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SPORT AND RECREATION AS A VEHICLE IN LENDING A HAND TO BUILD A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL

1. INTRODUCTION

In his State of the Nation address, President Thabo Mbeki referred to the urgency to reduce the level of poverty in our society and the need for partnerships with those "who are ready to lend a hand in the national effort to build a better life."

In the joint presentation of the Social Cluster, my colleague dealt with two broad themes that include programmes of my department. I will concentrate on other initiatives that have a direct impact on the strategic objectives of Sport and Recreation South Africa, as outlined below:

* Increasing the levels of participation in sport and recreation activities.
* Raising sports' profile in the face of competing priorities.
* Maximising the possibility of success in major events.
* Placing sport at the forefront of efforts to address issues of national importance.

2. THE NEED TO ADVANCE TRANSFORMATION

There have been undeniable gains for sport as a result of the formation of single, united structures. However, after 10 years, these gains are overshadowed by the lack of success in transforming sport, in line with government policy of building a better life for all our people. Transformation demands of us the need to create conditions that will advance fundamental change both in practice and attitudes in sport.

There remains a tendency in significant circles to pay lip-service to transformation in sport. In the so-called excellence versus transformation debate, those advocating "merit selection" argue that patience and caution must be exercised in bringing black sportspersons through into provincial and national teams. There is seldom an admission that factors other than ability and skill hold black sportspersons back.

Young sportspersons such as Sharon and Raymond Welcomege, who are here with us this morning, are fast losing their patience with such arguments. Even at their ages, they are already at a disadvantage to many of their peers. This sister and brother love rugby and both of them play the game. However, they can never play rugby at the same time, simply because they have to share the same pair of boots. They are talented and Sharon's skills resulted in her selection for the women's Stormers side that played in a provincial tournament in Pretoria last year. She had to forfeit the opportunity because she did not have the money to go with her team mates. This matriculant at Lentegeur High School in Mitchell's Plain cried bitterly about a lost opportunity. But she is not alone in this. Her principal, Mr Peter Ziegler, says the majority of his 1 370 learners face similar hardships.

It is through the efforts of patriots such as pensioner Mr William Dyers that the Welcomege kids still manage to play the game. He stretches out his hand in his efforts to build a better life for all and provides them with the opportunity to play.

However, transformation can no longer be left to the goodwill of individuals. As early as next month, I will be meeting with national federations to consider their targets for transformation. In addition, I am giving serious consideration to legislation that will speed up the pace of transformation.

3. BROADCASTING OF NATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has appointed consultants to conduct an inquiry into sports rights for the South African broadcasting industry. The broadcasting of national sporting events has long been a burning point in the industry and in the public arena.

A range of stakeholders have been interviewed by the consultants and there is every hope that Icasa will complete the process during this year, allowing section 30(7) of the Broadcasting Act of 1999 to come into effect. This section of the Act prohibits the exclusive acquisition by subscription broadcasting services of national sporting events as identified in the public interest.

4. MINISTERIAL TASK TEAM ON HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORT

Following the appointment of a Task Team charged with identifying and researching factors that impact negatively on South Africa's sporting performances, a report has been finalised that includes a comprehensive set of recommendations. With the emphasis on high performance sport, the report could result in far-reaching and fundamental changes to the sporting system in the country.

I am still studying the finer detail of the report and after further consultations with all stakeholders; it will be presented to Cabinet for consideration.

5. SPORTS TOURISM

The hosting of the 2003 Cricket World Cup points, unequivocally, to the potential that sport presents for attracting tourists to our country. Sport and Recreation South Africa will embark on a project in the 2002 financial year in which we will co-operate with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to boost international tourism in the country. In particular, we will strive to market "home grown" events such as the Comrades Marathon, Two Oceans, Cape Argus Cycle Tour, the Million Dollar Golf Tournament and other similar events to the world with a view to attracting participants and spectators to South Africa.

National federations will also be supported in their efforts to attract major international sport events to South Africa with a view to promoting sports tourism and, hence, job creation.

The marketing opportunities presented by staging the Cricket World Cup in February and March 2003 will be immense. It is widely expected that up to 50 000 overseas guests will visit the country during the tournament.

6. MORAL REGENERATION DRIVE

Sport is well positioned as a key medium in the moral regeneration drive. There is a major role for sport to play in the combating of crime and corruption through the involvement of young South Africans in sport and recreation programmes.

It has long been my contention that sport builds character and the campaigns undertaken in Alexandra last year to generate mass-participation in sport by communities will be extended this year. It presents an ideal platform to channel young people into formal sport from a base of mass community participation.

It also presents the ideal opportunity to advance the culture of volunteerism and to tackle the scourge of racism that is still evident in sport and recreation.

I thank you.

For further information, contact Graham Abrahams at 082 4532244.

Issued by Ministry of Sport and Recreation

12 February 2002