"As the SRC we are generally pleased by her performance and we hope that the performance that she has just posted will spur the other teams to also do well during these Games.

"Once again Congratulations Kirsty and thank you for flying our flag high above other nations in Congo Brazzaville," read a statement from the Commission. Former Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture David Coltart also added his voice in congratulating Zimbabwe's swimming sensation Coventry.

Coltart wrote on his FaceBook wall: "Kirsty Coventry won the 100 metre backstroke Gold this evening in Brazzaville in the All-Africa Games (now called African Games). "Kirsty will not be swimming tomorrow (yesterday) but swims again on Thursday and Friday. "Go Kirsty! Doing us all proud again. What a patriot!" wrote Coltart.

Meanwhile, to kick-off South Africa's golden night on Tuesday, Karin Prinsloo doubled up on her 200m freestyle victory from earlier in the meet with a 400m freestyle victory. Her time of 4:18.86 was enough to hold off the competition today and give the South African her second individual win thus far. South African teammate, Tatjana Schoenmaker, also racked up her second victory, touching the wall first in the women's 50m breaststroke. Her time of 32.49 earned her the gold to add to the 200m breaststroke win she claimed on day 2.