The slightly mis-named "South African Championships" started in February 1900 - more than ten years before the Union of South Africa was constituted by the British Parliament on the 31st May 1910.

This first event featured only white, (mainly English) men - from the Cape Colonial towns of Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Some were soldiers, who would be soon be involved with the fighting in the Orange Free State and the Transvaal during the Boer War.

The events were water polo and one swimming race over 100 yards.