Johannesburg, South Africa, 28 July 2025 – Honourable Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Peace Mabe, will on Monday, 28 July 2025, welcome home South Africa’s senior women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, at OR Tambo International Airport.
The welcome ceremony follows the team’s return from the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament in Morocco, where they bowed out after a tightly contested third-place playoff against Ghana.
The Deputy Minister will lead the welcome on behalf of the Ministry as a show of respect, appreciation and national gratitude for the players’ efforts in flying the South African flag high throughout the tournament.
“Banyana Banyana may not be returning with medals this time, but they return with honour,” said Deputy Minister Mabe. “These are women who stepped onto the pitch carrying the hopes of an entire nation. Their courage, their tenacity, and their unity in the face of immense pressure has reminded all South Africans of what it means to represent one’s country with pride.”
The team finished fourth after their bronze medal match ended in a 1–1 draw, with Ghana edging South Africa in the penalty shootout. Despite the result, Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON 2024 campaign included moments of individual brilliance, collective strength and the kind of spirit that has made them one of the most respected sides on the continent.
Deputy Minister Mabe emphasised that this moment is not one of defeat, but one of national appreciation.
“Sport does not always follow the script we wish for,” she said. “But what remains constant is how this team continues to elevate women’s sport, and how they carry the dreams of millions of young girls across South Africa. They have nothing to be ashamed of — in fact, they have every reason to hold their heads high.”
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture commends the players, coaching staff, and support team for their professionalism and commitment throughout the tournament. Deputy Minister Mabe also reiterated the Department’s call for greater public and private sector support for women’s football, especially in the lead-up to future global tournaments.
“We cannot allow this level of excellence and representation to be underfunded or under-celebrated,” said Mabe. “These women have given everything for the badge on their jerseys. Now it’s time we give back — not just in words, but through continued investment, development, and national recognition.”
The arrival ceremony will take place at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday morning, where supporters are encouraged to come out in their numbers to thank Banyana Banyana for their service to the country.
“These athletes are returning home not empty-handed, but full of lessons, full of fire, and full of pride,” concluded Mabe. “They may not have taken home bronze, but they brought back something far more valuable — the enduring spirit of South Africa.”
