The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) has reported a fourth consecutive clean audit for the financial year ended 31 March 2026, alongside progress in athlete support and the delivery of Team South Africa to five international multi-sport events.
The Annual Report and the draft Annual Financial Statements for adoption were presented at the virtual Annual General Meeting attended by the SASCOC Members (National Federations and Provincial Sports Confederations) and Board Members, with a voting strength of 74.59%.
The year was the first of SASCOC’s 2025–2029 quadrennial strategy, which moves the organisation into a phase of growth. Its vision is to be “a beacon of sporting excellence, driven by a collaborative ecosystem that puts athletes at the heart of everything we do.” Its mission commits SASCOC to empowering South African athletes to achieve excellence, fostering inclusivity, diversity and good governance, and igniting national pride through sporting success.
The strategy is guided by five pillars: Brand Trust; Governance and Financial Sustainability; People and Partnerships; Performance and Innovation; and Advocacy and Transformation.
A 10-Point Organisational Plan translates these priorities into action across athlete support, membership, partnerships, governance, innovation and responsible sport.
“Four consecutive clean audits reflect the discipline and accountability we expect of ourselves. Governance remains at the centre of our work because it enables us to serve athletes and the wider sporting community with confidence,” said SASCOC Acting President Lwandile Simelane.
“This year’s success belongs to far more than one organisation. It would not have been possible without the hard work of administrators, athletes, technical officials, coaches and parents. Our mission puts athletes at the heart of everything we do, and each of these people helps create the conditions in which athletes can thrive.”
Team South Africa’s progress during the year spanned Team Preparation, Team Presentation and Team Performance. Preparation was strengthened through the support of SASCOC’s partners and sponsors, the Bidvest Operation Excellence (OPEX) programme and Olympic Solidarity. SASCOC delivered Team South Africa to the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games, the African School Games, The World Games, the African Youth Games and the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
On the field of play, Team South Africa topped the medal table at the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games in Windhoek with 144 medals: 65 gold, 44 silver and 35 bronze. At the African Youth Games in Luanda, the team won a record 99 medals: 45 gold, 38 silver and 16 bronze.
These performances show the depth of talent across South Africa and the importance of sustained development pathways.
While SASCOC celebrates the success on and off the field of play, SASCOC also acknowledges several governance challenges at a number of the National Federations. In line with the strategy and the 10-point plan, Membership Support remains at the forefront of focus for the remainder of the quadrennial.
In her closing remarks, Ms Simelane highlighted that the sports sector is facing several challenges, across a wide range of factors, not limited to funding, infrastructure and facilities, as well as safeguarding. “It is critical that the sector is seen to be doing all it can to be driving sports forward. Our stakeholders – the athletes, the media, partners, sponsors and funders – are all looking at us,” she added.
Looking ahead, SASCOC will continue to strengthen good governance, safeguard everyone involved in sport and help build a successful sporting nation. Work is under way on a potential South African bid for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, alongside efforts to increase the social and economic impact of sport. Team South Africa’s Road to Los Angeles 2028 is already well under way.
The Annual Report and the signed off Audited Financial Statements, will be posted on the SASCOC website once officially signed off by the SASCOC board and auditors.