by Karishma Dipa
Johannesburg - Gold medallist Caster Semenya broke into a shy smile when she was greeted by the thunderous cheers of thousands of fans who arrived to welcome her and others of Team SA.
As she led the way through the international arrivals terminal at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, the track star removed her grey cap and waved at those screaming her name.
As Semenya made her way to the stage set up in a section of the airport, she continued to grin as fans cheered.
The national hero palmed the last medal for the country when she won the women’s 800m in 1 minute 55.28 seconds at the weekend
Together, Team SA brought back 10 medals.
Gold medallist Wayde van Niekerk and silver medallist Sunette Viljoen were not present because they were attending the first International Association of Athletics Federations’ Diamond League in Paris.
The winter chill was dispelled by the jubilant atmosphere when men, women and children clapped, screamed and blew vuvuzelas in unison.
One of the first to arrive on Tuesday morning to welcome the team was Thandie Bushula.
She and two other women wore traditional Xhosa attire, including dresses, beads and headgear.
Bushula said they had camped out at the airport from 5am to ensure they did not miss it.
“We are here to tell the team that they made us proud,” she said.
“They have given all South Africans hope and wings to fly.”
Bushula said she was particularly looking forward to congratulating Semenya for her Olympic achievements, saying it was her modesty during the competition that had won her a place in the hearts of all South Africans.
The supporters were joined by several officials including Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula who congratulated the South Africans.
“These are a bunch of winners, our team has made us proud,” he told the crowd.
“Even those who didn’t win medals, we saw them fight for their country, you will win next time,” said Mbalula.
He added this was the winning South Africa that was part of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
The minister also announced that the medallists would receive an increase in prize money from the government, with gold achievers receiving an extra R100 000, silver medallists an extra R70 000 and bronze medallists a further R50 000.
Coaches also receive a cash bonus.
A group of pupils from Solid Foundation Primary school in Kempton Park were also at the airport and stood right in front in a bid to catch a glimpse of the team.
As they waited for the Olympians to arrive, they waved South African flags and occasionally screamed “Go Team SA” in unison, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
One of the pupils was Remo Motsulenyane who could not contain her excitement at the possibility of meeting the athletes.
“It’s amazing to see them on the podium; I want to be there one day too.”
Their teacher, Beaulah Tudhope, said the pupils were taught about the Olympics.
“The athletes and their unique stories can teach the youngsters so many life lessons,” enthused Tudhope.