Swimming South Africa agrees to pay Tatjana Smith interest on prize money
Swimming South Africa (SSA) has agreed to pay Olympic champion Tatjana Smith the full amount of interest on prize money that, according to the athlete, was withheld for more than a year. The agreement was reported by attorney Vian Spies, who represents Smith and her husband, Joel Smith, Daily Maverick writes.
Smith won gold in the 200-metre breaststroke and silver in the 100-metre breaststroke at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. She received $20,000 for the gold medal and $15,000 for the silver medal, a total of $35,000.
Interest on delayed prize money
According to Spies, SSA transferred the prize money in 2024, but without the interest that could have accrued during the period the funds were withheld. On August 25, the attorney sent the federation a final demand for payment of the interest. He said the parties had reached an agreement on full payment, but did not disclose the amount or other terms of the negotiations.
The attorney's letter alleged that SSA operations manager Mafata Modutuane had supposedly explained the non-payment of interest by saying that he kept it as a «management fee». Modutuane initially declined to comment on these claims to Daily Maverick, and later told Rapport that he denied keeping the money for himself.
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Complaint over the Arena agreement
Separately, the law firm Hurter Spies Attorneys, acting on behalf of the couple, filed a complaint with South Africa's Information Regulator, seeking access to documents concerning an agreement between SSA and swimming equipment manufacturer Arena. The lawyers are requesting the contract or agreements, rules regarding specified swimwear, and information about fines imposed on athletes for failing to comply with the requirements.
Spies claims that in August 2023 Smith was told that her prize money was being withheld because of a possible €46,000 fine for competing without the required Arena equipment. According to him, the swimmer used a Speedo swimsuit and goggles but competed in an Arena cap. After the lawyers asked about the grounds for the sanctions, the federation withdrew the fines, Spies said.
According to the attorney, SSA did not respond to the request for documents within the 30-day period established by the PAIA law. The Information Regulator must consider the complaint and determine whether the federation should disclose all or part of the requested materials.
