Chairperson
Yolanda Haripersad
Governance, strategy and partnerships
🛡️ About us
About Fencing KZN
Fencing KZN is the provincial body for the Olympic sport of fencing in KwaZulu‑Natal. We support clubs, run the provincial competition calendar, select provincial teams, and grow the sport in schools and communities across the province.
Historically centred around a small number of clubs in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, fencing has remained a niche Olympic sport built on a strong tradition of technical excellence, sportsmanship and volunteer commitment.
In recent years, Fencing KwaZulu-Natal has embarked on an ambitious strategy to revitalise and expand the sport across the province. The focus has shifted towards grassroots development, increasing school participation, strengthening clubs and creating sustainable pathways for athletes to progress from beginner level to provincial, national and international competition.
The province hosts four annual provincial ranking competitions. KwaZulu-Natal fencers have represented South Africa at continental and international events, including the 2026 Junior African Championships, demonstrating the province's growing competitiveness on the international stage.
Today, Fencing KwaZulu-Natal is committed to making fencing more accessible by expanding into new communities, establishing school-based programmes, developing coaches and referees, and launching community fencing hubs throughout the province.
Vision & mission
Vision
To be the leading province for fencing in South Africa, renowned for excellence, inclusivity, and pathways that nurture athletes from grassroots to international competition.
Mission
- • Grow participation through schools, clubs and community development hubs
- • Deliver high quality competitions
- • Develop athletes and technical talent
- • Promote fencing across communities
- • Ensure good governance, transparency and athlete welfare
Current committee
Fencing KZN is run by an elected volunteer committee representing our affiliated clubs.
Secretary
Vanessa Drimmie
Administration, communication and membership
📧 secretary@fencingkzn.co.zaTreasurer
Carl Drimmie
Finance, licensing and payments
📧 treasurer@fencingkzn.co.zaMarketing & Media
Mari Bruwer
Communications, press and social media
📧 media@fencingkzn.co.zaAffiliation with FFSA
Fencing KZN operates as an affiliated provincial member of Fencing South Africa (FFSA), the recognised national governing body for the Olympic sport of fencing in South Africa.
What our FFSA affiliation means
- ✓Fencers register for an annual FFSA licence, which provides insurance coverage and eligibility to compete.
- ✓Provincial competition results feed the national ranking system used for South African team selection.
- ✓KZN fencers, coaches and referees can pathway to national championships, African Championships and FIE world events.
- ✓FFSA is the national member of the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime (FIE) and the Confederation of African Fencing.