1960 New Zealand rugby union tour of Australia and South Africa player participation was accepted in 1970. In that occasion South African authorities, gave them the title of "Honorary Whites", but controversies remained. In 1976, all the African countries boycotted the Olympic Games in protest at the All Blacks' tour of South Africa. Then, the 1981 Springboks' tour, was contested by a large part of New Zealand public opinion, with riots and demonstrations. In 1985 public opinion convinced NZRU to cancel another tour in South Africa. Only with the end of apartheid, in 1992 all this controversy had a finish. Also outside the political troubles, the results of the tour wasn't
South Africa at the 2018 Commonwealth Games top nine ranked nations from the Commonwealth in the 2016–17 World Rugby Sevens Series ranking. South Africa also qualified a women's team of 12. This qualification came after the South African women's team won the African Cup in 2017. The gold and silver medalist of Africa would then automatically qualify for the 2018 games. The silver medalists were Kenya. South Africa participated with 4 athletes (4 men). A total of 25 South African Swimmers has qualified for the games. This includes 2 para-swimmers. <nowiki>*</nowiki> Competed in heats only. South Africa participated with 1 athlete (1 man). South Africa participated with