The South African Masters Weightlifting Federation (SAMWF) was started by Koos Henning and Antoinette Kriel in January 2016. Prior to this Masters athletes (35+ years of age) competed under the South African Weightlifting Federation (SAWF) but did not have their own body. The SAMWF is affiliated to the SAWF, and is recognised by the International Masters Weightlifting Federation as the national decision-making body for Masters weightlifting in South Africa. The SAMWF has its own Executive Committee and constitution.