Share

SA sport 'not yet transformed'

Cape Town - Four years after the 2008 national sport indaba the country is still grappling with the same issues raised then, Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula said on Tuesday.

WIN Beer for a Year


At the centre of the debates then was the issue of transformation where delegates recognised the slow pace and resistance to change in sporting circles, he told the National Assembly.

Delegates believed the journey to full transformation in sport was still far from over.

They cited "living examples in rugby and cricket that pointed out to lingering prejudices", he said.

"Four years down the line we are again sitting here grappling with the same issues as raised in the 2008 national sport indaba."

Next week's national sport indaba - on November 21 and 22 - was intended to reconstruct, revitalise, and transform the sport and recreation sector under the theme "from policy to practice, not just another Indaba", Mbalula said.

Among other things, the indaba would review the instruments, policies, strategies, and tactics relied upon over the past 16 years for the transformation of South African society. "Is there room for review and refinement?"

It would align the Sport and Recreation SA (SRSA) road map strategic priorities to current and future policies and legislation within the sector.

A transformation charter and delivery mechanisms for all sectors and role-players involved in sport and recreation would be fast-tracked.

It would set in motion campaigns, projects, strategies, and tactics that would "leap-frog" the sport and recreation sector into new realities and possibilities.

Providing facilities in disadvantaged communities within the context of the two economy analysis, while ensuring there was access, integration, quality, excellence, and global competitiveness, would also be dealt with, Mbalula said.

"We must all be combat ready to join all South Africans in the battle trenches for a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, accessible, integrated, and united sport and recreation system today and beyond.

"Of cardinal importance, we must do so to chart a common vision, a common implementation plan, a common delivery mechanisms, across all spheres of government, for sport and recreation development and total transformation of our sector," said Mbalula.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE