Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
5mo ago

South Africa Loses Jeffreys Bay WSL Stop as DSAC Rejects Blame Over Funding

The sports department says no formal funding request was submitted under required regulations.

Daniel Emslie of South Africa surfs in Heat 5 of the Round of 16 at the Ballito Pro, 6 July. Image for illustrative purposes. Picture: Kody McGregor / World Surf League

Overview

  • The World Surf League removed Jeffreys Bay from its 2026 Championship Tour and added a New Zealand venue, citing a lack of financial support.
  • In an official statement, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said the event is privately owned and no application for national funding was lodged under the Bidding and Hosting Regulations.
  • The Democratic Alliance accused national government and Minister Gayton McKenzie of failing to secure backing, warning of tourism losses and jobs at risk in the Eastern Cape.
  • Local business owners and surf figures reported escalating costs, lost sponsorship and stronger New Zealand funding as factors that made Jeffreys Bay less competitive.
  • WSL CEO Ryan Crosby praised J-Bay as one of the world’s best waves and said the league tried to keep the stop, while DSAC noted it continues annual support for Surfing South Africa’s development programs.