GOOD Statement by Grechard Petersen, GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality Councillor:
GOOD Stellenbosch Councillor Grechard Petersen welcomes the investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into Swimming South Africa (SSA) regarding the Franschhoek High Performance Centre, amid serious allegations of maladministration and the possible mismanagement of more than R50 million in public funds, from a project estimated to cost approximately R111 million.
The Franschhoek High Performance Centre was meant to be a world-class aquatic facility, accredited by World Aquatics as one of only four such centres globally. World Aquatics contributed approximately R8.5 million, while Lotto South Africa reportedly invested around R35 million. These funds were intended to support elite training, sustainability, and accelerated transformation in swimming, particularly for talented athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Instead, the project has been under construction for several years with little to no meaningful progress, raising serious concerns about governance, financial oversight, and accountability. The facility was developed on the property of Franschhoek High School, one of South Africa’s oldest public schools, further heightening concern over the use of public assets.
Train Camp, the official partner of Swimming South Africa, has confirmed that the centre was intended to function as a national training base for South African swimmers and an international high-performance hub. Its prolonged failure has directly undermined athlete development and denied promising young swimmers access to world-class opportunities.
Councillor Petersen supports the SIU investigation and demands full accountability for every rand of public money that cannot be properly accounted for. Where evidence of wrongdoing exists, decisive action must follow.
GOOD maintains that allegations of corruption and mismanagement must be thoroughly investigated, irrespective of project timelines or assurances of completion. Public funds allocated for sports development and transformation must serve athletes, not vanish through poor governance.
South Africa’s athletes deserve transparency, integrity, and delivery. GOOD will continue to insist on accountability, consequences, and justice.
GOOD Healthcare Access: GOOD supports initiatives to improve access to healthcare in rural areas.
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