – surpassing the three medals won at the previous Olympics in Tokyo 2020. 

In an interview with SABC Sport at Ekhaya in Paris, South Africa’s home away from home, Mabe expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance.

''Well, so far so good - we are doing well. There's no doubt that in the second round, the Paralympians will definitely do well, they never disappoint. But with those who participated here, we are proud of you. It is not always about winning but about representing the country and  being able to finish,'' said Mabe.

Mabe expressed the department’s pride in Team SA - stating that the focus wasn’t on the number of medals won. She emphasized that her main expectation was for the team to represent the country with pride, regardless of the medal count.

''Well it is easy to say more, as a politician I would say I wanted more. But for them to be there to participate, we are grateful for the small and the big achievements - we are certainly proud of them,'' added Mabe. 

Without specifying the exact amount, Mabe mentioned that a fitting reward will be given to the medallist by the department at the end of the Games when they return home to celebrate their achievement and for representing the country with pride.

Mabe expressed her satisfaction with the increased participation of women in sports, especially as South Africa marks 30 years of democracy. On this Women’s Day, she urged more women to engage in sports and called on the government to provide greater support for their involvement.