Pretoria: President Jacob Zuma today congratulated the Team SA athletes who put the country on the world map with their achievements at the London Olympic Games.

“Together with the conquering rowing team, they have presented South Africa as a winning and shining nation on the world stage,” he said. “We are truly proud of the achievements…”

Some of the athletes arrived back in the country this morning from London, while others are still participating in the Games.

Swimming champs Cameron van der Burgh (who won a gold medal) and Chad Le Clos (who won gold and silver medals) landed at OR Tambo International Airport today, where they received a heroes’ welcome.

South Africa’s men’s lightweight rowing team clinched gold last Thursday, while Bridgitte Hartley won a bronze medal in the women’s Kayak Single (K1) 500m race today.

Still on sports, President Zuma also said plans were underway to formalise and professionalise netball, which is the most popular women’s sport in South Africa.

“To further increase the pool of netball players available for selection to the Protea team, we will launch a full professional netball league from April 2013,” he said.