MEC Sithole-Moloi gives Dladla family perfect Christmas gift

The MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation Mrs Bongi Sithole-Moloi has today, 04/05/18, tabled the R451.953 million budget for the Department of Sport and Recreation for 2018/2019 at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature in Pietermaritzburg.

The main focus of the budget will be on provision of sport infrastructure for disadvantaged communities, especially in rural areas, promotion of active and healthy lifestyles, high performance sport and greater support for the development of different sport codes.

In her address, MEC Sithole-Moloi condemned the recent incident of hooliganism during the semi-final match between Kaizer Chiefs and Free State Stars at Moses Mabhida stadium.

“The unnecessary violence that was unleashed did not only put the lives of other people at risk, but it also damages the image of the country as a preferred sports destination of choice. Sport venues should be for family outings, enjoyment and comradeship - even when the results on the pitch are not going your way. Incidents of hooliganism have no place in our sport and must be rooted out once and for all,” she said.

She also added her voice to the “outrage expressed by all South Africans towards the new regulations introduced by the IAAF on Thursday, 26 May 2018, aimed at athletes with high natural testosterone levels”, which affects Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya.

“We support the stance of national government in lobbying the IAAF on this matter and we will stand with Caster Semenya in yet another attempt by international sport bodies to exclude and discriminate against her,” she said.

Infrastructure

MEC Sithole-Moloi said despite the limited resources allocated to the Department, efforts will be made to provide sport infrastructure in schools and communities. She said the provision of infrastructure is a catalytic cornerstone in both the transformation of, and access to, all codes of sport and recreation programmes by all communities.  A budget of R48, 6 million has been set aside for the infrastructure programme in 2018/19.

“The need for a paradigm shift in the planning and provisioning of facilities is essential if we truly and honestly intend to address the racial presumptions associated with the choice of sporting codes.  With our limited budget, we continue to provide sport infrastructure in schools and communities. I have directed that all communities should at least be able to access a kick-about sports fields. Combination courts should be located strategically so that both communities and schools can benefit. All districts should have innovative Fitness Centres that people can access to contribute to their health and wellness.”

The Department will continue to engage with Municipalities to ensure that they utilise the 15% of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) earmarked for building sport facilities is utilised for utilised for the intended purpose.

In 2018/19, the Infrastructure Development Programme will also facilitate the provision of 103 sport and recreation facilities including combination courts (volleyball, netball, and basketball), kick-about sport fields, Local Hub Centres, Play Gyms and Fitness Centres in communities to increase the health and fitness of people.  Fitness Centres have been earmarked for Umzimkhulu, Newcastle (Phelindaba), Alfred Duma (Acciaville) & Umhlathuze (Esikhaleni).

 Support to sport federations

MEC Sithole-Moloi added that the Department will transfer R24,8 million to 20 sport federations to optimize the development of talented athletes, promote the development of coaches and technical officials, as well as increase opportunities for athletes from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds.

“In addition, the Mass Participation and Sport Development (MPSD) conditional grant has ring-fenced funds for the support of academies and the roll-out of the transformation and development programmes of the KZN Sport Confederation. Of the R9,9 million available to support the implementation of the academy system, R5, 3 million is ring-fenced for transfer payments to support academies such as the Midlands Academy in Umgungundlovu, KZN Academy of Sport, KZN Canoe Academy and other district and code specific academies. The KZN Sport Confederation will receive a transfer payment of R2,7 million,” she said.

The following support will be given to sport bodies:

• The department’s investment in football development is in excess of R11 million. Presently the department supports implementation of Leagues in 64 Local Football Associations for both Under 15 Boys and Open Girls. Over 1 280 clubs have been formed and supported with technical equipment and administration material. The department also supports those SAFA Regional Structures that comply with the PFMA with a transfer payment for accredited capacity building and developmental programmes. Professional clubs also receive support through the Premier’s Cup, which assist them in pre-season preparations.
• An amount of R6 million has been allocated for the further development of cycling in the Province. The focus will be on establishing cycling hubs in the two remaining districts, provision of additional bikes and equipment, 650 clinics to be held across all 11 district and aiming to benefit 25 000 learners.
• KZN Aquatics are beneficiaries of a transfer payment of R2,2 million from the department. The aquatics programme must aim to strengthen district structures through developing coaching and technical capacity, increasing mass participation, particularly through school programmes and disabled youth. Ongoing club and athlete support in disadvantaged communities remain a focus.
• The Department will invest R1,75 million in rugby development in this financial year which will reach over 10 000 learners. “The programme provides schools with opportunities to play in leagues, and creates structures within communities to sustain the game. Over 250 schools in rural areas and townships will continue to benefit from the programme that also includes accredited capacity building training for educators.”
• The KZN Olympic Style Boxing Association is allocated over R2 million of support from the Department to promote clubs, capacity building, district tournaments, Provincial Youth and Junior Championship and  participation of their elite boxers in national competitions.
• The department has made significant progress with the development of canoeing in partnership with the KZN Canoe Union. While canoeing still has significant economic barriers to entry due to the high costs involved, the Department’s development programme make canoeing accessible for talented youth identified. In 2018/19, the development programme will be rolled-out in 11 sites.
• In 2018/19, the Department will continue to support the Rural Township Cricket Development Programme, in partnership with the KZN Cricket Union (KZNCU) and Sunfoil. This programme extends participation and talent identification opportunities for over 7 000 children in over 40 townships and rural areas.

Club development

As part talent identification and development programmes, a budget of R12 million through the conditional grant has been set aside for the club development programme. This is aimed at promoting the establishment of sustainable sport structures in order to enable sport development within communities.

“The Club Development programme provides the necessary mechanisms to channel talented individuals into mainstream sporting opportunities. In 2018/19, the league system implemented in the Province will be strengthened and focus once again will be on football, netball and volleyball. Through this programme we will support 130 age group local leagues and provide starter packs to 1000 clubs. Over 300 club administrators, coaches and volunteers will be trained to support the clubs,” she said.

In addition a budget of R8,8 million has been ring-fenced through the conditional grant for the club pilot programme, which aims to establish good practice in the establishment and maintenance of club structures.

Healthy Lifestyle

In support of the fitness revolution driven by President Cyril Ramaphosa, a budget of R25 million across programmes has been set-aside to promote active and healthy lifestyles in an effort to combat obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

In this regard, the department has established 142 Activity Hub Centres in different districts with Healthy Lifestyle Coordinators employed on contract to implement daily programmes of aerobics, walking, jogging, self-defence, fitness classes, tournaments and festivals. More effort will also be focused on facilitating the provision of campaigns and programmes that increase participation of people in sport and recreation activities.

KZNDSR/SALGA Games

The Department will invest R6million into the KZNDSR/SALGA Games to be held in Umgungundlovu in 2018. The Department is playing an active role in the organization of the Games to ensure that quality standards are set and that the Games achieve their objectives of identifying talented athletes in the Province.

School Sport

The MEC said the school sport programme remains the bedrock of sport development, despite the inadequate funding allocated to the programme.

“In 2018/19, my department has committed R34, 2 million through the conditional grant and an additional R12, 7 million through our limited equitable share to drive school sport.”

Rural Sport Development Programme

The Rural Sport Programme will be supported by a budget of R4 million. The programme involves the playing of different sport codes by youth living in areas under Traditional Leadership. “I have directed that Rural Sport Programmes must be implemented within rural communities and that basic sport facilities are provided as a legacy,” she said.

 Rural Horse riding

MEC Sithole-Moloi said the Department will extend the rural horse-riding programme to include all districts.

“My intention with this exposure is to drive rural sport into the economic mainstream. The strategic partnerships between government, business and NGOs is rapidly transforming the quality and care of the horses, growing the races into mega-events and duly entrenching rural horse riding as an industry.  As government we are delighted because the events have positive economic spin offs for the small and local traders who, on the day, have access to thousands of people from across KwaZulu-Natal, other provinces and neighbouring countries. Equally, the hospitality sector enjoys improved use of their facilities.”

Elite Athlete Development Programme

The Department will once again invest in the development of the Province’s sporting talent through the Elite Athlete Development Programme (EADP).  In this financial year, the Department will invest R4.5 million in providing high performance and sports science support to 100 athletes selected by sport federations across the province.

“The achievements of our athletes in the EADP based at the PRIME High Performance Institute have exceeded expectations, inspiring fellow athletes to greater heights and impacting local communities.  In the 2017/18 financial year, EADP athletes have won 68 international medals, 255 national medals and 259 provincial medals.”

Support to vulnerable groups

The Department will implement the Inter-District Games for people with disability on an annual basis and taking place during the National Disability Rights and Awareness month in November. This is in an effort to develop the District and Provincial Games for this sector. Over 1000 participants are expected to compete in the different codes of sport on offer. Funds will also be allocated to support the Golden Games and other activities for the elderly.

Youth Camp

The Department will also host the Annual Youth Camp with the aim of encouraging positive social interaction among the youth. The camps aim to strengthen the ability of young people to work co-operatively across race, ethnicity, gender, geographical location and class. In 2018/19, the Youth Camp will target 250 learners and R3 million from the conditional grant has been budgeted for the weeklong camp.