Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has defended his department against criticism following Olympic swimming champion Tatjana Smith’s decision to represent the Netherlands instead of South Africa, arguing that national sporting federations, rather than government, are responsible for managing their finances and supporting athletes.

In a statement issued this week, McKenzie said Smith had informed him of her decision before making it public, and that he respected her choice.

The minister criticised those who had used Smith’s decision to attack him, arguing that an athlete’s personal career choices should not become political disputes.

“It is regrettable that some people have used a deeply personal decision by one of South Africa’s most loved athletes to attack the minister,” the department said.

McKenzie explained that national sporting federations operate independently of government and are governed by their own boards and international sporting bodies.

While government provides funding to certain federations, he said it cannot be expected to cover all their operational costs, including the considerable expense of international competition.

The minister argued that sporting federations must take responsibility for attracting private sponsors and ensuring their financial sustainability.

He pointed to SA Rugby as an example, noting that the organisation does not rely on the department to finance the Springboks’ international matches, despite the team requiring billions of rands annually to operate.

“That is the standard every federation should aim for,” the department said.

McKenzie also acknowledged problems at Swimming South Africa, including concerns raised by athletes about the management of the organisation.

He said a reform process was already under way, with oversight from World Aquatics, the international governing body for aquatic sports.

The department would continue to monitor the process, although McKenzie did not provide details of the reforms or when they were expected to be completed.

The minister also defended the government’s record of recognising Smith’s achievements, pointing out that she had twice received honours at the South African Sport Awards, including financial prizes.

Smith, who retired after becoming South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, recently announced her return to competitive swimming under the Dutch flag.

McKenzie said South Africans should respect her decision and recognise that her achievements for the country would remain part of its sporting history.

“Nothing can erase what Tatjana has achieved for South Africa,” McKenzie said.