News

On behalf of the South African Figure Skating Association, we extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by the tragic crash of the American Airlines flight.

Our hearts are especially heavy as we mourn the loss within the figure skating community, with members of both the Russian and American skating families among those who perished. The figure skating world is a close-knit and supportive family, and we share in your profound grief. The loss of these cherished individuals leaves an unfillable void in the lives of their loved ones and within the skating fraternity.

We also extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of all the passengers and crew who lost their lives, as well as to the American military who have lost valued colleagues.

During this difficult time, please know that we stand with you in sorrow and offer our heartfelt support. May the memories of those lost bring comfort and strength in the days ahead.

With deepest sympathy,

Christo Viljoen

President
South African Figure Skating Association

As we step into 2025, let us take a moment to reflect on the vital role each of us plays in shaping the future of figure skating in South Africa. We are more than just individuals united by a shared passion. Instead, we are a community with the potential to achieve extraordinary things when we work together with purpose. So, this year, let us commit to actively participating in our federation’s journey toward excellence.

You can get involved by helping at events, serving on committees, and supporting your clubs and provinces. Approach your involvement with a selfless mindset, focusing on uplifting South African figure skating as a whole rather than prioritising personal or family interests. Let your actions inspire others by leading with positivity, offering help where it is needed, and fostering a welcoming environment. A simple smile or a willingness to assist can have a far-reaching impact.

The rewards of contributing extend far beyond monetary value. The sense of accomplishment that comes from giving back is unmatched. Let us not fail our athletes but rather support them in every way possible. When we act as a collective, every individual benefits—not only for themselves but also for their families. By lifting each other, we ensure that the progress we make as a community creates a ripple effect, enriching lives and building a stronger future for South African figure skating.

Our athletes are striving to achieve their personal bests, but their success relies on the collective effort of everyone in the SAFSA community. Judges need to commit to ongoing training to ensure fair, consistent judging that enables athletes to excel on both local and international stages. Coaches should embrace growth by upskilling and mentoring trainee coaches, strengthening the foundation of our clubs. Committees must welcome fresh perspectives and focus on planning effective events, managing budgets, and engaging stakeholders. Organising shows, tests, and competitions with passion and precision can inspire a culture of excellence. Volunteers are essential to ensuring that clubs, provinces, and events run smoothly. Every contribution, no matter how small, is invaluable.

At the executive level, we are striving to enhance governance, raise funds, and embrace technology to streamline our processes and elevate SAFSA’s image. To achieve these goals, we need members with expertise in marketing, technology, legal affairs, HR, and management to step forward and bring fresh ideas and skills.

Let us embrace a spirit of positivity and collaboration, setting aside past grievances to pave the way for meaningful progress. Let us also resolve differences constructively and focus our energy on strategic growth. Our shared vision remains clear: “To inspire all people in South Africa to embrace the joy of figure skating for life.”

Imagine the milestones we can achieve together: South African athletes qualifying for the Olympics and competing internationally, skaters excelling at the National Championships, and hosting inclusive and fun figure skating events that unite communities.

Every effort—big or small—brings us closer to these goals. Let us therefore embrace 2025 with a spirit of collaboration, positivity, and action. Together, we can make this a landmark year for South African figure skating.

Thank you for your dedication, energy, and belief in our collective dream.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do in figure skating. However, it is not just about the rules and policies put in place. Instead, it is a commitment to protecting athletes from harm, fostering a culture of respect, and ensuring that every skater has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment. As we look ahead, safeguarding remains a key priority for SAFSA. Of course, it is up to all of us—athletes, coaches, parents, volunteers and officials—to play an active role in upholding these principles.

In figure skating, safeguarding means creating an environment free from abuse, exploitation, or intimidation. It ensures that skaters of all ages, races, religions, genders, sexual orientations, athletic ability, and skill levels feel protected, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. A strong safeguarding culture builds trust, promotes fair competition, and reinforces respect among everyone involved in the sport. When athletes feel safe—physically, emotionally, and mentally—they can perform at their best and enjoy the sport for years to come.

The role of the skating community

Safeguarding requires a collective effort from athletes, coaches, parents, volunteers, and officials. Each group has an important role to play.

Athletes must look out for themselves and their peers, ensuring that respect and sportsmanship remain at the forefront of their actions. Coaches serve as mentors and role models, guiding skaters in both their training and personal development. Parents act as advocates for their children’s well-being and play a crucial role in identifying and addressing concerns. Volunteers and officials ensure that SAFSA’s safeguarding policies are upheld, making competitions and training environments safe for everyone.

The influence of these groups cannot be underestimated. Encouragement, support, and fairness can build confidence and motivation, helping skaters to push their limits. Conversely, negative behaviours such as bullying, favouritism, or excessive pressure can cause emotional distress, anxiety, and even withdrawal from the sport. The impact of a toxic environment is not just mental but can also manifest physically, affecting performance and increasing the risk of injury.

SAFSA’s commitment

SAFSA has clear policies in place to address safeguarding concerns, including a code of conduct, confidential reporting mechanisms, and mandatory safeguarding training for coaches and volunteers. These policies are continually reviewed, with planned updates in 2025 to further strengthen our approach. Disciplinary procedures ensure that violations are handled swiftly and transparently, reinforcing our commitment to a safe and respectful sporting environment.

Coaches, parents, and provincial officials have a particular responsibility in this space. Coaches must be observant, recognising any changes in an athlete’s behaviour or emotional well-being and proactively addressing inappropriate conduct when necessary. Parents should maintain open communication with their children, listening to their concerns and ensuring they feel heard and supported. Provincial officials play a critical role in enforcing policies, delivering safeguarding training, and taking decisive action when concerns are raised. Skaters are encouraged to use their voices to raise any issues/concerns with their DSO or a trusted adult.

For athletes and families who need support, SAFSA provides multiple avenues for reporting safeguarding concerns. Designated safeguarding officers are available to provide guidance, listen to concerns, and ensure that appropriate action is taken. Confidentiality is paramount, and every report is treated with the seriousness it deserves.

Shaping a safer future

Looking ahead, SAFSA is committed to strengthening its safeguarding policies, enhancing education and training, and improving access to confidential reporting systems. Collaborating with international organisations to implement best practices will be a priority, ensuring that figure skating in South Africa aligns with global safeguarding standards.

Preventing issues like bullying or misconduct begins with awareness and accountability. By setting clear behaviour standards, promoting respect and inclusivity, and fostering safe spaces for communication, we can create a culture where skaters feel secure and empowered. Regular discussions about acceptable behaviour and the consequences of misconduct will help reinforce these values at every level of the sport.

A strong safeguarding culture not only protects athletes but also enhances their overall experience in figure skating. When skaters feel safe, they perform with confidence, take risks to improve their skills, and develop resilience that benefits them both on and off the ice.

A collective responsibility

Ensuring a safe and positive experience in figure skating is a shared responsibility. Open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to uphold safeguarding principles are essential. Together, we can create an environment where athletes can train, compete, and grow without fear.

This is our moment to set a new standard for safeguarding in figure skating. By working together, we can build a sport that is safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all.

The South African Figure Skating Association (SAFSA) is looking forward to the next decade with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose. For us, Vision 2034 is a commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving future for figure skating in the country. By focusing on leadership, athlete development, governance, and community unity, we want to elevate the sport to new heights and inspire generations to embrace the joy of figure skating for life.

Of course, leadership forms the backbone of any company’s success and SAFSA is no different. By 2034, we envision a fully staffed Executive Committee (Exco) that comprises experts in governance, finance, marketing, technology, legal, and human resources. In this regard, succession planning will be a priority. We want to ensure that mentorship at all levels—clubs, provinces, councils, and national leadership. This will ensure the next generation is equipped to build on the foundations we put in place today.

This also requires a commitment to governance. By 2025, SAFSA will have up-to-date financial reports and streamlined processes that ensure transparency and professionalism. After all, trust from stakeholders like SASCOC, the Department of Sport, and the International Skating Union (ISU) is earned through accountability. This is where our volunteers, who form the heart of SAFSA, are key to this vision. Their professionalism will inspire confidence across all sectors.

Developing international calibre athletes

The dream of seeing South African skaters representing our nation at the Winter Olympics stands at the heart of Vision 2034. Achieving this requires access to high-quality training opportunities. By providing regular training camps and international collaborations with the ISU, we will provide athletes with the tools to hone their skills and compete at their best against the highest levels globally.

Part of this will require us to upskill our coaches and judges. Continuous learning through workshops, international training, and exposure will empower our coaches to cultivate competitive athletes. Judges and technical specialists will undergo regular training, ensuring fairness and quality officiating across all competitions.

Expanding the sport

For a sport to grow, it is essential to identify opportunities that are both deep and wide. SAFSA will promote emerging disciplines like Solo Ice Dance to broaden participation and offer skaters opportunities to transition into pairs, synchronised skating, and beyond. Events, both competitive and recreational, will be tailored to skaters of all ages and skill levels, fostering a culture of lifelong participation.

Unity and inclusivity are paramount. By broadening participation and fostering lifelong engagement, we aim to make figure skating a unifying force that resonates across South African communities.

Building international partnerships

SAFSA also recognises how important collaboration is in achieving these goals. By strengthening ties with the ISU and other international federations, we will unlock training assistance, funding opportunities, and global best practices. This international presence will benefit athletes, coaches, and judges alike, providing the exposure necessary to raise the standard of figure skating in South Africa.

To build a sustainable future, SAFSA will actively pursue sponsorship opportunities and launch marketing campaigns that showcase the beauty and technical brilliance of figure skating. By presenting SAFSA as a valuable partner, we aim to secure funding that will fuel growth across all levels of the sport.

Empowering volunteers and fostering community unity

SAFSA’s volunteers are the lifeblood of our federation. Their dedication drives our clubs, provinces, and events, enabling the success of our athletes. Vision 2034 calls for even greater empowerment of these volunteers through tools, training, and mentorship. Skilled committees will be equipped to manage administration, budgeting, reporting, and event planning with efficiency and excellence.

More importantly, Vision 2034 inspires a shift in mindset: a shared commitment to collaboration, positivity, and proactive problem-solving. By uniting our community under the banner of a common purpose, SAFSA will create an environment that celebrates achievements and supports growth.

The vision for 2034

Looking ahead, SAFSA’s vision is clear:

• To see South African skaters competing consistently on the international stage, with Olympic representation as a milestone achievement.
• To establish a well-managed, sustainable federation that serves as a model of governance and growth.
• To foster a vibrant figure skating community that welcomes and celebrates skaters of all levels and disciplines.

This vision is ambitious, but it is achievable. It calls on every member of the SAFSA community to play their part. Together, we will set the foundations for a future where South African figure skating thrives on and off the ice.

As we embrace 2025, let it be the year of progress—the first of many milestones on our journey toward greatness. Vision 2034 is not just a dream but a shared mission and a promise to ourselves and to the generations that will follow. Together, we will write a new chapter in South African figure skating history.