Mbalula unveils sports budget

Cape Town - The National Sport and Recreation Plan (NSRP) will cost the nation about R10 billion, Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula told MPs on Thursday.

"We are pleased to report that the NSRP has been costed," he said, opening debate in the National Assembly on his department's R1.1billion 2013/14 budget.

The plan would be presented to Cabinet as a matter of urgency.

"Cabinet will have to budget at least an amount of plus-minus R10billion towards the fulfilment of the objectives of the NSRP."

The eight-year plan is aimed, among other things, at promoting participation in sport and recreation, and improving access to sport and physical education at schools.

Mbalula said the NSRP was "anchored in the heart of" the National Development Plan.

"We are enthused that the NSRP rests on the giant shoulders of the national development agenda of this country," he said.