Strengthening Leadership and Governance
At the core of Vision 2034 lies a drive to enhance leadership across all levels of SAFSA. By 2034, the association envisions a robust Executive Committee (Exco) made up of professionals with expertise in governance, finance, marketing, technology, legal affairs, and human resources. The strategy emphasizes the importance of succession planning to ensure that leaders at the club, provincial, and national levels are equipped to guide SAFSA into the future.
Governance is another cornerstone of this initiative. By 2025, SAFSA plans to implement streamlined processes and ensure up-to-date financial reporting to promote transparency and accountability. Building trust with stakeholders such as the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), the Department of Sport, and the International Skating Union (ISU) will be essential for growth. The association’s volunteer network, regarded as the backbone of SAFSA, will play a crucial role in fostering this professionalism.
Paving the Way for International Success
A key ambition of Vision 2034 is to see South African skaters compete at the Winter Olympics. Achieving this goal will require consistent access to high-calibre training and development opportunities. SAFSA plans to host regular training camps and collaborate internationally with the ISU to provide athletes with the experience necessary to perform at an elite level.
Coaches and judges will also benefit from continuous development programs, including international workshops and specialized training. This commitment to upskilling will ensure that South African skaters receive top-tier coaching and that competitions are judged fairly and to global standards.
Expanding Participation and Inclusivity
To grow figure skating across South Africa, SAFSA is set to introduce and promote emerging disciplines such as Solo Ice Dance. By broadening the scope of participation, skaters will have more opportunities to transition into pairs, synchronized skating, and other areas of the sport. Events catering to a wide range of ages and skill levels will be developed, fostering a culture of lifelong engagement.
A strong emphasis will be placed on inclusivity, with SAFSA aiming to make figure skating accessible and appealing to diverse communities across the country. This outreach is expected to create a more unified and dynamic skating landscape.
Building International Partnerships and Securing Funding
Collaboration with international bodies will be instrumental in realizing Vision 2034. SAFSA intends to strengthen its relationships with the ISU and other federations to unlock funding, training support, and access to global best practices. This international exposure will benefit not only athletes but also coaches and judges, helping to elevate the overall standard of figure skating in South Africa.
Additionally, SAFSA plans to actively seek sponsorships and launch marketing initiatives that highlight the elegance and technical precision of figure skating. By positioning the association as a valuable partner, SAFSA aims to attract financial support that will drive growth at all levels.
Empowering Volunteers and Fostering Community
Volunteers remain a vital part of SAFSA’s ecosystem. Vision 2034 emphasizes the importance of empowering these individuals through comprehensive training, mentorship, and the provision of essential resources. Committees will be strengthened to handle administrative duties, budgeting, reporting, and event planning with greater efficiency.
More broadly, SAFSA envisions a shift in culture—one that champions collaboration, optimism, and proactive problem-solving. By fostering a sense of shared purpose, the association hopes to build a vibrant community that celebrates achievements and encourages continuous growth.
Looking Ahead
The goals outlined in Vision 2034 reflect SAFSA’s determination to see South African figure skaters consistently compete on the international stage, culminating in Olympic representation. The association aims to establish a model federation marked by strong governance, sustainable growth, and an engaged skating community.
As SAFSA embarks on this transformative journey, 2025 is poised to be a pivotal year—the first step towards realizing a bold and dynamic future for figure skating in South Africa. Vision 2034 represents more than just aspirations; it is a collective mission and a pledge to the generations of skaters to come.
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