The Boer War did not deter the British colonial invaders (soldiers) of southern Africa from establishing the South African Amateur Swimming Union in 1899 and hosting their first national championships the following year. The Cape Colony colonials (British subjects all) competed against "Home-born" men in the Championship events. Filler events were included, where women and children were allowed to participate.
The two competing teams - Eastern Province and Western Province, featuring water polo matches and one Championship swimming race.
1900 - Rupert Marais, a member of the well-known Afrikaner family, was the first swimming Champion. Afrikaners were to play a minor role in the management of aquatic sports at the national level. George Marais was the only SAASU President (1908) with an Afrikaans surname.
William Fiddian-Green of Port Elizabeth was the first President of the South African Amateur Swimming Union. He was also the captain of the Eastern Province water polo team.
In 1901, Rupert Marais and his brother George Marais, and a P. Marais, competed in the 100-yard event. Unfortunately, the tournament was cancelled after the first day due to the death of Queen Victoria, and Rupert was unable to defend his title.