Competitive figure skating on the rise in KZN
Viewers at the Galleria Ice Rink enjoyed a spectacle of twirls, pirouettes and perfectly choreographed figure skating routines.
ELEGANT twirls and graceful pirouettes dazzled spectators at the Galleria Ice Rink as the South African Figure Skating Association (SAFSA) of KZN hosted two competitions on September 6-7.
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An exciting revival of figure skating is on the horizon in the province, and 27 poised and determined athletes took to the ice to compete. Aspiring skaters took part in the club-level iTheki Future Stars Figure Skating competition. It gave the young skaters a valuable chance to gain experience, build confidence and work towards qualifying scores for future championships.
Running alongside this was the SAFSA KZN Interprovincial Figure Skating Championships, showcasing athletes who met the rigorous level and qualifying requirements to compete in the high-performance stream. SAFSA KZNÂ celebrated that 12 athletes competed from the province for the first time in five years.
Chairperson Jo Cossavella said that these athletes achieved their success by putting in the hard work. They took part in clubs, got private coaching, and trained through a development programme launched in May, where 19 promising skaters were selected by judges from two clubs to train weekly.
Cossavella explained that SAFSA is a non-profit association and the official and only governing body for figure skating in South Africa. During 2025, SAFSA KZN also launched development programmes for trial judges, coaches, and the technical panel, ensuring the sport continues to grow sustainably.
“Figure skating is more than a sport. It’s an opportunity for fun, fitness, and community. We warmly invite everyone in and around Durban to experience the thrill of skating, regardless of age, race, or gender. Skating builds physical fitness, balance, co-ordination, focus, and discipline, while also fostering confidence and creativity,” said Cossavella.
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