Olympic Day Highlights Missed Social Media Opportunities for South African Sport

As Olympic Day is celebrated globally, the newly released SportX Federations Social Media Index reveals that many South African sports federations are still not fully leveraging social media as a revenue tool.

Compiled by Gerom Media, the Index focuses on federations that participated in the Paris 2024 Olympics, measuring their follower growth, engagement, and content activity.

While some federations showed strong digital performance, the majority remain underactive online, missing key opportunities to attract sponsors and grow their reach.

“These rankings, using data from the first six months of the year, tell a story of engagement and could serve as collateral when seeking sponsorship or revenue streams,” said Gerrit Davids, MD of Gerom Media.

Says Davids, “Sports entities are encouraged to boost genuine engagement on their social media channels to improve their chances of claiming the coveted Social Media Champion titles.”

The Index highlights the need for federations to move beyond occasional posts to structured, campaign-driven content strategies that deliver measurable value.

It also serves as a prelude to the main SportX Social Media Awards taking place later this year, which will feature categories for all sports codes, federations, professional sports, sponsors, and personalities.

SportX Social Media Rankings:

Social Media Follower Growth Excellence Award - Gold: Athletics South Africa - Silver: SA Equestrian Federation- Bronze: GolfRSA

Most Interactive Federation on Social Media - Gold: Fencing Federation of South Africa - Silver: South African Wrestling Federation- Bronze: Federation of Dance Sport South Africa

Federation with the Most Reactions, Comments & Shares - Gold: SA Rugby (Springboks)- Silver: Athletics South Africa- Bronze: GolfRSA

Most Active Posting Federation on Social Media - Gold: GolfRSA- Silver: Athletics South Africa- Bronze: Swimming South AfricaMost “Liked” Federation on Social Media - Gold: SA Rugby (Springboks)- Silver: Athletics South Africa- Bronze: GolfRSA

Most Commented Federation on Social Media - Gold: SA Rugby (Springboks)- Silver: Athletics South Africa- Bronze: Swimming South Africa

Most Shared/Reposted Federation on Social Media - Gold: SA Rugby (Springboks)- Silver: Athletics South Africa- Bronze: Swimming South Africa

Most Engaged Federation on Social Media - Gold: Athletics South Africa and GolfRSA- Silver: SA Rugby (Springboks)- Bronze: Fencing Federation of South Africa

Grand Prix Index-Social Media Champion Federation *- Gold: Athletics South Africa- Silver: SA Rugby (Springboks)- Bronze: GolfRSA

Highly Recommended- Fencing Federation of South Africa - South African Wrestling Federation - SA Equestrian Federation - Swimming South Africa - Federation of Dance Sport South Africa

Olympic Codes Outside of the Rankings:- Canoeing- Gymnastics - Sport Climbing- Surfing- Archery- Badminton- Cycling - Hockey- Judo- Rowing- Skateboarding- Triathlon- Volleyball

Ends* The Grand Prix Rankings were determined using a points system, and the total points across different categories were tallied to rank the overall federation’s performance. Federations did not enter these rankings, and it was compiled as an index, listing their social media activity.

Thank you and warmest regards.

Gerrit DavidsMDGerom MediaMobile. +27 (0) 82 496 1657E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.gerommedia.co.za Physical Address: BG07 Villa Abrosia, Kirkby Road, Bedfordview, South Africa 2007