FAQ
1.Why was SA Water Polo formed?
For many years, experienced leaders within the South African water polo community have offered their expertise and submitted formal proposals aimed at improving the management and development of the sport. Unfortunately, these efforts were repeatedly ignored, and attempts at all constructive engagement with Swim South Africa have reached a dead end.
“Town hall” meetings were held in each region of South Africa for all Waterpolo stakeholders. The inherent problems within the sport were discussed and solutions were tables and agreed by the majority of all interested parties. The Waterpolo community supported the key objective to run the sport more effectively and to make an immediate change.
As a result, our new organisation has been established to take over the responsibility of managing and growing the sport independently. Our goal is to create a more professional, transparent, and athlete-focused environment that prioritises long-term success and international competitiveness
South Africa Water Polo (SAWP) was formed to take control of the sport’s future and address long-standing issues of mismanagement, lack of development, and failure to meet diversity goals. The water polo community overwhelmingly supported this move to ensure proper governance, transparency, and elite-level growth.
2. What were the problems within the original official structures?
The powers that be in South Africa have not effectively developed water polo since 1994, failing to transform the sport or expand opportunities for athletes. While school and Masters-level water polo have flourished independently, the high-performance and development sectors have stagnated under previous oversight structures.
3. Why has this new entity been formed?
No, this is not a breakaway. SA Water Polo is simply an initiative led by the sport’s current representatives to take responsibility for its governance. We aim to collaborate with official bodies but are also prepared to seek recognition from World Aquatics if necessary.
4. Who is running SA Water Polo?
SA Water Polo is managed by an interim executive committee composed of highly qualified and experienced individuals, including former national players, coaches, and sports administrators. Elections for permanent leadership will take place within six months, ensuring a democratic process.
5. What steps are being taken to improve South African water polo?
SA Water Polo is implementing:
A new registration system to organise and unite clubs, players, coaches, and referees.
Selection and appointment of top-tier coaches and selectors to develop high-performance programs.
Elite training camps, provincial tournaments, and international tours to raise competitive standards.
A transparent financial model to ensure that funds are directed toward player development.
6. How does this align with South Africa’s transformation goals in sport?
SA Water Polo is committed to aligning with the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture's transformation objectives, ensuring increased diversity, accessibility, and fair representation in all areas of the sport.
7. How can players, coaches, and referees get involved?
All clubs, players, coaches, and referees should register through the registration system. By registering, you will help establish a mandate for SA Water Polo to lead and develop the sport effectively.
8. What happens if the official structures refuse to recognise SA Water Polo?
If the official structures in SA do not acknowledge SA Water Polo’s leadership, we will engage directly with World Aquatics to gain independent recognition, as provided for in the World Aquatics constitution.
9. How will this impact international participation?
SA Water Polo aims to ensure that South African teams can compete at the highest international levels through better preparation, increased funding, and strategic partnerships. After many years of trying to he organisation has been formed to take way the management of the port from swim south Africa having followed many years of trying to helpThe short term impact will be that Swim South Africa sanctioned events will continue to be poorly managed, with