South Africa retained the continental title, securing 22 medals at the CAA African Athletics Senior Championships, which concluded in Accra, Ghana, on Sunday.
The SA team raked in nine gold, four silver and nine bronze medals to repeat their title-winning performance at the 2024 African Championships held in Cameroon.
Among the men, Luan Munnik (1500m), Valco van Wyk (pole vault), former world champion Luvo Manyonga (long jump) and Aiden Smith (shot put) all earned gold medals. In women's events, the gold went to Karabo More (1500m), Rogail Joseph (400m hurdles), Kristi Snyman (high jump), Ansume de Beer (pole vault), and Colette Uys (shot put) won their events.
While eight of the country's gold medallists won African titles for the first time, Joseph retained the continental 400m hurdles crown she secured in 2024.
"We are elated with the outcome. South Africa are African champions again!" was the immediate expression from Deputy President and Acting President John Mathane of Athletics South Africa. "The mandate was for the team to bring back the title, and so they have. What more can we ask for?
"Without doubt, the continental showpiece continues to be a great place to build character for our athletes for the global stage of competition. We congratulate each athlete for their efforts and for all achievements that now glorify our Rainbow Nation."