South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport; Boxing South Africa: briefing

Meeting report

SPORTS AND RECREATION PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
25 March 2003
SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE FOR DRUG-FREE SPORT; BOXING SOUTH AFRICA: BRIEFING

Chairperson: Ms R Bhengu

Documents handed out:
South African Institute for Drug Free Sport
Boxing South Africa Strategic Business Plan

SUMMARY
South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport presented their target objectives. Boxing South Africa a relatively new organisation, dealt with future ventures and informed the Committee that they planned to expand. Both groups appealed for further funds from the Department to maximise the efficiency.

MINUTES
Briefing by South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport
Dr Shuaib Manjra, Chairman of South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS) commended the Minister of Sport for the pivotal role he played as serving on the Executive of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). A new code had been adopted three weeks ago to which South Africa was a signatory. The next challenge was to ensure that the code was upheld in South Africa in keeping with further objectives.

Dr Manjra briefed the Committee on SAIDS three-year strategic plan and objectives. Management and accounting procedures of SAIDS was in keeping with the stipulations of the South African Finance Act. SAIDS was internationally recognised as one of the top agencies in the world and also accredited by the International Standards Association. A National Laboratory had been stationed in the Free State and recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). International contact assisted them in establishing and maintaining themselves to further enhance standards. He said that in keeping with the African Renaissance Initiative, the SAIDS helped to develop capacity in African countries. Assistance would be given to Nigeria for their anti-doping efforts in anticipation of the All Africa Games in August this year.

Dr Manjra cited four key focus areas:
-An effective national drug programme was necessary, but that more funds would greatly enhance that efficiency.
-Valid and measurable educational initiatives would serve as a means of prevention. He elaborated and said that monthly lectures and talks were targeted at schools, while an information website was running. He explained that there was an active network around the country offering training and seminars.
-Social research conducted would graduate to scientific research and then be extended.
- SAIDS was certified and had audits done yearly and was represented on a number of sub-committees at WADA and initiated a project in conjunction with the Netherlands and Norway. The programme is to be extended into Africa. Dr Manjra said that the intention was to extend capacity to conducting 2300 drug tests in the year to come, as well as to more events and providing more training for anti-doping officers and sub-contracting services to further enhance potential. The objective was that all sports eventually had anti-doping codes and aligned with world standards. New challenges came with the new drugs surfacing and prevented increased doping.

Ms Bradburg, CEO of SAIDS referred to the budget and explained that R3.5 million had been allocated to SAIDS and that it had been distributed between administration, doping control, additional expenses like schools and projects. There was a thin line between recreational and drugs used in sports. They had worked with recreational drug education organisation and that the Lottery Board had granted R500 000 towards the venture. SAIDS wanted to generate approximately R900 000 as additional funds for further testing.

Discussion
Mr Louw (ANC)asked why there had been such a sharp increase in the budget for administration.

Mr Lucas (IFP) asked if there were any symptoms that could identify a drug user or whether only testing would reveal such an individual. Would R5 million be sufficient for SAIDS to carry out its work and financially assist other governments. How would those governments compensate for that assistance.

Ms Lamani (ANC) wanted clarity concerning the pamphlets distributed and asked at which level they would reach high schools. She also noted a gap in the 2001 - 2002 report regarding South Africa's inclusion in the United Cricket Board as late as 2003 when the Act had been signed in 1997. She inquired about to South Africa's late inclusion.

Mr Pieterse (ANC)commented that the existence of an organisation like SAIDS was indicative of modern times and asked about the role SAIDS could play in programmes promoting moral regeneration.

The Chair enquired about SAIDS strategy for prevention. Was there a link between themselves and other organisations dealing with drug abuse at community level? Was there was an exchange of information between themselves and these organisations and an impact thereof on sport?

Mr Lee pointed out that the totals presented did not tally as an additional R3000 was reflected in the handout. He then spoke on the possibilities of masking drugs. He also questioned whether corporate and internal would not fall under administration.

Concerning the increase in administration costs, Dr Manjra explained that all anti-doping tests were legal procedures and therefore, with more testing, there would have to be more staff. Regarding symptoms, Dr Manjra said that symptoms were certainly there, but were difficult to pick up and prosecution could not proceed without a urine or blood test. SAIDS had the capacity to conduct directive testing if there was a suspicion. An increase in their budget would allow an increase in the amount of work done and funds would be raised to assist Nigeria. If the amount raised is not sufficient, he said that they would appeal to the Committee for funding.

Dr Manjra addressed Mr Pieterse's questions and said that there was a need for mechanisms to control social moral projects. WADA intended to impose regulation on all codes for standardisation of procedures and penalties. Coercion would imposed and even refusal to grant funding. There was a bigger role for other Departments to play in partnership with SAIDS, particularly the Departments of Education, Health and Safety and Security.

On the question of the cricket, Dr Manjra said that anti-doping facilities and services were met with phenomenal support. As far as prevention was concerned, Dr Manjra mentioned three measures that would increase efficiency: educational campaigns, testing at every event and the imposition of stiff penalties for offenders. The issue of masking agents was being investigated and new ground was being broken with the discoveries of new substances. He hoped that a new list of substances would be available in the near future.

Mr Chauke (ANC) asked whether SAIDS was winning the war against doping in sports. Did anti-doping tests apply to professional sports only and what contributions did other Departments make to their efforts? He also inquired about the remuneration of the staff at SAIDS.

The Chair asked about the possible involvement of the Department of Trade and Industry. She pointed out that youth in township was influenced by advertisement boards and assume that alcohol abuse was socially acceptable. The role of the Committee was to raise awareness and that Committees in other departments should be brought on board.

Mr Louw asked if there was a special programme for soccer players having recovered from drug abuse.

Ms Lamani mentioned that the role of the Department of Health should focus on pharmacists who should be cautioned about supplying drugs.

Mr Pieterse asked about rehabilitated individuals who could contribute to the fight against drugs. He also asked about doping in women's and disabled sports while the focus was mainly on international events.

Mr Dhlamini (IFP) said that traditional drugs were also used and that these should also be tested for banned substances.

Mr Reid (ANC) asked if all athletes in all sports were subjected to testing.

Dr Manjra stated that the war on drugs was never won. SAIDS focused on all sports including professional, amateur and school sport. Education was extended to all and that the focus in different areas was on different things. Concerning staffing, SAIDS employed three fulltime members and one part-time member of staff as well as one trainee. They intended employing two more members of staff. The upgrade was to bring in more staff and so increase capacity. He said that R600 000 was allocated for salaries.

He reiterated that all codes of sports were tested, saying 54 different codes were tested last year. He pointed out that the media focused on prominent sports thus creating the impression that anti-doping was exclusive to these sports. Regarding soccer, the focus there should be recreational drugs and having those added to the list of banned substances. He mentioned that a priority was to educate pharmacists and general practitioners (GP's) in conjunction with the various medical associations. While transgressors should be punished, not all prohibited substances were necessarily banned substances. Sportspersons should ideally be monitored while not playing their sports. On the question on women and disabled sport, Dr Manjra said that doping did occur in both groups, especially women as there was a more marketed effect on women. Concerning traditional medicine that research would be conducted to explore the possibilities.

Mr Manjra then invited Mr Rodney Swiegelaar to elaborate on the role of different Departments.

Mr Swiegelaar addressed the Committee and said that after the signing of the WADA code, signatories were given until 2006 to implement the code or face being ostracised from the world sporting arena. He mentioned the Departments of Health, Justice, Education, Trade and Industry, Safety and Security and Agriculture as all having roles to play in the implementation of the code. Mr Swiegelaar said that the Minister would like to brief the Committee on codes, having already met with clusters and made submissions to Cabinet. All national federations were to adopt the codes.

The Chair said that a discussion to facilitate an initiative was expected from SAFA and asked whether there had been any interaction between the two bodies. Second, she asked whether there would be interaction between moral regeneration programmes and SAIDS.

Dr Manjra said that he wanted to engage Albert Moekwena from SAFA and take any initiatives further. Concerning moral regeneration programmes, he said that the intention to link up with other group was hindered by limited means.

The Chair noted that only four courses were convened by SAIDS when the projection was five courses. Why was the final course was not conducted? Why were the targets set for the coming year the same as those set for the previous year when the latter figures were reached and exceeded.

Dr Manjra answered that two courses were merged to one in Johannesburg due to logistical reasons. The budget allocated last year was similar to the one allocated this year and that extra funds would be generated by SAIDS. It was felt that higher figures should not be projected until the funds to increase capacity had been raised.

The Chair said that performance targets set budgetary requirements.

Dr Manjra replied that targets were set to raise funds to make up the shortfall.

Briefing by Boxing Association of South Africa
Mr Thabo Moseki, the CEO of Boxing South Africa (BSA) said plans needed to be made to attain resources and then direct them. It was necessary to establish a corporate identity. BSA planned to reveal their logo and corporate identity to stake-holders on 29 March 2003. Mr Moseki said that the key objective was transformation and the agenda to deepen black interest, opening the arena for black promoters. There would no longer be exploitation in an inclusive environment and personal benefits of stake-holders would be secured.

He also mentioned the establishment of a medical research bank. The way to move forward was to carry the vision of making boxing a leading sport in South Africa with interest generated in national title championships. There should be closer relations with other federations. A professional image for boxing was desired for BSA at both amateur and professional level. Mr Moseki mentioned development tournaments to assist with amateur boxing. He differentiated between BSA for professional boxing and the South African National Amateur Boxing Association for amateur boxing. Funding was needed and the intention was to approach the Boxing South Africa Foundation to initiate new programmes for further funding.

Mr Moseki stated that the boxing alumni was not recognised. Funds were to be raised for looking after Multi-media rights regarding boxing as a brand. BSA was a regulatory body that owned rights, bringing value to boxing. He explained that they relied on licence fees, sponsorships, foreign donors and the National Lottery Board for funds. Stake-holders included spectators, boxers as licencees and all trainers, managers, ring officials and time-keepers. Broadcasters were for commercial viability and BSA had to ensure that coverage was attained. Boxing was well-positioned to be attractive to sponsors.

In terms of structure, Mr Moseki explained that BSA was constituted by the Boxing Council, National and Provincial Commissions, a CEO, other positions which still remained vacant as well as a consultant with a retainer. All expenses amounted to close to R4 million, but that the source of funding still had to be determined. Approximately R940 000 was required for the current year and sponsors had been approached for R2 million, and R1 million had been approved.

Mr Moseki said that BSA faced difficult challenges with regard to resources and funding to bring integrity, discipline and professionalism to boxing. BSA could issue, suspend and revoke licences. He explained that BSA allowed that provincial structures managed themselves and were given the authority to appoint officials and supervisors for development in conjunction with the officials of the association. Financial and accounting procedures were in keeping with the requirements of the Department of Sports and Recreation, the Auditor-General and the Financial Affairs Portfolio Committee. There had been consolidation in the administration of BSA and they now had the capacity to deal with provincial commissions. He referred to the grading system or clustering and said that not all provinces were on the same level regarding boxing activity. The question remained the allocation of resources. Mr Moseki said that 50% of funds was granted to commissions and MEC's made contributions to provinces. Provinces then kept ten percent of net proceeds if events were staged in that particular province. There was also a quarterly assessment to upgrade incentive schemes.

Discussion
Ms Lamani asked how promoters would be brought together if resources were separated.

Mr Moseki explained that grading occurred because there were three categories of promoters: good ones with limited resources, poor ones with the acumen but without finance and poor ones without the acumen and finance. The aim was to eliminate grey areas. Promoters ran a business including project management and marketing, and this required that they be educated. He said that the process should move from level to level and that the academy system would teach them to be self-sufficient.

The Chair asked how grading was progressing and whether an educational institution had been established already.

Mr Moseki answered that a High Performance Centre was stationed in Pretoria and that there was a relationship between themselves and the Sports Science Institute in Cape Town. Other branches were located in the country and linked via satellite. There would be bloc weeks after which students would study at home but participate actively. A sponsor had been found for the academy but would remain anonymous until 9 April.

Mr Dhlamini asked about the role of ring officials.

Mr Moseki that manuals were being developed which would incorporate regions. Issues regarding rules were not clear and therefore this remained the challenge. Ring officials would attend workshops and be recommended for different scale tournaments. BSA would play a role there.

Ms Lamani enquired about the welfare of boxers who signed contracts. She commented that the Medical Information Bank was necessary because a doctor was required to assess injuries sustained. She also asked about women's boxing.

Mr Moseki answered that medical aid, funeral cover and disability were provided for by SASFIN with open option benefits. SASFIN would also be incorporated into the academy to educate about inter alia investing and financial responsibility. Banks must tender for the BSA account. Through a sanctioning policy, doctors, police services and emergency fire services were provided for. The tournament supervisor would be required to provide a report. Concerning women, Mr Moseki said that there was a drive to address the issue, but no programme as yet. Women compete on the amateur level.

Mr Ntuli (ANC) spoke about penetrating the rural areas and development by promoters who wanted sponsorship. He suggested a partnership between BSA and independent promoters.

Mr Chauke (ANC) asked about the relationship between the Sports Commission and BSA. Boxers were the employers of coaches and managers and must be made aware of this.

The Chair said that the Sport Commission and the Sports Councils at local level should capacitate the communities to drive sports development. She suggested the involvement of boxing commissions on those Sports Councils.

Mr Moseki stated that the relationship mentioned by Mr Chauke was cordial. Sports Councils had not yet been approached, but that he intended to do so. There must be an interface between amateur and professional boxing. He agreed that it was important for boxers to know that they were employers.

The Chair asked about BSA's role in involving veteran boxers as role models and in moral regeneration programmes.

Mr Moseki answered that a boxing alumni needed to be established with development programmes to keep them active. He commented on not seeing such individuals involved in programmes concerning violence or HIV/AIDS.

Mr Chauke asked about a clear programme for the growth and development of BSA.

The Chair mentioned the naming of facilities after sporting and other figures and asked whether BSA influenced the naming of a facility.

Mr Moseki said that sponsors for gyms were necessary. Regarding the Chair's question, he said that a send-off for the former president was planned. Blazers carried the new logo and would be issued to key contributors driving boxing.

The Chair said former colleges had facilities and asked if these would be considered as training arenas.

Mr Moseki replied that an audit of facilities was done to ascertain which were available and accessible. He would report back with an asset audit.

The Chair explained that study tours targeted existing sports academies to make assessments regarding location and intake levels of target groups. BSA should submit a document concerning the development of sports academies. She also assured the delegation of the Committee's support and assistance in making situations conducive to BSA's most efficient operation.

Meeting was adjourned.