Sport and Recreation
4 May 2006
Introduction
The Chairperson, our Honourable Premier, my colleagues in the cabinet,
chairperson and members of the sport and recreation portfolio committee,
honourable members of this House, members of the sporting family, including the
representatives of the sports federations, sponsors, non-governmental
organisations (NGO), community-based organisations (CBO), sport stars, foreign
diplomats, the media and other invited guests.
I present this budget against the background of the tremendous support given
to sport and recreation development by the Honourable Premier, together with
the understanding shown by the Honourable MEC for Finance and Economic
Development, the Head and others in the treasury. The whole scenario of Sports
development in KwaZulu-Natal must be seen against very important developments
both at a national and international level and also with the developing
structures in the continent of Africa. In his State of the Nation address
President Thabo Mbeki has said that South Africa owes it to the football world
to prepare properly for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, thus challenging South
Africans to work together to ensure that the country hosts âthe best Soccer
World Cup everâ. With the climax of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the host
country baton would pass to South Africa. âFrom then on, until 2010, the whole
world will watch us carefully to judge whether we will be a worthy host of this
prestigious tournament,â the President told Parliament. Thus we must work
together to restore the sport of soccer in our province to a full strength, and
play our role in the preparation of a winning national team and, ensure that
the World Cup makes a huge contribution to improve the lives of all the
citizens of this province, and give additional impetus to the development of
the country and continent as a whole. KwaZulu-Natal has demonstrated to the
world that it has the capacity to thrill an international audience. We have
become the mecca of major international events and have dispelled the myth of
ineptitude by effectively placing the province and South Africa on the map by
hosting world renowned events such as the Dusi Canoe Marathon, the Comrades
Marathon, the Durban July Handicap, Swimming World Cup, Rugby World Cup,
Cricket World Cup and the A1 Grand Prix.
On a developmental level the province has successfully hosted the largest
South African Games in partnership with the Ethekwini Municipality and South
African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). A total of 9
provinces and over 10 000 athletes, volunteers and well-wishers descended on
the City of Durban and were, according to the National Minister of Sport and
Recreation, the Rev. Dr. M.M. Stofile, âpart of best and most efficiently run
South African Games ever.â On a performance level KwaZulu-Natal improved
tremendously by coming a close second to the might of Gauteng and had it not
have been for a lack of medals in athletics, KwaZulu-Natal would have been
worthy champions.
Since April 23, 2004 KwaZulu-Natal is beginning to rise on all fronts in the
sports arena. Together with a partnership with the federations, sponsors and
municipalities, development and transformation in sport is taking place
throughout the length and breadth of our province to the extent, that many from
disadvantaged communities are now taking part in competitive sport such as
surfing, canoeing, swimming, rugby, tennis, etc. Interest in sport has been so
great that our meagre budget is not able to cope with the demand.
In addition to the flagship programmes of the National Department of Sport
and Recreation Mass Participation and Building for Sport and Recreation, sport
has taken on another dimension. The National Departments of Sport and
Recreation and Education have joined together to initiate mass participation in
school sport. Later I will deal with the partnership that has been established
between the Departments of Education, and Sport and Recreation at National and
all the Provincial levels.
In the State of the Province address which I will not repeat in detail, our
Honourable Premier, who has a deep passion for sport, has set the scene in
respect of the establishment of sports academies and centres for excellence in
institutions such as the FET colleges, tertiary institutions, etc. As a result
of our talent identification programme, future stars can receive assistance
which will ensure we create a pool of talent for KwaZulu-Natal who can go on to
become future medal winners, not only for our province but for the country as a
whole.
I must express my appreciation to my small staff of 124 for the manner in
which they have handled the challenges posed to the department, where the
Department of Public Service and Administration has suggested that in order to
perform our task effectively we require a compliment of 313. These small staffs
has effectively carried out the mandate given to us by the Honourable Premier,
the Sport and Recreation South Africa and the South African Sports
Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), the supreme sports controlling
body in South Africa
The budget allocation of R95 m for 2005/06 included a rollover of R6m and a
grant of R2m for the Siyadlala Mass Participation Programme. Whilst the
allocation for the Department of Sport and Recreation for 2006/07 shows an
approximate increase of 19% to the previous base line allocation; closer
examination will reveal that this amount includes an increased conditional
grant of R21,3 million from the National Department of Sport and Recreation for
âSchool Sport Mass Participationâ , for the first time, and âCommunity Mass
Participation Programmesâ. I regret to advise this Honourable House and the
sporting family of KwaZulu-Natal that in real terms, the Department of Sport
and Recreation has not received any increase from the Provincial Treasury for
this financial year. The R4m increase is ring-fenced as an apportionment to the
compensation of employees. Further, these two new Mass Participation Programmes
will impact on human resources and administrative support and thus place a
tremendous burden on the Department to meet its mandates. I must stress that it
will be virtually impossible without any additional funding for staff to carry
out the additional heavy mandates given to my Department by the National
Department of Sport and Recreation in respect of School Sport Mass
Participation and Community Mass Participation Programmes.
The White paper on Sport and Recreation refers to the respective roles of
stakeholders to achieve our objectives of sport promotion, development and
wellness but a much broader coalition will enhance our chances even further,
provided we streamline and coordinate our efforts to avoid destructive
competition and running turf battles. Sport federations, Government,
non-governmental organisations (NGOs), higher education institutions, schools,
faith-based organisations, the youth sector and the private sector are
potential coalition partners in the effort to provide the youth and communities
with participation opportunities and, in so doing, promote development, health
and wellness. Thus, as a Department we need to strengthen our relationship with
the above organisations and forge links with other Government Departments.
Inter-departmental co-operation with Local Government, Health and in
particular, Education is critical for the delivery of sport and recreation and
in contributing to our effort to accelerate our progress towards the
achievement of the goal of a better life for our people in the province. It
will give additional impetus to our struggle to achieve Africaâs
renaissance.
There is universal recognition for the right of children to play and
participate in organised physical activity. The United Nations considers sport
to be a fundamental human right. This is embodied in Article 1 of the Charter
of Physical Education and Sport adopted by United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1978. My Department subscribes
to this. Moreover, Government is committed to the Millennium development goals
and the Department of Sport and Recreation concurs that sport and recreation is
an effective tool for assisting in the effort to actualise specific targets
contained therein. Sport and Recreation is acknowledged as an essential part of
daily living for young people and access to, and opportunities for,
participation should be available to everybody on an equitable basis.
Equality of access and opportunity to participate in physical activity
should be made available to all, including those with disabilities and chronic
illness. The landmark agreement signed between the national ministers of
Education and, Sport and Recreation, where physical education and school sport
is taken out of the orphanage and, both departments are committed to clearly
defined roles in the promotion and upliftment of sport at grassroots level in
our country. Both the Minister of Sport and Recreation, the Honourable Rev. Dr
M.M. Stofile and the Minister of Education, the Honourable Ms. N. Pandor,
clarified the responsibility of national and provincial departments of sport
unambiguously. No learner must be disqualified from representative sport on the
ground of ability or inability to pay.
Chairperson, I find it necessary to deal with certain important aspects of
the sport and recreation budget against developments nationally, in Africa and
internationally so that the province of KwaZulu-Natal becomes an important
partner in this grand highway that leads towards excellence in our sport.
During the last financial year, I had to familiarise myself with sport and
recreation policy and mandates, both from a national and provincial perspective
and make the strategic adjustments that are linked to delivery on the ground.
The Portfolio Committee has been regularly briefed about our difficulties and
deficiencies but we did not falter to commence with the process of building a
foundation for the progress and upliftment of Sport and Recreation in our
province.
The 2005/06 financial year was the Departmentâs second year of operation and
was extremely challenging as the Department focused on setting the foundation
in administration. The Department succeeded in filling all funded posts,
securing office accommodation for head office as well as regional offices. It
completed the process of setting up the information technology (IT) structures
in terms of e-mail, website, servers, etc. The Department will use this
foundation to deliver against its mandates for the 2006/07 financial year
despite a number of challenges it may face.
Challenges for the forthcoming year
Inadequate human resources
Whilst the Organisational Structure of the Department makes allowance for
313 posts, funding was only received for 39% of these posts. These 124 posts
were filled. The Department requires additional funding for further posts to
carry out the mandates determined by Cabinet. Whilst the department has set up
4 Regional offices, restructuring along District lines is essential for
effective service delivery. The establishment of 11 District offices will
enhance the successful implementation of the Departmentâs Strategic Plan.
Sport and Recreation facilities and infrastructure
The President in his State of the Nation address indicated that the public
sector will accelerate infrastructure investment in the underdeveloped urban
and rural areas of our country through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant
(MIG), Expanded Public Works
Programme Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and other infrastructure
funds to improve service delivery in the areas of the Second Economy, including
the provision of amongst others, sports facilities. The Department is currently
engaging Municipalities to include sport and recreation facilities in their
priorities for MIG allocation. In spite of limited funding being available from
MIG, the Department committed a sum of R12,825 m towards facilities and
infrastructure development. To date 8 sports fields have been erected with a
further 16 awaiting completion in this financial year. Infrastructure
development for 2006/07 has been targeted for the following areas; Umzinyathi,
Umkhanyakude, Umgungundlovu, Ilembe, Sisonke, Zululand and Uthukela.
Demand for services
Whilst the awareness of the Department has increased resulting in an
increased demand for its services, insufficient funding will hamper the roll
out of programmes across all areas.
Transformation
An active and winning nation in which equitable access to opportunities and
support in sport and recreation activities contribute to the development of a
healthy, productive, united, non-racist, non-sexist South Africa. South
Africans are not at the same time separate sporting and social beings.
Transformation in sport and recreation is, therefore, inextricably tied up with
the mandate of the government to transform the society in general. Sports
transformation must be an integral part of the vision and programmes of
individual federations. My Department commits itself to change in sport and
recreation in South African society in all its facets and manifestations.
Overview of Budget
The 2006/07 budget allocation is summarised below:
Programmes
Budget 2006/07
Administration: R25 111 000
Sport co-ordination: R80 960 000
Total: R106 071 000
Economic Classification Budget 2006/07
Compensation to employees: R26 953 000
Goods and services: R59 749 000
Transfer payments: R18 719 000
Capital assets: R650 000
Total: R106 071 000
Programme 1: Administration
The budget allocation for this programme is R25 111 000 and the funds will
be utilised to render support services to the Department and provide overall
management. The main aims are policy formulation by the MEC; strategic planning
and management by the Head of Department, human resource management and
auxiliary services. The Administration programme is responsible for the
development of policies and procedures.
Programme 2: Sport co-ordination
A summary of the budget allocation for 2006/2007 financial year for this
programme is as follows:
Sub-programme
Budget 2006/07
Junior sport: R10 052 000
Community sport: R12 224 000
Sport management: R22 507 000
Recreation: R7 265 000
Facilities: R7 612 000
Mass school sport: R10 600 000
Community mass participation: R10 700 000
Total: R80 960 000
The purpose of this programme is to promote, develop, administer and fund
sport in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. It also ensures advancement of
participation in sport and recreation, talent identification, the promotion of
performance excellence and, to facilitate the provision and upgrading of sport
and recreation facilities in partnership with local authorities.
2010 World Cup
Internally the Department has set up a 5 person 2010 Task Team which will
focus on a high-level strategy to increase the number of players,
administrators, coaches, technical officials and volunteers. The team will work
closely with the South African Football Association to address the formation of
structures, capacity building, player and infrastructure development, provision
of equipment and support services. In 2006/07 R15 m has been ring fenced by the
Department for the 2010 World Cup preparation.
Premierâs Sports Awards
The Premierâs Sports Awards is an annual event that provides an ideal
opportunity for the province to showcase & reward its abundant talent from
the sporting fraternity. In so doing, it serves to motivate athletes, coaches,
administrators and technical officials by bestowing the honour of the first
citizen, the Premier on them.
Kwanaloga and inter-provincial games
This is a partnership between the Department and Kwanaloga where Kwanaloga
is the lead agency in these games and the Department will provide human
resource expertise at grass roots level and both human resource and financial
support to the provincial event.
The vision of these games is to nurture sports potential in all KZN
municipalities from grass roots to world-class level and encourage partnerships
and co-ordination with relevant stakeholders.
Financial assistance to non-profit institutions
Financial assistance will be rendered to non-profit institutions in
accordance with the Departmentâs funding policy for:
* development programmes
* hosting provincial, national and international events
* assisting athletes who will participate in National events outside the
province.
Operation MBO
Operation Management Buyout (MBO) is the provincial massification programme
based on geographic integration and coordination, with joint planning and
implementation of projects, that all contribute comprehensively towards poverty
eradication, human development and improved quality of life. Operation MBO will
be undertaken across all the sub-programmes i.e. community sport, junior sport,
recreation, facilities, mass school sport and community mass participation.
Junior Football Organisers
This programme aims to inspire young people through football to see
themselves as valuable contributors to the 2010 World Cup. It involves the
training of young high school leaders, coaches, referees and teachers to
deliver Junior Football Festivals to Under 12 boys and girls.
Junior Dipapadi
This is a programme which provides teachers with information and strategies
focusing on the basic skills of locomotion, ball control, throwing, tracking
and trapping, kicking and striking. This programme will be rolled out in
collaboration with the Department of Education and identified schools.
Dreams and Teams and Young Leaders
This programme facilitates the process of training educators, community
based sports officers as tutors of the programme who in turn provide learners
(aged 14-17 yrs) with leadership skills. After learners conduct ongoing
coaching sessions, they organise sports festivals for primary school children
and the Community.
Young Champions
This is a programme of moral regeneration. The programme is targeted at
those communities that reflect a high prevalence of crime, drug abuse etc. and
involves the youth in Sport and Recreational activities that will impact
positively on their lives
Provincial Games
This is a squad selection programme where athletes will be identified and
undergo high performance training in preparation for the South African Games
2007.
Federations
The Department, together with federations and sports councils, will ensure
the formation of junior leagues and thereby increasing the number of
participants. The priority codes are athletics, cricket, golf, football,
hockey, netball, boxing, rugby, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball,
surfing, lifesaving and disability sport.
Provincial and National Schools Champions
This involves learnersâ participation in competitive programmes which
commences at school level and continues to National and International Level.
Our responsibility is to fund and ensure the excellent delivery of Provincial
and National events in the various codes.
Equity Programmes Women
This programme targets active involvement of women in sporting
activities.
Equity Programmes - disability
In order to address the issues of transformation, the Department works
closely with Disability Sport South Africa to ensure the inclusivity of
athletes with disabilities in as many of the mainstream activities as
possible.
The Provincial Academy
As per decree by SASCOC the Department works closely with the Provincial
Academy of Sport to promote high performance sport.
Club Development
This is a new national programme to increase participation in sport and
recreation at grass roots, at the simplest level of organisation, the club. A
number of clubs will be formed to play in the leagues within communities such
as Nkandla, Msinga and Umkhanyakude. The codes of sport include football and
netball.
Community Development Games
The Community Games is the culmination of the capacity building and coaching
programmes and will focus on identified codes of sport. The Games will also
serve as a selection event for District teams to participate in the Provincial
Games.
Training and development
This programme focuses on the training of administrators, coaches, referees
and technical officials.
Indigenous games
The indigenous games provide insight into cultural practices of various
groups in the province and reinforce community values, customs, symbolise the
beauty of diversity and promotion of the African renaissance. The challenge is
to trace, reintroduce and promote the rich games such as Induku, Mlabalaba,
Khokho, Jukskei.
Rural horse riding
Ukutelebhela and horse riding is a popular pasttime pursued by African men
and boys. An initiative was undertaken by the Department by staging the biggest
Rural Horse Riding festival at Dundee in July 2005. In 2006 this will be
introduced to other districts across the province.
Senior citizens
Like everyone else, recreation benefits senior citizens by improving their
wellness and confidence. Activities will be structured so that their needs to
socialise and improve physical and emotional strength are enhanced. This
programme involves the formation of recreation clubs.
Learn to swim
Drowning is common along coastal areas and rivers. This programme focuses on
water safety, basic swimming skills and fun.
Young Adventure Programme
This is an outdoor adventure programme for the youth. The outdoors provides
learning opportunities, builds positive character and leadership skills.
Learn and Play
This is a fun filled activity for those under 12 years of age. The goal is
to promote active lifestyle at a young age and provide learning opportunities
at the same time.
Work and Play
Recreation provides the necessary atmosphere and environment to energise
employees, encourage inter-departmental co-operation and improve their well
being. Each provincial department is expected to commit to providing
recreational opportunities as part of their employee well being strategy.
Recre-hab
This is a rehabilitation programme for prisoners and street children.
Recreation can be an alternative to unhealthy behaviour such as drug abuse and
violence.
Masidlale
This programme creates community awareness about recreation and its benefits
in the rural areas.
Community Mass Participation Programme
Siyadlala is a national flagship programme aimed at getting the nation to
play. South Africa has a high level of lifestyle challenges, diseases,
including high blood pressure, heart attacks and crime. The programme will
focus on high crime areas, government nodal points, rural and poverty-stricken
areas.
An additional 19 new hubs will be created bringing the total number of hubs
to 39. A variety of activities will be offered in the hubs including aerobics,
gymnastrada, fun walks/joggings, street ball (soccer, netball, basketball,
handball) and indigenous games. The hubs will render life skills support to the
youth in their communities. A total of 500 000 people shall benefit from this
programme, with a total of 400 youth being employed on a contract basis, with
women receiving priority.
Mass School Participation Programme
The purpose of the grant is the promotion of mass participation within
disadvantaged schools in selected number of sport activities and the
empowerment of communities, educators and volunteers to manage these activities
in conjunction with the Department of Education. This will be achieved by
developing and implementing a programme incorporating 6 codes of sport that
focuses on an intra-school and inter-school intensive sports programme within
clusters. 159 Primary and Secondary schools in 9 Clusters have been identified.
The grant caters for capacity development, the provision of equipment, a
monitoring and evaluation strategy and the establishment of appropriate
structures and partnerships.
Conclusion
Government is committed to the promotion of sport and development of active
lifestyles, within the confines of available resources. The Department of Sport
and Recreation will continue to advocate for additional resources to meet the
goals that we have set for ourselves in this regard. We have achieved success.
There is no imaginable reason why this should not continue to be the case in
future. All we ask for is your continued support for the cause.
In his State of the Nation address, President Thabo Mbeki said, âWhile we
must indeed celebrate the high levels of optimism that inspire our people, who
are convinced that our country has entered its Age of Hope, we must also focus
on and pay particular attention to the implications of those high levels of
optimism with regard to what we must do together to achieve the objective of a
better life for all our people.â We have to respond to the hopes of the people
by doing everything possible to meet their expectations.
Finally, I wish to thank the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mr P
Ngcobo, for the excellent partnership that exists between my Department and the
committee. I want to personally thank the former chairperson of the Portfolio
Committee, Ms GN Swartbooi for her support. I also want to express my
appreciation and gratitude to the Head of Department, Mrs. S Khan, the senior
management team and all officials of the Department and the Ministry, sports
federations and the media for all their efforts. The stage is now set to take
this grand partnership further.
I recommend that the budget be adopted.
Issued by: Department of Sport and Recreation, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
4 May 2006
