By Nangamso Mabindla
29 March 2004

The 2nd South African Games, hosted by Buffalo City, closed on a high note on Friday, 26 March 2004, with the defending champion, Gauteng, holding on to its title while second and third places were determined by the difference of one gold medal.

Describing it as a resounding success, the CEO of the South African Sports Commission, Dr Joe Phaahla, said the event had not only brought recognition to the city, but had also showcased some of the best talent in the country.

Gauteng won a total of 126 medals - 55 gold, 40 silver and 31 bronze; Western Province came second with 94 medals; and Free State took third place with a total of 121 medals. Explaining the placings, Phaahla said Western Province's position was secured by winning just one more gold medal than Free State.

Eastern Cape came fourth with a total of 72 medals - 28 gold, 21 silver and 23 bronze.

Speaking at the closing ceremony at the ABSA stadium in the suburb of Southernwood, Phaahla said: "We saw some riveting action from our future stars. We had winners, not losers. That is why I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the city, its people and, of course, the young athletes for contributing to a successful games."

Minister of Sport Ngconde Balfour added: "It was refreshing to see young people competing to the best of their ability. The games proved to us that we have future world beaters at our disposal."

The minister took the opportunity to thank Buffalo City and its people for "an enjoyable five-day stay" and commended the 450 volunteers for making the games a success.

Buffalo City Executive Mayor Sindisile Maclean said: "I'd like to thank the South African Sports Commission for bringing the games to our city; that showed tremendous confidence in our ability to host prestigious events."

Once the formalities were over, Balfour and Maclean joined the Eastern Cape Sport, Arts and Culture MEC, Nosimo Balindlela, and deputy minister for Provincial and Local Government, Ntombazana Botha, in taking centre stage at an event which cost R17-million to organise.

They danced along to the music provided by the East London schools' mass choir, before Maclean announced that the next South Africa Games would be hosted by KwaZulu-Natal.