Fikile Mbalula has congratulated both South Africa's athletes and SASCOC for their successful performance at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games ©Getty Images

South Africa's Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula has congratulated the country's athletes and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) for their performance at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

South Africa won a total of 10 medals in Rio, which equals their best ever previous Olympic Games tally, including two athletics gold medals.

Caster Semenya claimed top spot in the women's 800 metres whilst Wayde Van Niekerk broke Michael Johnson's long-standing 400m world record to also claim gold.

Speaking at SASCOC's Annual General Meeting at Olympic House in Johannesburg, Mbalula said: "It was a difficult road to Rio but we conquered and brought home 10 medals.

"We are a nation to be reckoned with when it comes to sport. 

"Thank you to our National Federations (NFs) who are contributing in a great way to making South Africa what it is. 

"A winning culture becomes a habit and our athletes perform well."

Looking ahead to the future, Mbalula said Great Britain's method of Olympic funding was a source of inspiration for how his country should support their athletes.

"We need to work harder and invest in sport in similar fashion to Britain to get the best results and many medals," he said.

"It's time to have a budget focused on the Olympics. 

"I am going to advocate and motivate the Government to give us a budget over and above the money we receive for development of sports and NFs."

Wayde Van Niekerk broke Michael Johnson's long standing 400m world record to claim gold in the event ©Getty Images
Wayde Van Niekerk broke Michael Johnson's long standing 400m world record to claim gold in the event ©Getty Images

Chad le Clos was also successful in Brazil as he won two silver medals in the pool, with second place finishes in both the men's 200m freestyle and 100m butterfly.

Mbalula also encouraged the meeting to support the nation's Paralympians who are departing for Rio in the coming days, as well as highlighting his support for all of South Africa's NFs.

He said there was a need to diversify the country's approach to sport which the "big three" sports of football, rugby and cricket hogging much of the limelight. 

SASCOC President Gideon Sam was also in attendance and outlined the need for further anti-doping measures. 

"We all need to be vigilant and curb the scourge of doping," said Sam.

"Because of the money involved in sport, people are taking all sorts of chances. 

"Doping is a threat to sport and as leaders we should look at ways to control it."