SASCOC celebrates organisational stability and sporting success

The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) hosted its Annual General Meeting on Saturday, where both President Barry Hendricks and CEO Nozipho Jafta reflected on the achievements of the past quadrennial and outlined the road ahead for South African sport.

In their joint addresses, the leaders celebrated the organisation’s success in stabilising its operations, delivering a high-quality Team South Africa to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and strengthening governance structures across the sport ecosystem. They also acknowledged the critical role of National Federations, Provincial Sport Confederations, the SASCOC Board, staff, athletes, and media in SASCOC’s journey of renewal.

A key highlight was the announcement of another clean audit, marking three consecutive years of unqualified audit outcomes – a reflection of SASCOC’s commitment to good corporate governance, accountability and transparency.

Achievements Highlighted:

• Paris 2024 Success: Team South Africa returned home with 12 medals – six Olympic and six Paralympic – including a historic silver in the men’s 4x400m relay.

• Commission Impact: SASCOC Commissions advanced athlete advocacy, coaching development, gender equity, disability sport inclusion and financial oversight – building credibility and strengthening the entire sport system.

• Brand and Reputation: SASCOC rebuilt trust, achieving over 97% positive or neutral media sentiment and positioned Team South Africa among the top 10 globally for digital engagement.

• Stakeholder Partnerships: Stronger collaboration with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the National Lotteries Commission, local sponsors (Bidvest, Mr Price Sport, Planet Fitness, Toyota and Citi), the Worldwide Partners of the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee, and international bodies has re-established SASCOC as a trusted leader in sport.

• Financial Growth: Organisational revenue increased from R39-million in 2021/22 to over R107-million in 2025, driven by sponsorships, grants and innovative partnerships.

• Technology and People: Modernised systems, enhanced HR governance and high staff morale enabled SASCOC to deliver on its mandate with professionalism and impact.

Looking ahead, SASCOC emphasised that the road will not be easy. The current funding challenges faced by both SASCOC and National Federations threaten the ability to fulfil the organisation’s statutory mandate in the National Sport and Recreation Act. Both the President and CEO stressed the urgency of addressing this issue through collective national dialogue.

“The time is now to review the National Sport and Recreation Plan and the White Paper on Sport and Recreation. Just as the 2011 Sport Indaba charted a new course for our sector, we must call a new National Sport Indaba to craft a sustainable and inclusive future for sport in South Africa,” said Hendricks.

Looking outward, SASCOC acknowledged the global leadership transition in sport. The election of the first female and African President of the International Olympic Committee was celebrated as a historic milestone for inclusivity and transformation. The organisation also welcomed the new strategy of the International Paralympic Committee, which reinforces its commitment to athlete-centred growth.

Finally, SASCOC confirmed that its new growth-driven strategy for the 2025-2029 cycle has been adopted. Its vision is clear: “to be a beacon of sporting excellence, driven by a collaborative ecosystem that puts athletes at the heart of everything we do.” This vision will be delivered through six strategic pillars: Brand Trust; Governance and Financial Stability; People and Partnerships; Performance and Innovation; Advocacy; and Transformation of Sport.

afta concluded: “We have stabilised SASCOC, rebuilt credibility, and delivered results on the global stage. The next cycle is about growth, sustainability, and elevating our athletes to even greater heights. Together, with our federations, partners and stakeholders, we can achieve this vision.”