Swimming South Africa and South African Water Polo Commit to a Unified Future for the Sport
Johannesburg - Swimming South Africa (SSA), the national governing body for aquatic sports in South Africa, recently convened a strategic meeting with representatives of South African Water Polo (SAWP) at its Johannesburg headquarters under the leadership of SSA President, Alan Fritz.
The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of both parties to place athletes at the centre of all future developments and to work collectively towards unifying the sport of water polo in South Africa.
South African Water Polo reaffirmed its recognition that there can only be one nationally recognised federation affiliated to World Aquatics and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). The organisation further expressed its intention to collaborate constructively with Swimming South Africa in creating a unified structure that serves the interests of all water polo athletes and stakeholders across the country. The SSA President confirmed that all water polo participants are welcome to participate in SSA Activities and consideration for national team duty as registered members of SSA.
Discussions focused extensively on the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the clarification of constitutional provisions that would allow for a single integrated water polo formation within Swimming South Africa. Both parties agreed that a unified approach would significantly strengthen athlete development pathways, participation structures, governance, and high-performance outcomes within the sport.
The delegations agreed to continue engagements following consultations with their respective principals and governing structures. SAWP CEO Robbie Taylor expressed satisfaction with the progress of the discussions, noting that both organisations share a common vision for the advancement of athletes and the sustainable growth of the sport.
Swimming South Africa and South African Water Polo further committed themselves to pursuing a speedy resolution within the constitutional framework of the national federation, while considering national sports regulations and the requirements of World Aquatics. The parties also agreed to explore constitutional amendments that would allow for broader representation and inclusivity within SSA structures.
SSA CEO Shaun Adriaanse reiterated the importance of compliance, transformation, and the development of a uniquely South African solution that promotes unity and long-term sustainability for water polo in the country.
Further discussions and stakeholder engagements will take place in due course.
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.
