Clarification on Franschhoek High Performance Centre Project and NLC Funding

Swimming South Africa (SSA) has taken note of an article published by Daily Maverick on 29 January 2026 concerning the Franschhoek High Performance Centre project. The article contains inaccurate and misleading assertions, including insinuations of non-compliance, scandalous narrative and an alleged investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

SSA categorically places it on record that Swimming South Africa is not under investigation by the SIU, has never been notified of any investigation, and has not been contacted by the SIU or any investigative authority at any time. SSA was therefore both surprised and concerned to learn of such claims for the first time through Daily Maverick media publication. These allegations are factually incorrect and without basis.

SSA confirms that it has lawfully received funding allocation from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) which included activity programmes and the Franschhoek High Performance Centre project. In accordance with the grant agreement, the funding is to be disbursed in three tranches of which SSA have received one tranche. SSA always fully comply with the obligations set out in the Grant Agreement, particularly in respect of governance, reporting, and financial accountability.

In accordance with the Grant Agreement, SSA submitted its first interim progress report on 29 November 2023, within the prescribed reporting timeframe following receipt of the first tranche of funding. The report comprehensively detailed the work completed to date.

Subsequently, SSA was formally advised by the NLC that an independent engineering firm would be appointed to verify and quantify the work completed. This appointment process, which fell entirely within the NLC’s internal procedures, took over a year.

Once the NLC engineers were appointed on 25 February 2025, SSA immediately facilitated a site visit. SSA’s appointed engineer fully briefed the independent engineers and submitted all requested documentation, including technical drawings, reports, and supporting evidence.

On 9 April 2025, the NLC appointed engineer presented their findings at a meeting held at the NLC offices in Hatfield. At this meeting, the independent engineers confirmed the adequacy and accuracy of SSA’s interim report and recommended ongoing site assessments aligned with major construction milestones.

Despite this confirmation, SSA thereafter experienced prolonged delays in communication from the NLC, notwithstanding repeated written follow-ups. On 27 June 2025, SSA was requested to resubmit its interim report, which it did. On 8 October 2025, SSA was further requested to submit its Annual Financial Reports for the 2020/21 and 2022/23 financial years, all of which were duly provided.

Following full compliance with these requests, SSA continued to engage the NLC regarding the release of the second tranche of funding. SSA was formally advised that payment would be effected on 13 November 2025, which did not occur. On 24

November 2025, SSA was informed that the NLC required an additional month to process payment. A further written enquiry was submitted by SSA on 6 January 2026.

It is therefore factually incorrect to suggest that project delays or funding disbursement challenges are attributable to SSA. The delays experienced are a direct consequence of extended internal NLC administrative processes, over which SSA has no control.

SSA remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance, and rejects any suggestion of wrongdoing, maladministration, or irregularity. SSA reserves its rights in respect of the publication of inaccurate and damaging information and will continue to engage constructively with all relevant authorities to ensure that factual and verified information regarding this project is accurately represented.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Mafata Modutoane

mafata.modutoane@swimsa.org or 073 226 5688.

Swimming South Africa is the governing body of aquatics in South Africa.

Its objective is to encourage the practice of aquatic disciplines for all in South Africa with the purpose of promoting swimming as a life skill through Learn to Swim programmes; providing healthy exercise to South Africans of all ages and races; recruiting recreational swimmers to compete in the various competitions; and promoting competition and athlete development to the highest level. Swimming South Africa is kindly supported by SASCOC, National Lotteries Commission, Arena, Bombela Concession Company and Department of Sport, Arts & Culture.