Amogelang Masalela is currently in Cape Town, South Africa, attending the Safe Sport International Conference 2026 at the University of Cape Town following an invitation from World Athletics Safeguarding. The conference has drawn global attention due to its focus on athlete protection and abuse prevention across all levels of sport. It brings together a wide range of stakeholders including athletes, policymakers, researchers and safeguarding experts. The event aims to strengthen global systems that protect athletes from harm while promoting safe and inclusive sporting environments. Masalela’s participation reflects Botswana’s growing engagement in international safeguarding discussions and policy development in sport.
The conference, hosted at University of Cape Town, runs under the theme “Global Voices. Shared Solutions.” It is designed to encourage open dialogue between countries and sporting bodies on how to address safeguarding challenges. Key discussions focus on improving reporting systems, strengthening athlete welfare policies and ensuring accountability in sports governance structures. The event also explores how research and lived experiences can shape stronger protective frameworks. Delegates are engaging in workshops and panel sessions that highlight practical solutions to real challenges faced by athletes around the world.
A major focus of the conference is the role of World Athletics Safeguarding in advancing global standards for athlete protection. The organization has played a central role in promoting policies that prevent abuse, harassment and exploitation in sport. At the conference, experts are sharing case studies and data that highlight both progress and ongoing gaps in safeguarding systems. There is also strong emphasis on survivor voices, ensuring that lived experiences inform future policies and reforms. The discussions aim to build stronger cooperation between international federations, national bodies and local institutions.
The Safe Sport International Conference 2026 is recognized as a historic event, being the first of its kind hosted on African soil, with strong emphasis on African innovation and research contributions. Held in Cape Town, the gathering highlights the continent’s growing influence in shaping global sport safety frameworks. Participants are exploring how African-led solutions can contribute to global accountability systems and improve inclusivity in sport. The conference also emphasizes the need to protect vulnerable groups, particularly young athletes, from abuse and neglect. It provides a platform for shared learning that connects global expertise with local realities.
The presence of Amogelang Masalela at the conference reinforces the importance of regional participation in shaping international safeguarding policies. His engagement is expected to contribute to Botswana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen athlete protection systems within national sport structures. The conference outcomes are likely to influence future policy development and training programmes across multiple countries. As discussions continue, stakeholders remain focused on building safer, more transparent and more accountable sporting environments. The event concludes with a clear message that athlete safety must remain at the center of global sport development.
