By Thapelo Molefe
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has defended Olympic swimming champion Tatjana Smith’s decision to represent the Netherlands, saying South Africa does not own her and that her career choices should not be turned into a political weapon.
Smith announced on Facebook that she had decided to represent the Netherlands in the next chapter of her swimming career, describing the move as a personal decision to embrace another part of her identity and explore new opportunities.
“Representing South Africa was a childhood dream come true, and it’s a chapter I will always look back on with immense pride and gratitude,” she said.
“The people, the memories and everything we achieved together will always be part of me. But dreams can change as we grow. This next chapter is about embracing another part of who I am, falling in love with the journey and discovering what more I’m capable of. ”
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Smith said she was excited about what lay ahead and hoped her supporters would continue following her journey.
McKenzie said Smith had informed him of her decision before making the announcement public, with the minister saying he respected her choice and wished her well.
“Tatjana’s choice belongs to her and it should not be turned into a political weapon,” McKenzie said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said it was regrettable that some people had used the athlete’s personal decision to attack him.
The minister pointed out that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture had honoured Smith twice at the South African Sport Awards, including awarding her prize money in recognition of her achievements.
Smith retired after becoming South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, but recently announced her return to competitive swimming, with plans to represent the Netherlands.
McKenzie said the department did not control national sporting federations or carry responsibility for covering all their operational and international competition costs.
He explained that national federations operated independently of government, were governed by their own boards and were accountable to their respective international sporting bodies.
While the department provided funding to federations, they were required to account for the money received and ensure their operations were financially sustainable.
“The people who lead federations are responsible for running their affairs sustainably and for attracting the partners and sponsors who can pay for these costs,” he said.
McKenzie cited SA Rugby as an example, saying the organisation did not rely on the department to fund the Springboks’ overseas matches despite the significant costs involved in running the sport.
The minister also acknowledged challenges at Swimming South Africa, including concerns raised by athletes, saying these were being addressed through an ongoing reform process involving oversight from World Aquatics.
He said the department would continue monitoring the process closely.
Despite Smith’s decision to compete for another country, McKenzie said her achievements would remain part of South Africa’s sporting history.
“Nothing can erase what Tatjana has achieved for South Africa. Every medal, every record and every anthem she gave us belongs to our history forever,” he said.
“We now have to share her with the Netherlands, but I have no doubt that her love for South Africa is as strong as ever. I believe she still has a great role to play in our country in the future.”
He wished Smith success and happiness in her future endeavours.
