Sport and Recreation Jabu Mahlangu, Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature
21 June 2007
Madame Speaker, Honourable Mrs Pinkie Phosa
Deputy Speaker, Honourable BJ Nobunga
Premier of our province, Honourable TSP Makwetla
Colleagues in the Executive Council
Members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature
Mayors and Councillors
Leaders of Organised Labour
House of Traditional Leaders in Mpumalanga
Your Excellencies Amakhosi
The Director-General
Heads of departments and public entities
Sports, Arts and Culture stakeholders
Members of the media
Distinguished guests
Comrades and friends
Madame Speaker, It has dawned on every one of us now that the era of taking
Sport and Culture, as the Cinderella child when plotting our national
priorities has past. It is time to completely remove sport and culture in the
periphery of social development to the mainstream of our social-economic
development agenda.
It is evident that whenever we talk social cohesion, nation building and
unity, sport for one becomes an obvious choice; therefore its importance is
immeasurable and indispensable for our country to move forward. Despite all
these, one needs to acknowledge good work that has been done by both national
ministry and provinces in sport development. However, one needs to make
emphasis on some of the challenges still looming in our quest for better sport
and recreation deliverables.
It is upon our shoulders to make a difference today so that we do not regret
in the future as Dr Z Pallo Jordan puts it, "The past, the present and the
future are a continuum with integral dialectical links. Our present is shaped
by our past as the future we shall bequeath to future generations as it is
being crafted by our actions in the present."
Madame Speaker, the popular marketing tag line "Alive with possibilities"
made a lot of non-South Africans want to come to our country and explore
possibilities, it has also gave an impression that our beautiful country is an
oasis for those who quest for tranquillity and socio-economic face-lift.
Whether this tag line's impression has made a positive or negate impact to both
South Africans and non-South Africans, the truth is in the words of Arts and
Culture Minister Dr Z Pallo Jordan when he said "As we cast our eyes back over
the past 13 years of democracy, all South Africans, all of us, on either side
of this august house, can justly say: "Not bad, not bad at all!" We are indeed
creating a better life for our people! We are contributing to the creation of a
better world".
Madame Speaker, no matter how much our economy grows and resources we
acquire as the country and individuals, if our moral fibre is not built on
solid ground, we are bound to perish in shame as a country. I therefore call
upon each one of us to do an introspection of one's personal life and ask these
questions. Am I worth the chair I am sitting on? Am I an honest ambassador of
the government and people I serve? Am I fit to be counted amongst those that
make this world a better place to live in? If not, how do you expect to serve
your community with dignity and loyalty?
Unfortunately Madame Speaker, issues around moral regeneration are not and
shall never be the sole responsibility of religious leaders, but should be the
responsibility that we all take with no reservation or fear of being labelled
conformist by those who perpetuate the believe that social disorder and moral
decays are 21st century normality.
The Premier during this year's Human Rights celebration had this to say, "As
a nation, this day is a monumental symbol of human conquest and sacrifice that
evokes the immortality of the human spirit in the quest for human liberty and
dignity.
We must celebrate this day so that we constantly remind ourselves about the
sacrifices and the high price paid to enable us to enjoy the benefits of
freedom and democracy�. It must be sustained by a growing economy capable of
extending sustainable and equitable benefits to all our people. We seek to
replace a society which, in many instances, has been and continues to be brutal
in the extreme."
We are presenting our budget to this august house today, with the hope that
if approved, our priorities set are informed by the needs of our people and a
correct and focused judgement is applied in spending our equitable share no
matter how small it can be.
The Minister of Finance Mr Trevor Manuel during his budget Speech in 21
February 2007 said, "Since 2001, we have channelled an ever-greater share of
our resources onto capital spending. Our investment in infrastructure has been
focused on two major areas: the built environment and economic infrastructure.
The built environment refers to a cluster of activities and services that
centre on building viable; secure residential communities; housing, water,
electrification, sanitation, roads, sports facilities, police stations and
schools, clinics and community halls. These programmes seek to change the
landscape across both urban and rural areas, to turn barren, dusty land into
places that people feel proud to live in, those places where people can find
the comfort and security to raise children." As the department we fully concur
with the Minister.
We have an obligation to deliver on these expectations. As we get to the
business of the day, as we begin to debate the budget and as we contemplate on
the strategies to deliver on our programmes. We will need to make sure that the
allocated resources are optimally utilised.
Mpumalanga is a province of legends, we are therefore duty bound to ensure
that we find ways of ensuring that our legends are recognised such that we
develop, together with them programmes that will be led by them.
Sport and Recreation
Madame Speaker, in the 2007/08 financial year, we will continue to look at
ways that we can develop sport in the province. We remain committed in our
efforts of exposing the previously disadvantaged communities in the province to
different sporting codes.
The department is continually working with Athletics South Africa (ASA) to
organise games in our province so that our local athletes can showcase their
talent. We want to see our athletes making it into team South Africa and going
all out to represent our country in major international events. We have hosted
the 2007 Yellow Pages Ultimate Athletics meeting at Secunda Stadium at the
Govan Mbeki Municipality. The Athletics meeting formed part of our efforts to
promote and bring sport to the people. We further hosted South African
Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Sport in Secunda through our mass participation
programme.
Madame Speaker, in this financial year, we will continue to persuade our
social partners in the private sector to prioritise sport and recreation
programmes in their social responsibility budget with dedicated personnel and
setting of clear objectives to be achieved. By prioritising these programmes,
our social partners will be assisting government's efforts of keeping the
nation healthy and in so doing; they will be contributing to economic growth of
the country.
We are also working together with our stakeholders to bring sporting
extravaganzas to our province. The world title boxing fights that were hosted
in the province in Secunda and Nelspruit when Zolani "Untouchable" Marali and
Mlungisi "The Shark" Mdluli made our country proud by ensuring that titles
remained in our shores are taste of things to come.
With 2010 approaching, our people need to be exposed to various big sporting
events so that they would be ready for the Federation International Football
Association (Fifa) World Cup that will be organised in the country. We are
continually working with the Mbombela Local Municipality and other stakeholders
to ensure that all programmes related to the world cup are catered for.
Construction for the 2010 stadium in our province has begun and we are sure
that we will meet the deadline. We want to reassure all people that our
province will be ready to host the games during the world Cup. The President of
Fifa, Sepp Blatter, also shares our confidence. During his visit to the country
two days ago he said, "It will be a wonderful World Cup. There is nothing that
can be against the 2010 World Cup being organised in South Africa. When you are
doing something good there will always be people out there who will be jealous
about what you are doing. We at Fifa are confident that South Africa will
organise a great World Cup, far better than Germany (2006), Korea and Japan
(2002)." We are united in our efforts of ensuring that the 2010 World Cup
leaves a legacy to many soccer loving people in our country and the province in
particular.
Madame Speaker, money has been set aside for this financial year to help
with preparations for the 2010 Fifa World Cup to ensure that our province is
ready for an event of this magnitude. The department will be working together
with the three district municipalities in the establishment of three public
viewing sites and perform a dry run in 2008-2009 in preparation for 2010 Fifa
World Cup. These sites will be used as a build up towards 2010 and to establish
a fan base in all the districts. Further more these will be supported by Fan
Clubs who will be commissioned and established in partnership with the district
municipalities. The intention is to mobilise support of our communities for the
countries that will be participating.
Towards ensuring that a successful 2010 Fifa World Cup is hosted, the
department in partnership with Mbombela Local Municipality, South African
Football Association (Safa), and 2010 Office will establish a Volunteer
Association to co-ordinate the recruitment and training of volunteers in
preparation for 2010. Our partnerships have also been extended to our
neighbouring countries, Mozambique and Swaziland.
We have undertaken to lobby for Council of Southern African Football
Associations (Cosafa) games in the province. Madame Speaker, I would like to
take this opportunity and announce that the Under 20 Cosafa Games will be held
in this province. These games will further open a platform for the province to
promote and support social cohesion. They will be hosted in partnership with
Safa and the Business Community in particular Metropolitan. Fourteen countries
will converge on our shores to participate in this tournament.
Madame Speaker, we are equally concerned about the non-availability of a
Premiers Soccer League team in the province. We will provide support to our
clubs in both Vodacom and Mvela leagues in terms of capacity building on
financial management and coaching. More support strategies will be investigated
and implemented to mount our endeavour of achieving a Premier Soccer League
(PSL) team status soon.
Our efforts for mass participation of women in sport are continuing. The
women structure for sports was established in the previous years. We need to
ensure that there are ongoing programmes for women. This should be done
parallel to the campaign of encouraging women across the province to take part
in sport.
We have a challenge and a responsibility to produce other players who will
emulate Mpumi Nyandeni. Madame Speaker, Mpumi Nyandeni resides in this province
and she is the one who scored a penalty against Zimbabwe some few weeks ago.
This achievement must be central and integral to our developmental strategies
and programmes for women in sport.
The Memorandum of Understanding entered into between the Department of
Culture, Sport and Recreation and Education in the 2005/06 financial year is
bearing fruits. The Mpumalanga school games will help to identify and nurture
local talent among young people. We remain committed in our efforts of
introducing various sporting codes to our schools, particularly those that are
located in rural areas. We want to move away from unfortunate scenario where
soccer is the only sport that our young people are exposed to.
During the 2007/08 financial year, the school sport programme will ensure
the following:
* one hundred and five schools participate in six codes
* one thousand, eight hundred and ninety educators and volunteers are skilled
in sport administration and coaching
* twenty seven thousand, seven hundred and twenty learners participate in
leagues and sport festivals
* one hundred and five sport assistants, nine cluster co-ordinators and one
Administration Officer are appointed
* cluster festivals for football, netball, rugby, volleyball, athletics and
cricket are held
* sport equipment for the six codes is bought.
Madame Speaker, it is also proper to inform this House and the community
that through the partnership that we have with other nations, three schools,
namely, LD Moetanalo Secondary from Steve Tshwete, Ndlela High School from Piet
Retief and Inkomazi Secondary from Nkomazi will participate in the United
Kingdom / South Africa exchange programme aimed at benefiting schools through
capacity building of the schools and participation in school games.
The department has also received a conditional grant of R5 million to
co-ordinate the Siyadlala Mass Participation Programme and in the process
ensure that the programme is presented in all municipalities in the province.
These allocations will assist the department to achieve the following:
* eighteen hubs from all municipalities take part in the three festive
season festivals
* participate in the National Indigenous Games to be hosted by Eastern Cape
province
* appoint 168 volunteers and pay them stipends
* participate in indigenous games with Swaziland on the following codes
(dibeke, football, netball and volleyball).
As we endeavour to make a contribution to the fight against crime in our
communities, there is a need that we strengthen partnership with all
stakeholders more especially the Department of Safety and Security.
The Mpumalanga Academy of Sport will continue to enhance our sports through
providing training for elite sports and training grounds for all our athletes
participating in national and international games. I need to also remark that
because of our province's skewed economic prowess, there is huge exodus of
athletes both at developmental stage and elite level to provinces that promise
better prospect. This situation will undoubtedly continue for as long as the
status quo remains. The loss of talent from one province to another does not
only affect the losing province but also diminishes the chances of others to
benefit from those athletes. It is also a main cause of dissatisfaction in
terms of selection of national teams demographically. The sports academy will
be of assistance in curbing this exodus.
On 15 June 2007, we received a document on the heads of agreement from BHP
Billiton, which will lead to the final handover of the Sports Academy
facilities to the provincial government.
We have not left out our indigenous games, as we want to see young people
taking part and understanding these games that have been played for centuries.
Inter provincial games will also enhance indigenous games. Development of all
sporting codes is a priority hence the negotiations with Tennis South Africa to
bring back the sport to the province.
Library and information services
We are all reminded of the words of the American Author and Historian,
Barbara Tuchman, when she said, and I quote, "Without books, the development of
civilisation would have been impossible. They are the engines of change,
windows of the world, lighthouses erected in the sea of time. They are
companions, teachers, magicians, bankers of the treasures of the mind. Books
are humanity in print." Unquote
Madame Speaker, during the 2006/07 financial year, approximately 16 000
people participated in the Fundza for Fun project. We aim to increase this
figure in the current financial year and ensure that the impact of the
programme is realised. This project continues to encourage the young, old and
blind to read. Four people were again this year awarded bursaries worth R50 000
after taking part in the Fundza for Fun Project.
We are serious in our efforts of transforming our libraries and we want to
ensure that our public libraries have access to contemporary information,
relevant library material, library automation which will represent and
demonstrate the demographics of our country in general.
The national Department of Arts and Culture has allocated a conditional
grant of R22,8 million for the current Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)
period to refurbish and upgrade public libraries in the province, purchase
latest and relevant books for libraries, increase titles in libraries that do
not have sufficient titles, market and popularise the use of libraries and make
them accessible to communities, facilitate the implementation of identified
Information Communication Technology (ICT) projects in seven municipalities
(Mbombela, Umjindi, Govan Mbeki, Albert Luthuli, Delmas, Emalahleni and Dr JS
Moroka), employ 35 library staff to ensure that libraries are well staffed and
efficient in providing services; and to build one library in Thembisile Local
Municipality.
Cultural affairs
Participation in recreation, creative and cultural activities; and the
freedom to retain, interpret and express arts, history, heritage and
traditions, cannot be underestimated.
The province has launched the Mpumalanga History and Heritage book at
Botshabelo and Cape Town, on 15 and 19 June 2007 respectively. The launch will
enable the department to showcase all aspects of culture, local heritage values
such as making history and heritage accessible; taking a proactive stance on
heritage protection; identifying opportunities to make history and heritage a
key part of tourism and economic development. The private sector and provincial
treasury will be approached to assist in funding projects that will come out of
this initiative.
One of the building blocks of cultural wellbeing is collective identity; the
department will play a critical role in facilitating the development and
expression of this identity in communities. Branding is important for cultural
well-being, and at the same time contributes to social and economic
well-being.
We further ensure the successful coordination and hosting of Heritage Day,
the construction of a Cenotaph in the Ehlanzeni District and the promotion of
the Greening, Heritage and tourism flagship programme.
Madame Speaker, we are in the process of preparing nominations for the
Makhonjwa-Barberton Mountain land site to be declared a World Heritage Site.
The site is in the region of 200 000 hectares and covers the major stages in
the earth's history. It has preserved a number of species, fauna and flora and
most importantly the rock art.
We are also engaged in the same process for Pilgrim's Rest and we are
working hard to complete and finalise the nomination dossier. It is important
to note that the submission for Pilgrim's Rest for Heritage Site Nomination
will only be for the Central Reduction Processing Plant and it is power place
situated on the farm Ponieskrantz because of it is outstanding universal value,
and not the actual gold mining site.
The process of ensuring that discriminatory and derogatory names are
discarded is continuing and the Mpumalanga Provincial Geographical Names Change
Committee (MPGNC) will increase stakeholder participation in the process of
standardising geographical names.
Most of the municipalities have already made progress in standardising
geographical features like streets, buildings, parks and other local competency
changes with some amongst them having completed some national competency
changes over the last two financial periods.
For the 2007/08 financial year, 87 names were processed for submission to
the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC) for approval.
The department is facilitating a process of engaging municipalities for the
establishment of three film office and/or satellites. It is in line with the
development of the film industry in the Mpumalanga province that our department
pursues this collaboration. A research on the regulation of the film industry
was commissioned in the previous financial year.
We have put in place a secretariat to co-ordinate logistical matters such as
engaging the municipalities on the establishment of film and video office. To
further enhance this we have partnered with the private sector in the promotion
of the province as an animation hub. A studio for animation has already been
established and this project will be launched in the next few months. This will
open opportunities for employment, internship and skills development in this
industry (video clip display).
Madame Speaker, we want to remind the house of the successful premier of the
historical movie, "Catch a Fire" in our province. The movie is directed by
Phillip Noyce, and is written by Joe Slovo's daughter, Shawn and produced by
his other daughter, Robyn. This movie reminded us of our painful past. In
Premier Thabang Makwetla's words, and I quote, "The movie afforded many people
a rare opportunity to peep and catch a glimpse of the desperate depths to which
our country once languished."
Our history demands measures to build a united, non-racial, non-sexiest and
a democratic South Africa. It is imperative that Nation Building, Social
Justice, Social Cohesion, National Identity, Reconciliation and Africanness are
promoted. It is for this reason that the Department facilitates and coordinates
the celebration of Freedom Day, Africa Day, Youth Day, International
Translation Day, National Language Awareness Day, National Day of
Reconciliation, MRM end of the year festival, International Mother Language Day
and Imimemo/iminyanya/menyanya.
Poetry is the consequence of dispositions and is articulated in language and
song. Ones' feeling stir within his breast and take the form of words. When
words are inadequate, they are voiced as sighs; when sighs are inadequate they
are chanted. When chants are inadequate, unconsciously, the hands and feet
begin to dance. One's feelings are expressed in sounds and when sound are
refined they are called musical notes, these were the words of an old
philosopher named Confucius, in our language uma kugidvwa kusephuka tidzindzi
that is why the department will be hosting annually the Mpumalanga Arts and
Culture International Festival which seeks to brand and market our province as
a unique and preferred national and international destination for Cultural and
Heritage Tourism.
Our identity and how we express it is associated with a sense of place. How
we approach and understand our heritage shapes our image of ourselves and the
image we convey to future generations. The promotion of previously marginalised
languages continues to be central in our agenda of African Renaissance. During
this financial year, the department shall endeavour to realise that the
Language Research and Development centres for both isiNdebele and siSwati yield
the desired results.
We will also expand our programmes to cater for the people in Bushbuckridge,
so that languages such as Xitsonga and Sepedi are not neglected. As we do all
these, we shall ensure that we near the completion of the translation of the
Old Testament in isiNdebele. It is our objective to ensure that by the end of
the current MTEF period, this process is finalised.
The Liyaphuma Ma-Africa projects, which seek to recognise grass-roots women
efforts in community building through African Renaissance projects, is one way
of recognising women's role in arts and culture. It is envisaged that more
cooperatives and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), will be
strengthened through these projects. Furthermore, the Invest in Culture Project
of the Department of Arts and Culture has assisted in identifying and
supporting five projects that seek to alleviate poverty and create employment
opportunities in the province.
Madame Speaker, we will not succeed as a nation if we do not instil good
morals within society. We will thus continue with our moral regeneration
campaign in all corners of the province. We are reminded of the word of the
26th President of America, Mr Theodore Rooseveldt when he said and I quote, "To
educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to
society."
The presentation of the budget vote should be a sobering moment of
reflection on what we have achieved, and what still ought to be done in the
short period remaining before these milestones are reached. The realisation of
2010 Fifa World Cup objectives alone is well above the whole departmental
budget, the backlog on libraries is also the issue in case, just to mention a
few.
In conclusion, Madame Speaker we have set milestones for our selves for the
2007/08 financial year. We have given reasons for setting these milestones. We
are now required to gear ourselves towards ensuring that these milestones are
achieved. We are committed towards achieving these goals using the limited
available resources.
Woodrow Wilson once said, "You are not here merely to make a living. You are
here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision with
a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and
impoverish yourself if you forget the errand".
We are greatly inspired to serve by the words of President Thabo Mbeki
delivered in the National Assembly on the 25 June 1999, What will guide us in
everything we do will be the challenge to build a caring society. This society
must guarantee the dignity of every citizen of a good quality of life for every
woman, man and child, without regard to race, of colour or disability.
I would like to take this opportunity and extend my profound appreciation to
my family for their unwavering support, the Premier of the province, Honourable
TSP Makwetla, Members of the Executive Council, Honourable Screamer Skhosana,
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Education, Culture, Sports and
Recreation and members of the Portfolio Committee, the Head of Department Ms
Sindisiwe Mjwara and the staff of the department for their relentless support
and guidance to the department.
To all culture and sport structures and formations in the province, your
immeasurable support and co-operation has been the reason this department is
still sailing in the right direction.
I further want to congratulate all our athletes that participated in the
Comrades marathon this past weekend with specific emphasis on the two that
attained the top ten thus receiving gold namely Leboko Noto clocking 5:35:35
gaining position five and Sipho Ngomane with a time of 5:45:29 in eighth
position. You have made Mpumalanga proud! Niyimele iprovinsi! Ons is trots op
julle! Re motlotlo ka lona! Ha tinyungidyisa hiwena!
Madame Speaker, our conscious will never find peace of mind until, our
peoples' live are improved, until our country is united in sport and culture,
until equality and democracy are fully enjoyed by all.
As Martin Luther King, Junior puts it "All labour that uplifts humanity has
dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking
excellence".
Allocation
Madame Speaker, allow me to present the 2007/08 budget allocation for the
Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation Vote 12, which is broken down as
follows:
Programme 1: Administration: R37 341 000
Programme 2: Cultural Affairs R42 254 000
Programme 3: Library and Archives Services R41 270 000
Programme 4: Sports and Recreation R35 210 000
Total: R156 075 000
Ngiyathokoza
Issued by: Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, Mpumalanga
Provincial Government
21 June 2007
