Get ready to watch the world’s greatest athletes go for gold in Paris from 26 July to 11 August. South Africa, competing in its 21st overall Olympics, has made nine consecutive appearances since Barcelona 1992. Here’s how and where you can follow your favourite South African athletes.
South Africa’s Olympic History
South Africa was the first African nation to compete at the Olympic Games in St Louis 1904. The country appeared at every edition until Rome 1960. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) barred South Africa from the 1964 Tokyo Games due to its Apartheid policy. South Africa was officially expelled from the IOC in 1970 but rejoined in time for Barcelona 1992 with its first racially mixed national team.
Viewing Options in South Africa
DStv (SuperSport)
MultiChoice’s DStv has secured pay-TV broadcasting and streaming rights for the Olympics. All Olympic events will be available across its SuperSport channels.
SABC
The public broadcaster, SABC, has secured free-to-air rights. Most coverage will be broadcast on the SABC Sports Channel, with select events shown on SABC 1, SABC 2, and SABC 3.
Showmax
Showmax will offer live Olympic content on its Premier League bouquet. The mobile-only plan package starts at R69 per month.
OpenView
OpenView subscribers can also watch the Olympics. The SABC will provide live coverage on SABC 1, SABC 2, SABC 3, and OpenView.
SABC+
For those without a TV, SABC+ will stream all the Olympic action on its updated app.
Athletes and Events to Watch
Swimming
Tatjana Schoenmaker: Competing in the 100-meter and 200-meter breaststroke, Tatjana is a favourite to make the podium.
Track and Field
Akani Simbine: Keep an eye on Akani in the Men’s 100-meter dash.
Rugby
Blitzboks: South Africa’s sevens rugby team is always exciting to watch.
Medal Count
South Africa has won 89 medals since its first appearance in 1904. Track and field athletics (28) and swimming (20) account for the majority of the country’s medals. The best single Olympics haul was 10 medals in Antwerp 1920, Helsinki 1952, and Rio 2016. In Tokyo 2020, the team won three medals: gold and silver from Tatjana Schoenmaker and silver from Bianca Buitendag.
Stay Updated
You can watch all the Paris 2024 Olympic action on SuperSport and stream events live on mobile via Showmax. Follow the official Team South Africa Olympics website and Paris 2024 live blog for continuous updates, starting 24 July.
