On Wednesday night, 24 June 2026, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) officially unveiled the elite athletic delegation heading to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, taking place from 23 July to 2 August 2026.
In a powerful demonstration of sporting excellence, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) world-class athletes, club members, and staff have been selected to fly the South African flag high across multiple disciplines.
UJ stars in Athletics Track and Field
UJ’s representation spans across the track and field, blending seasoned veterans with explosive rising talent.
The formidable men’s roster features resilient 400m-hurdles star Sabelo Dhlamini (UJ club member), the fast-paced sprinter Cheswill Johnson (UJ club member), World Athletics Athlete of the Month nominee Lythe Pillay (current student-athlete) and sprinter Mvuyo Moss. They are joined by club member and alumnus Maxime Chaumeton and shotput and discus powerhouse Aiden Smith.
Gymnastics
First-year student Daniel Maclean and acclaimed alumna Caitlin Rooskrantz will bring precision and grace to the South African gymnastics squad.
Netball and Para Sports Excellence
UJ’s dominance extends to the court, showcasing remarkable inclusivity and leadership:
National mainstays Tarle Mathe and Owethu Ngubane have secured their places on the court. They will be accompanied by UJ Netball Club Coach and Manager Bongiwe Msomi, who steps into the prestigious role of South Africa’s Chef De Mission for the Games.
Once again, Michelle Moganedi, a young para-athletic star from Jane Furse in Limpopo, joins the national squad, set to compete in wheelchair basketball. Yané van der Merwe will represent South Africa in Para Athletics (Discus F44 Class).
Leadership and medical expertise behind the scenes
Behind every great athlete is an exceptional support system. UJ’s expertise is counted among Team South Africa’s driving team from the sidelines. Lezanne Bruwer (UJ Manager for Sport for Students with Disabilities Club) will serve as the Team Leader for Para Athletics. Nhlanhla Ndlovu joins the delegation as a vital member of the Medical Staff (Physiotherapist).
“This selection to serve on the global stage is testament to every single person’s and team’s hard work and perseverance. We’re proud to have both Michelle and Yané as part of the team for the second time at the Commonwealth Games. We congratulate them and the rest of the athletes for their selections and wish them the very best. We believe that they will do us proud by representing South Africa and our University well on the global stages,” says Bruwer.
The Grand Stage: Glasgow 2026
The South African delegation will compete across an array of sporting codes, including Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Track Cycling and Para Cycling, Artistic Gymnastics, 3×3 and Wheelchair Basketball, Boxing, Judo, Netball, Weightlifting, Para Powerlifting, as well as Bowls and Para Bowls.
The UJ contingent will share the global stage with internationally acclaimed South African sporting icons, including track sensation Akani Simbine, legendary swimmer Chad le Clos, alongside Prudence Sekgodiso, Mthi Mthimkhulu, Mvuyo Moss, and Zakithi Nene.
The Para Athletics Team is scheduled to depart for Glasgow on 23 July, while other sporting codes are set to touch down in Scotland even earlier to finalise their preparations. SASCOC has extended its warmest congratulations to all selected athletes and officials, honouring the immense dedication, relentless hard work, and personal sacrifices required to earn the green and gold.
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