Cape Town is set to welcome the country’s best figure skaters this May as the South African National Figure Skating Championships 2026 return to The Ice Station at GrandWest Casino from 10 to 12 May.
The three-day event, organised by the Western Province Figure Skating Association in partnership with the South African Figure Skating Association (SAFSA), will bring together elite athletes from across the country to compete at the highest domestic level.
While the competition will decide national titles, this year’s championships also carry a deeper message, one centred on development, access, and the long-term future of a sport still working to grow its footprint in South Africa.
A national stage built by volunteers
Behind the polished performances and competitive routines lies a less visible but crucial story: the event has been largely built through volunteer effort.
SAFSA President Christo Viljoen has highlighted the commitment of organisers, officials, and volunteers who have worked behind the scenes to bring the championships to life.
According to Viljoen, the collaboration between the Local Organising Committee and SAFSA’s executive team reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the sport and delivering a national event worthy of its athletes.
He emphasises that the dedication involved is significant, with long hours and careful coordination required to stage a championship of this scale.
More than competition: building a pathway for athletes
Beyond medals and rankings, SAFSA says the championships form part of a broader strategy to grow figure skating in South Africa.
A key focus is increasing access to competitive opportunities so that more athletes can progress through structured pathways and measure their development against stronger fields.
To support this, SAFSA has introduced additional inter-provincial championships and a national finals event designed to give skaters more regular chances to compete.
Viljoen says expanding competition is essential for raising standards and encouraging long-term commitment among athletes.
He adds that greater participation naturally increases pressure but also drives improvement, helping skaters refine their programmes and push performance levels higher.
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Funding challenges and growing ambition
Like many niche sports in South Africa, figure skating continues to face financial and accessibility challenges.
SAFSA acknowledges that affordability remains one of its most pressing concerns, particularly when it comes to development pathways and training opportunities.
The federation is currently engaging with potential sponsors and stakeholders in an effort to strengthen funding support, while also refining its marketing approach as interest in the sport slowly grows.
Despite limitations, SAFSA reports encouraging signs including increased participation and a rising competitive standard across categories.
A growing sport gaining momentum
According to SAFSA leadership, one of the most promising developments in recent years has been the depth of talent emerging across South African figure skating.
More athletes are now competing for podium positions, and performance levels continue to improve across multiple disciplines, including free skating, ice dance, pairs skating, and synchronised skating.
All of these fall under SAFSA’s governance as the official national body for figure skating, affiliated with both the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and the International Skating Union (ISU).
Viljoen says this growing momentum reflects the impact of structured development and increased competitive exposure.
What spectators can expect in Cape Town
For the public, the championships offer a rare chance to watch South Africa’s top figure skaters perform live in one venue.
Daily tickets are priced at R80 plus booking fees, while a season pass covering all sessions across the three days is available for R120 plus fees via Quicket.
Official practice sessions will also be open to the public at no cost, giving fans a closer look at athletes as they prepare their routines.
From precision jumps to artistic choreography, the event is expected to showcase both technical skill and creative expression on the ice.
A sport looking toward the future
SAFSA says this year’s championships are not only about crowning national champions, but also about reinforcing a long-term vision for the sport.
That vision includes greater accessibility, stronger competitive structures, and continued growth in participation across provinces.
As Cape Town prepares to host the country’s top skaters, the event stands as both a celebration of current talent and a reflection of where South African figure skating is heading, shaped by volunteers, driven by athletes, and slowly building a stronger future on the ice.
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Picture: Supplied
