Tatjana Smith’s Netherlands move draws support from Sports Minister McKenzie

South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, Tatjana Smith, has received a message of support from Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie after announcing her decision to leave the South African national team and switch her international sporting allegiance to the Netherlands.

Smith, 29, confirmed on Tuesday that she intends to represent the Netherlands as she works towards competing at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The four-time Olympic medallist qualifies to compete for the European nation through her dual citizenship. Smith was born to a Dutch father, René Schoenmaker, which gives her full Dutch nationality alongside her South African citizenship.

In an emotional video posted on Instagram, a tearful Smith acknowledged that her decision had been difficult and could disappoint supporters who had followed her career through her Olympic successes.

McKenzie said Smith had informed him of her decision before making it public and thanked her for giving him advance notice.

The Minister said the swimmer’s decision was deeply personal and should not be used as a political weapon.

“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. Tatjana’s choice belongs to her and it should not be turned into a political weapon,” McKenzie said.

Smith retired from competitive swimming after establishing herself as one of South Africa’s most successful Olympians before making a return to the pool.

She won two Olympic gold medals and two silver medals during her career and became South Africa’s most decorated Olympian.

McKenzie said Smith’s achievements would remain part of South Africa’s sporting history regardless of the country she represents in future international competitions.

“Nothing can erase what Tatjana has achieved for South Africa,” the Minister said, adding that every medal, record and anthem she contributed to would remain part of the country’s history.

Department defends support for Smith

The Minister also pointed to the Department’s previous recognition of Smith, noting that she had twice been honoured at the South African Sport Awards, including with prize money.

McKenzie said the recognition reflected the pride South Africans have in Smith’s achievements.

He also sought to clarify the relationship between government and national sporting federations amid concerns surrounding Smith’s departure.

McKenzie said national federations are independent of government, operate through their own boards and are accountable to their respective international sporting bodies.

Where the Department provides funding to a federation, the organisation is required to account for the money, but government does not run the federations or cover all of their operational costs.

The Minister said this included the significant expense associated with international competition, arguing that sporting federations have a responsibility to operate sustainably and secure sponsors and other partners.

Swimming South Africa reforms underway

McKenzie acknowledged that government is aware of concerns surrounding Swimming South Africa, including issues raised by athletes.

He said a reform process is already underway and includes oversight from World Aquatics, with the Department continuing to monitor developments.

Smith’s decision to switch allegiance comes amid her preparations for what could be another Olympic campaign in 2028.

While she will now represent the Netherlands internationally, McKenzie said South Africa should continue to recognise her contribution to the country’s sporting legacy.

“South Africa does not own her. She is her own person, and she deserves only success and happiness,” he said.

The Minister added that he believed Smith still had a role to play in South Africa’s future and wished her well as she begins the next chapter of her career.