The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) successfully hosted its first General Meeting for the new quadrennial and financial year at Olympic House in Johannesburg on Saturday, 12 April 2025. This meeting marked a pivotal moment in SASCOC’s renewed strategic direction for South African sport.
With a strong turnout of 74 member organisations accounting for 168 voting strengths, the General Meeting was a testament to the commitment and engagement of SASCOC’s national Federations and Sports Confederations.
SASCOC President, Mr Barry Hendricks, opened the meeting by acknowledging the excellent work being done by National Federations and Sports Confederations, and extended congratulations to newly-elected Presidents as well as those whose teams had achieved major milestones.
“It’s been just over four months since the new Board was elected, and I’m pleased to share that we have completed the new strategic plan for SASCOC,” said Hendricks. “While the last quadrennial focused on stabilising the organisation, the next four years will be focused squarely on growth.”
SASCOC CEO, Ms Nozipho Jafta, elaborated on the organisation’s 2025-2029 strategy, emphasising capacity-building, innovation, collaboration, and the professionalisation of sport structures. She reflected on key achievements from the past quadrennial:
- Financial Stability
SASCOC is financially stable. - Brand and Reputation
Public perception has shifted, with growing trust and positive sentiment replacing previous reputational challenges. - Governance
Enhanced internal systems, a revised SASCOC Constitution, and newly published by-laws have strengthened transparency and accountability. - Stakeholder Engagement
Renewed ties with global and regional bodies such as the IOC, IPC, CGF, ANOC, ANOCA, and Region V. MOUs have also been signed with Region V countries, and SASCOC has formally expressed interest in bidding to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. - Team Delivery
Team South Africa was successfully delivered to multiple international multi-code events, including the AUSC Region V Games, African Games, Commonwealth Youth Games, Winter Olympics, Summer Olympics, and Paralympics. - OPEX Relaunch
The Olympic Preparation Programme was re-launched with naming sponsorship from the Bidvest Group. - Commercial Growth
New sponsorships from Bidvest, Mr Price Sport, and Planet Fitness have strengthened SASCOC’s financial base.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Joe McGluwa, commended SASCOC for its dedication to its affiliates and federations. He reaffirmed the Committee’s support and called for unity in overcoming the challenges facing South African sport.
Other key topics discussed at the meeting included safeguarding, safe sport frameworks, the national games calendar, and the lifting of the suspension of Chess South Africa, among others.
As SASCOC embarks on this new growth trajectory, it remains resolute in its commitment to elevate South African sport and ensure that athletes, federations, and administrators are empowered to succeed on the global stage.
