Sports and Recreation: Budget Vote

Sports Development essential, says ACDP
Rhoda Southgate, MP – ACDP

Wednesday, 12 June 2002

In Parliament yesterday, Mrs. Rhoda Southgate, MP for the African Christian Democratic Party gave the following speech during the Sports and Recreation Budget Vote Debate:


Madame Speaker, Honourable Minister

Sports development should be viewed as parallel to the health of the nation.

It is unfortunate that the budget allocation to sport remains unimpressive. An interdepartmental approach especially to school sport will assist in budget sharing and government realising its objective in training young sportsmen and women.

We need to ensure that safety measures are in place for each sporting code, especially in schools and sport clubs.

There is great concern at the moment with regard to rugby played specifically between the age groups of 14 and 20 years. Many parents are concerned that insufficient safety measures are in place.

It is alarming that this year alone, due to fatal injuries incurred while playing rugby, 6 young boys have died, while others sporting careers have come to an abrupt halt due to fatal injuries. Some parents do not have any insurance, and therefore are not able to cover the medical bills. Rugby is viewed as a body contact sport, and parents have recommended that when selecting team players, that they should be weight listed, rather than age listed, as each young person physically develops differently to the next. The discipline will assist our children expressing their energy in a positive and safe manner. The Department needs to engage the National Federation to review the existing policy.

Sports development at schools and clubs is all about creating civil challenges, opportunities and life goals for our youth.

There are still concerns with regard to fraud, corruption and mismanagement of sport federations, and the latter is hindering sponsorships. Government should do everything in its power to eradicate this corruption.

Money has been allocated to building facilities but no monies have been allocated for sustaining them. This is a concern. When visiting Provinces, the neglect and vandalism of these facilities are very evident. The Department must proactively engage all stakeholders into partnerships and ownerships into maintaining these facilities.

Attitude determines altitude. If we want to become a winning nation, then we must invest in the lives of young men and women in order for them to maximise their potential.

I thank you


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For further comment please call Rhoda Southgate MP at 082 875 8194 or ACDP Media Liaison Liza Bloemetje at 082 478 1037