Which events must be sanctioned by Cycling SA, and can I ride unsanctioned events?

Under the Cycling SA Road Cycling Handbook 2026:

• All cycling events must be sanctioned through Cycling SA, the official cycling federation in South Africa (section 2.3).
• Exceptions: social events such as club rides and social rides (which may charge to cover costs, but can't have podiums or prizes), Strava-timed events that aren't group rides, virtual events and races, social outrides and training rides.
• Licence holders: a cyclist holding a Cycling SA licence may not take part in any non-sanctioned cycling event, apart from the exceptions above (section 9.8). Licensed officials also may not work at, or be associated with, any unsanctioned event (section 22.1.1).
• Who must be licensed: everyone riding a road event sanctioned by Cycling SA needs a Cycling SA membership or licence, or one recognised by the UCI (section 9.2). Sanctioned events must check entrants' membership and offer non-members a day membership (section 9.7.1).
• Calendar: the Cycling SA road calendar runs from 1 January to 31 December. Event dates are approved by the provincial affiliates and Cycling SA, and the calendar is released each October.
• Rules that apply: unless the handbook provides otherwise, the UCI's Part 2 road race regulations take precedence (section 1.5).