[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

1. Introduction:

As Minister of Sport and Recreation, I wish to open with a few introductory comments.

It is my contention that sport and recreation is a national asset which needs to be jealously guarded. As Minister responsible for this portfolio, it is not only my intention but also my responsibility and duty to ensure that government is not a passive observer in the unfolding sport and recreation scene.

Government will be proactive in ensuring that transformation in sport and recreation will remain a reality. There is little doubt that sport has played a role in the democratisation of our country and that as a catalyst, it has and continues to bring persons of divergent backgrounds together. It is also true that despite all the achievements in sport since the period of unification started, there remains vital areas of concern such as the lack of representivity and opportunities. This lack of representivity is a direct consequence of the failure of federations to introduce programmes which will create opportunities which are outcomes-based.

Let there be no doubt, the process of transformation and the principle of representivity remain non-negotiable.

It is also necessary not to lose sight of the dearth of adequate sporting facilities which are easily accessible to the majority of people of our country. This is a major challenge to stakeholders in sport - all tiers of government, the private sector, federations and sponsors.

2. Key areas of delivery:

The key areas of delivery which the ministry have prioritised include the following:

2.1 Increase the participation numbers at all levels and in all categories.

2.2 Performance contracts with federations which will concretise the process of transformation.

2.3 Facility infrastructure.

2.4 Socio-political and economic areas of national importance.

2.5 The South African Sports Commission.

2.6 Funding of sports federations activities.

2.7. Transformation

3. Performance / Delivery indicators:

It is the intention of the Ministry to ensure that both performance and delivery remain on track. Special emphasis will be n:

3.1 A desired increase in a number of participants in sport and recreation.

3.2 The rate of change in the demographic profile of sport and recreation.

3.3 The completion of a unity audit.

3.4 The establishment of the South African Sports Commission. In this regard, the process is well on hand. The General Assembly of the Commission will be convened on Friday 10 September 1999.

4. Recent performances by South African athletes and upcoming events:

Good stuff, Penny Heyns. Ezekiel, you remain a star. The superb performances of both Penny Heyns and Ezekiel Sepeng bear testimony to the extent to which our athletes can manifest themselves on the international stage. Such performances must serve as encouragement to our youth and motivation to others who have not performed as we know they are capable of.

With the All Africa Games due to start with the Opening Ceremony at Johannesburg Stadium on Friday 10 September 1999, it is all-systems go. The final lap of preparations is on track. I wish our athletes the best of luck and we look forward to welcoming the rest of Africa to this African Gathering.

Let all South Africans also put our full support behind the Springboks in the defence of our World Cup title in Wales and the Proteas who will be competing in the world championships in New Zealand.

5. In Conclusion

Delivery will remain the focus of the Ministry. National federations will have to accept this as their major responsibility. I will work alongside all federations in our collective quests to deliver sport and recreation with measurable outcomes.

One of the mechanisms employed in this regard is the adoption of performance contracts by all federations. The format and implications of these performance contracts are in the process of being unfolded by my Department in conjunction with the federations. Once agreed, to these performance contracts will form the cornerstone of the process of transformation.

NGCONDE BALFOUR
Minister of Sport and Recreation, 2 September 1999

<EOD>