At the heart of our mission lies the sport of climbing, where we challenge both ourselves and others in the relentless struggle against gravity. Through this experience, we cultivate deep and meaningful connections; fewthings foster trust as effectively as entrusting one’s life to another. This process of self-assessment and community building serves as a powerful tool, enabling us to transcend limitations imposed by society and by our own perceptions. As a non-profit organization in good standing with the South African National Climbing Federation (SANCF), the Gauteng Sport Confederation (GSC), and the sport climbing industry, we are dedicated to enhancing the quality, quantity, and diversity of competitive events available to participants. Although climbing is currently a niche sport, its recent inclusion in the Olympic Games and its status as one of the fastest-growing sports globally suggest a promising future for sport climbing in South Africa. We aim to establish a strong foundation for a successful provincial sporting presence in this dynamic discipline.

As a non-profit in good standing with the South African National Climbing Federation, Gauteng Sport Confederation and the Rock Climbing Industry, we are committed to increasing the quality, number and scope of events that people can compete in. Climbing is currently a small sport but with the recent inclusion in the Olympics and a track record as one of the fastest growing sports worldwide we are predicting that South Africa will follow the trend and we strive to lay the foundation for a successful province wide sporting presence. 

Our membership is composed of clubs and schools, each of whom work directly with individuals, nurturing their talent and providing a nexus of community: a home team to train and compete with. Through our events we select the best of these individuals to represent Gauteng against the other provinces and a chance to progress to the international stage as climbers for South Africa. We have had our athletes win National Championships and go on to compete at IFSC World Cups, World Championships and the Olympic and Youth Olympic Games. 

Our federation is run and managed by 8 volunteers on the committee, each one bringing their energy to the equation and doing their part to keep sport in South Africa thriving. A large part of our work is administration, keeping all the gears that make up a sporting community turning. In addition to this, we form part of the national community and are a large contributor of members and funds to the national federation. We have hosted many competitions, including the IFSC Continental Championship (where four South Africans qualified for the Paris Olympics), National Championships and National Selection events. We have also hosted fun days for other nonprofits, including the para sport community and the Winnie Mabaso Foundation to help grow the awareness of climbing as a sport. 

Climb. Connect. Transcend. These three words were not arrived at casually, they represent a singular focus, to use this incredible activity, that is so much more than it seems at first glance, to help people become the best versions of themselves and to help others along the way.

Carmen Bouwer