Question NW765 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
16 April 2024 - NW765
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
With reference to Africa’s representation in Water Polo at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics and the withdrawal of the South Africa’s Water Polo teams from the Olympics after their qualification, what was the extent of the involvement of Africa Aquatics in the decision-making process concerning Africa’s representation in water polo at the Olympics. 2) Whether there were invitations to African countries to participate in the Olympic games; if not, what are the reasons other African Nations were not considered for participation; if so, (a) did the republic decline an invitation to participate and (b) what were the reasons for declining to participate 3) Whether he has found indication of financial transactions or exchanges related to the allocation of Olympic invitations possibly involving Olympic Committees rather than direct Water Polo stakeholders; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW943E
Reply:
The Department has engaged with Swimming South Africa (SSA) in relation to the questions asked and submit the following responses.
1. Swimming South Africa indicates that Africa Aquatics encouraged South Africa’s participation at the Olympic Games, however SSA has the final decision on the matter and declined SA’s participation due to the team not meeting SSA’s criteria.
2. The Minister is not able to indicate whether the rest of the African countries were invited to the Olympic Games as this is a matter for Africa Aquatics and the International Olympic
Committees, however, the Minister is aware that South Africa did receive an invitation to Participate at the Olympic Games for the water polo teams.
A). Yes, the SA Water Polo Team attained qualification to the Olympic Games which has not be accepted.
B). The water polo team achieved qualification by virtue of being ranked position 1 on the African continent, however, SSA’s criteria for Olympic qualification requires the team to attain position 12 in the world. The water polo team has not achieved this qualifying standard.
3. No, the Minister has not found anything to this effect.