recreation
25 May 2006
In line with the core values of the New Partnership for Africaâs Development
(NEPAD) on addressing the social and economic challenges, both South Africa and
Mozambique today advanced this notion by recommitting and strengthening
relations in the field of sport and recreation.
The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Cape Town,
aimed at enhancing bilateral co-operation on sporting programmes. Minister of
Sport and Recreation, Rev. Dr Makhenkesi Stofile and his counterpart from
Mozambique, Dr David Simango said this MoU is a continuation of a previous
agreement signed two years ago, aimed at strengthening mutual co-operation,
development of bilateral relations on the basis of the common interest as well
as exchanges of experiences on sport management. âThe bilateral sport exchanges
include exploring ways and means to fund sports infrastructure and sharing
experiences with regard to the revitalization of sport between our two
countries, is a vital accomplishment for our current and future sporting
stars.â
The key agreements relate to promotion of programmes, experiences, skills,
techniques, information and knowledge on training and competition of athletes
and teams, training and recruitment of coaches, sport education and facility.
Furthermore, both countries have agreed on the mutual co-operation and
assistance when hosting regional, continental or international sports events,
including sports facilities for athletes with disabilities.
Mozambique has one of the most competitive basketball and volleyball teams
and has offered to share their success recipes with South Africa. Equally,
amongst others, South Africa will engage Mozambique on lessons learnt in
hosting major international sporting events, drawing from the successful
bidding and winning the right to host the Federation International Football
Association (FIFA) 2010 World Cup. Mozambique recently bid for the right to
host the Africa Cup of AFCON in 2010 and were unfortunately eliminated in the
preliminary round, but are determined to bid in 2012 hence would like to learn
from South Africaâs experience.
Minister Simangoâs delegation included by Mr Jose Dava, Executive Director
of the Fund for Sports Promotion, Mr Inacio Bernado, Deputy National Director
of Sports, Mr Manuel Monteiro, Member of the Executive Member of CAN2010, and
Ms Suzana Laice, Head of Department for International Co-operation. Throughout
their 5-day visit, the delegation met with officials from Sport and Recreation
South Africa and visited sports facilities around the Western Cape.
Todayâs signing coincided perfectly with the celebration of Africa Day. The
commemoration of this day is significant as it creates awareness while
encouraging countries to tackle socio-economic challenges, including using
sport to achieve peace and stability. Some of the key elements include
mobilising and honouring youth throughout Africa to play sport, thus contribute
in Africaâs development. The commemoration is further in recognition of an
influential and invaluable role sport can play in promoting a social upliftment
while enhancing the quality of life for all Africans.
Enquiries: Zweli Mnisi
Director: Communications and Marketing
Sport and Recreation South Africa
Tel: (012) 334 3120
Fax: (012) 326 4026
Cell: 082 464 4659
E-mail: zweli@srsa.gov.za
Website: http://www.srsa.gov.za
Issued by: Sport and Recreation South Africa
25 May 2006
