8 August 2007
On 7 August 2007, the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Makhenkesi Stofile
signed as a witness to the sponsorship contract of Netball South Africa
(SA)
During the National Netball Championships running at the University of
KwaZulu-Natal, Roelf Venter, Group Managing Director of The Spar Group Ltd
announced a 12 million rand sponsorship for Netball S.A. over three years.
The President of Netball SA, Mimi Mthethwa, correctly characterised Spar's
decision as the most progressive one. This is because they were sponsoring a
sports federation which involves the largest number of females in South Africa.
Mthethwa pointed out that the sponsorship will cover provincial competitions,
national tournaments, international games as well as contribute toward
development and the administration of the game. The international games will
include annual tri-nations for netball.
Our Ministry is thrilled at this sponsorship. Not that it is the first one
by Spar, but because it assists in the development of women sport. Second,
because it assists in proper planning since there is now clarity in respect of
funding for projects. It inspires confidence in both netball administrators and
players. The sponsorship confirms Spar's confidence in and satisfaction with
the stability and growth that Netball SA demonstrates.
The quality of our players is also improving. This augurs well for our
participation in the Netball World Cup in New Zealand in November. We wish our
girls all good things. We congratulate Spar. May their example be followed by
other sponsors. Our girls in soccer, rugby and cricket desperately need
help.
No development is complete if women are left out of it. This is true in
sport as it is in economic issues.
Contact person:
Manase Makwela
Cell: 082 782 1759
Issued by: Ministry of Sport and Recreation South Africa
8 August 2007
