Jeffreys Bay won’t be hosting the World Surf League this year

The World Surf League is regarded as one of the crown jewels of the global surf calendar. 

The national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture supposedly failed to provide confirmed funding, and as a result, the competition has been relocated to New Zealand this year. 

This is a major blow for local surfing, tourism, and the Jeffreys Bay economy.

The move has sparked frustration in the surf community, with many warning that South Africa risks losing its place on the world stage if funding uncertainties continue.

Digital Content Editor Barbara Friedman says, however, that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture claims they are not to blame for this as no application for funding was officially received.

"They're saying that it's private and they were never really the funders of it."

The municipality in the area says they are not giving up for 2027, and will try to secure bigger sponsorship to get back on the circuit.

To listen to Barbara Friedman in conversation with CapeTalk's Clarence Ford, click the audio below: