Johannesburg has stepped in to host the four-team competition, due to be held from December 5 to 12, in the wake of demonstrations from students in Durban against rising university tuition fees.

The event was also set to be used as a "testing ground" for the 2022 Commonwealth Games due to be held in Durban. 

IWBF Africa secretary general Shawn Moorgas admitted the move was far from ideal, claiming it has "taken some major reshuffling and cost implications" to ensure the event takes place.

Moorgas said they were having to overcome "major challenges" in South Africa as a result of the protests, held under the #FeesMustFall movement which began last year.

The KwaZulu-Natal province, of which Durban is the largest city, has been one of the worst affected regions.

Media reports in South Africa last month claimed that more than 40 students had been arrested for their role in the demonstrations on charges including public violence and arson.

"We were meant to host the tournament in Durban as it would serve as a testing ground for the Commonwealth Games, but we have had to move the games now to Johannesburg and that has taken some major reshuffling and cost implications," Moorgas said.

An IWBF statement added: "Funding has always been an extremely demanding task for some countries and the LOC and IWBF Africa do often have to step into ensure that the tournament runs.

"On the plus side they will be piloting the 3 on 3 which has been sponsored and is in preparation for Commonwealth Games 2018."

South Africa, Zimbabwe, Algeria and Nigeria are the four teams who have entered the tournament.

It is being organised by the Wheelchair Basketball South Africa Federation in conjunction with IWBF Africa.

"It provides a much needed opportunity for development as being able to play on the world stage allows countries to put funds aside to support the development," Moorgas added.

"I’m expecting a good competition between Nigeria and Zimbabwe because they both are still developing."