In a historic move to revitalise water polo in South Africa, a transformative step has been taken to ensure the sport’s growth and inclusivity. Backed by a vast majority of the water polo community, a new governing body—South Africa Water Polo NPC (“SA Water Polo”)—has been established as a not-for-profit entity dedicated to advancing the game at all levels.

A Sport Left Behind

For decades, water polo in South Africa has faced challenges under the governance of Swimming South Africa (SSA), particularly in meeting national diversity and transformation objectives. The situation reached a tipping point after SSA controversially prevented South Africa’s qualified men’s and women’s water polo teams from competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, citing internal selection criteria.

Recognising the need for change, key regional leaders, Masters representatives, and passionate supporters have united to take control of the sport’s future through the formation of SA Water Polo. While SAWP maintains this is not a breakaway federation, it is clearly committed to independent governance aligned with the community’s wishes.

“This is not a breakaway, but rather an empowered evolution of water polo in South Africa, undertaken by the sport’s true custodians,” SAWP stated in its letter of intent. “The goal is clear: to prioritise players, coaches, and officials, securing a sustainable and independent future free from restrictive external influences.”

Aligning with National Transformation Objectives

SA Water Polo is committed to the South African government’s strategic goal of transforming sport to reflect the nation’s diversity, as outlined by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The organization aims to ensure that water polo becomes more inclusive and representative at every level.

New Structure, New Future

SAWP has assembled an initial non-executive board comprising professionals with elite sporting, legal, financial, and administrative expertise. An interim executive committee of highly qualified volunteers will manage operations until formal democratic elections take place within six months, ensuring accountable and transparent leadership.

Notable interim committee members include:

• Duncan Woods – Chairperson of Cape Town Water Polo
• Sieg Lokotsch – Chairperson of Nelson Mandela Bay Water Polo
• Tony Ferguson – Chairperson of Gauteng Water Polo
• Steffanie Werrett – Chairperson of Eastern Gauteng Schools Water Polo
• Delaine Mentoor – Former SA Women’s Water Polo head coach

Next Steps: Taking Water Polo to the Next Level

The interim executive committee has prioritised initiatives critical to elevating South African water polo, including:

• Implementing streamlined player, coach, and referee registration via the Revolutionise Sport system.
• Appointing high-caliber selectors and national coaches to guide talent development.
• Establishing elite training camps and high-performance structures from U14 to elite levels.
• Organising provincial tournaments and international tours to foster competitive excellence.
• Ensuring transparent financial structures that directly benefit athletes.

A Call to Action

SA Water Polo calls on all clubs, players, coaches, and referees to register and support this historic movement. Unified action will help South African water polo thrive domestically and internationally.

Should SSA fail to recognise this transition, SA Water Polo intends to engage directly with World Aquatics to secure recognition as the sport’s rightful governing body in South Africa.

“This is the moment South African water polo has been waiting for. We are taking control, building the future, and ensuring our athletes have the opportunities they deserve. The time for change is now.” – Robbie Taylor, Interim CEO, SA Water Polo

Current Commitment

SA Water Polo has secured the backing of Gauteng Water Polo, Western Cape Water Polo, Buffalo City Water Polo, SA Masters Water Polo, along with players, coaches, parents, and community leaders across the country.

As SSA struggles to retain control, SA Water Polo is seizing the opportunity to revitalise the sport. South African water polo stands at a crossroads—one path leads to continued stagnation, while the other promises transparency, growth, and excellence under the leadership of SA Water Polo.

The content and quotes of this article are attributed to Keanan Hemmonsbey of the Daily Maverick.