M Stofile at South African Women, Sport and Recreation Conference during
Women's Month

14 August 2006

“All sporting federations in South Africa still treat women as ‘add-ons.’
This is more so in team sport than it is in individual sport and for this
reason most women athletes remain marginalised. The challenge would be to
mobilise and to consociate women to ensure they become truly liberal.”

Minister of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA), Rev Dr Makhenkesi
Stofile echoed the above sentiment when addressing delegates at the South
African Women, Sport and Recreation Conference 2006 held at the Sandton
Convention Centre today. The Minister said that while this conference is vital
in empowering women in sport, the reality is that a large number of these women
do not form part of active participation in sport. “This conference must
inspire hope to the daughters of South Africa. It must mobilise all of us for
change, like the great march of 9 August 1956. This conference must provide a
clear direction for federations, sponsors, activists and players. It must
provide a firm policy base for our government as we are trying to speed up the
change.”

“A quick look at the organisation, budget and media coverage of such codes
as football, rugby, cricket, netball, hockey and etc will verify our argument.
Funders are also very prejudiced against women in sport. It was exactly the
same case which was against black communities and the non-racial sports
movement during the unfortunate past of our country, this must change,” added
the Minister. These engagements need to filter down to the provinces with the
aim of reviving community clubs and recreational activities.

Ms Melinda Lombard, specialist producer for Women in Sport TV Programme said
that women sport does make fascinating interest. She said that the content of
the programme has not only managed to uncover new talent, but also ensured that
these women’s stories continue to inspire other potential future stars. “Their
stories make the programme watchable and that should be evident that women’s
sporting features can and does make fascinating viewing.”

Prof Cora Burnette mentioned that issues and challenges faced by South
African women include the stereotypical negativity around certain sporting
codes. “Some women have faced the discrimination around the dressing code on
sports and often been labelled with negative connotations.” She also
highlighted the bias towards women coverage with provocative portrayal in the
fields of sport and in dealing with these, it is pivotal that resolutions
adopted at this gathering are effectively implemented.

Today’s conference has direct linkage with 2006 as the “Year of the Women,”
appropriately coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the women’s march to the
Union Building in 1956. The broader objectives of the conference are to
mobilise and increase the number of women and girls participating in sports. It
is also aimed dealing with areas facing the development and participation of
women, but most importantly as the Minister and delegates emphasised that the
conference must come out with strategies and concerted efforts to address these
challenges.

Enquiries:
Zweli Mnisi
Tel: (012) 334 3120
Fax: (012) 326 4026
E-mail: zweli@srsa.gov.za

Issued by: Sport and Recreation South Africa
14 August 2006
Source: Sport and Recreation South Africa (http://www.srsa.gov.za)