Contextual factors influencing the South African elite sporting system: an ‘open system’ approach

Elite sporting systems are often descriptions of established practices with little regard for national contexts. This paper examined the influence of contextual factors on the elite sporting system of South-Africa. The contextual factors were evaluated through the lens of systems theory (Components: Economic, social, political, legal, and technology). A maximum variation strategy was used to select experts from SA and varied European countries and South African governmental stakeholders. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. Deductive and inductive methods were utilised during the thematic analysis. The preceding Apartheid regime, the complexity of the ‘quota system’, and the prevailing social and economic environment were identified as the major contextual aspects penetrating the elite sporting system of SA. This study emphasised the importance of understanding the national contexts of elite sporting systems, as this information can provide pertinent input when revising policies differently in order to achieve international sporting success.