In an historic AGM held in Jeffreys Bay on Wednesday September 30th Ann Wright of Durban was elected as the first ever female President of Surfing South Africa.
Ann Wright has been a committed and energetic member of the Surfing South Africa Board for over 10 years. Prior to being elected as President, she was the first Vice President of the Federation.
Her election to this position underlines her 30 years of service to the sport and highlights the many roles she has played and continues to play in the growth of the organisation.
She takes over from Isaac February of Cape Town, who has played a significant and defining role within Surfing South Africa since his election as a Board member 16 years ago.
Johnny Bakker was elected first Vice President and Natasha Van Greunen was elected second Vice President.
Gqeberha based attorney, Johnny Bakker has been a member of the Board for 14 years and has held the position of President and Vice President during this time. His contributions and wise counsel to Surfing South Africa during this period have been important and valuable during his 14 year tenure.
Natasha Van Greunen of Cape Town, a current professional competitor, national team representative and member of the International Surfing Association Athletes Commission has been an SSA Board member for two years. Over this period her enthusiasm and commitment to women’s surfing has added value to Surfing South Africa and is an ideal fit as second Vice President.
Board members Greg Emslie of East London and Petronel Posthumus of Cqeberha did not stand for re – election at the AGM. Emslie, a former professional surfer, five time South African and World Masters Champion and the 2020 Olympic coach joined the Board in 2012.
Posthumus, a former President of Nelson Mandela Bay Surfriders and a long standing stalwart of Surfing South Africa, was elected to the Board in 2022.
Tributes were paid to February, Emslie and Posthumus by the delegates at the AGM.
Sisonke Ndum- Ndum and Paul Canning (both Durban) were re-elected as Board members while Penny Stemmet of Somerset West, Wade Botha of Warner Beach and Mickey Witthuhn of Port Alfred were elected as incoming Board members.
About Surfing South Africa
Surfing South Africa is the official National Federation for the sport of surfing in South Africa. SSA is a member of the South African Confederation of Sport and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and is recognised as the governing body by the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. (DSAC)
Surfing South Africa is responsible for the development of the sport, the hosting of National tournaments, the sanctioning of all International and National events and the selection of National teams in all the disciplines that are part of SSA.
SSA is a member of the African Surfing Confederation (ASC), Union of the Indian Oceans Surfing Federations (UIOSF) and the International Surfing Association (ISA), the World governing body for the sport.
ENDS
Robin de Kock
0824541149
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