The Committee on Sport and Recreation calls upon all sport federations to strengthen their governance structures if they want their sporting codes to be successful.
It is the view of the Committee that good governance and administration remains at the heart of a properly functioning sport. The Committee is disappointed that the majority of sport federations in the country lack good administration. The situation hampers the development of sport and discourages young people from participating in sport.
Earlier today, the Committee met with Basketball South Africa (BSA), which has been placed under administration as a result of their inability to run the organisation effectively. During the meeting, it emerged that BSA was in debt of more than R5.5 million and could therefore not participate in international competitions.
While the Committee applauds the efforts of the interim structure to get BSA running again, it wants a full investigation into how the money of the organisation was squandered and those responsible be brought to book.
The Committee is confident that the new structure under the chairmanship of Mr Graham Abrahams can produce results and put BSA at the top where it can compete with other African countries. The challenges notwithstanding, three BSA officials have been chosen to officiate at the World Basketball Championships.
The Committee wishes to emphasise that sport development can play an important role in social cohesion and can assist in the fight against social ills such as drug abuse because sport like basketball keeps youngsters out of trouble and entertained.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Kanyisa Ndyondya
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8041
Cell: 083 624 0585
Email: kndyondya@parliament.gov.za
