State of Readiness for the 2023 Netball World Cup

Meeting report

Briefing by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC): Overview of the 2023 Netball World Cup

Ms Sumayya Khan, Deputy Director-General: Recreation Development and Sport Promotion, DSAC, outlined the formal commitment for the 2023 Netball World Cup. She said that Cabinet approved the event in terms of the Bidding and Hosting of Major Sporting Events Regulations. 

Media and public relations activities commenced at Netball World Cup Draw in November 2022. This included the media and PR at the Quad Series, and protocol assistance at the Quad Series. The NATJOINTS activation at the Quad Series continues on an ongoing basis. There is support for state security, with logistics for the Quad Series. The facilitation of the secondment of personnel is a work in progress.

Provincial Activation 

The Department provided the critical elements of the provincial activation:

- Support from Conditional Grant;

- Capacity Building;

- Club Development;

- Support to Provincial Netball Structures;

- Ring-fenced funding to assist with Trophy Tours, Fan Parks and Mobilisation in the 2023/2024 budget;

- Infrastructure as a Legacy;

- Netball Fridays;

- Celebration of Key Milestones, e.g., one year to go;

- Plan for the Netball floors;

- Support DSAC in handing over the Legacy Courts;

- Any other innovation/activities the province would like to include in their plans. 

Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) Matters

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) held on 31 January 2023 discussed matters for urgent attention. It was highlighted that the mobilisation of the whole of society is essential. 

Concerns noted about the marketing: 

- What kind of opening ceremony will we be delivering – what are the details?

- Look at the likes of the FIFA 2010 World Cup and Qatar 2022. What are the plans?

- Mobilise embassies to promote the World Cup and help boost ticket sales.

- What are the learnings from the Africa Qualifier and the Quad Series?

- Programme for Provinces Dates for all IMC and TIMC have been set for the year–monthly meetings.

DSAC briefed on the Legacy Programme, namely the multi–purpose Sports Courts built in nine provinces. Two courts - one for multi-codes and one dedicated to Netball.

Each court costs R1.7m, while the overall budget is R18m. The Sports Trust is finalising a new supplier for the projects, and the resumption to complete the project will likely be at the beginning of March 2023.

Briefing by the 2023 Netball World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) on the State of Readiness in Preparation for the Netball World Cup

Ms Priscilla Masisi, Tournament Director, 2023 Netball World Cup Board, highlighted the achievements of activities to date; and provided progress on the State of Readiness from October 2022 to date towards hosting the Netball World 2023.

Achievements

- Launch of Vitality NWC2023 logo.

- Launch of Telkom VNWC2023 activation campaign.

- VNWC2023 announcement of umpires (17), UAPs (6), Technical Officials (12) and Statisticians (14).

- There are 200 Days to go.

- The second phase of ticket sales went live on 10 February 2023.

- The competition schedule (fixture) is finalised and shared with the teams.

- The ticket order form was submitted to the teams. 

The following plans were forwarded to World Netball:

- The medical plan was submitted to World Netball

- Accreditation plan submitted to World

- Congress and candle lighting concept plans

- VNWC2023 Bib launch

- Just under 10 000 volunteer applications: closing date 15 February 2023.

Further achievements:

- Launch of NWC2023 logo

- Broadcast partner launch (SuperSport, SABC and Telkom1)

- One (1) year-to-go celebration

- Ball Launch (Gilbert)

- Count down clocks

- Mascot reveal

- Sponsorship Launch

- Final Draw

- Ticket sales and Tour Packages

- NWC2023 Teams confirmed

- Match Schedule Published

- Team Information was circulated to participating teams

Pending Partnerships

The following partnerships are to be concluded:

- ACSA

- Red Bull

- Sage 

- Coca-Cola/PemBev

- Hyundai

- Mercedes

- Hollywoodbets

Training Venues

The LOC provided that all venues meet WN requirements, namely sprung wooden floors and sunken goalposts. All the teams will receive a venue orientation/surface training opportunity on match courts.

Pre-event, the following venues will be the primary training facilities:

- The University of Cape Town (two x indoors)

- Cape Town Military Base (one x indoor).

- CTICC2 (two x Indoor).

- CTICC1 (one x indoor).

Parking Plan

CTICC One:

- P1: 1100 bays (500 Hospitality Guests, 500 sold spectator parking

- P3: VVIP, VIP, LOC.

- Civic Centre parking and Park & Ride to CTICC

- Remote Search Park (RSP) situated at CTICC Truck stacking area/parking FW De Klerk Blvd.

Medical 

The LOC outlined suitable and adequate health and medical services for the NWC 2023. It was maintaining optimum safety measures to reduce the possible effects of any untoward incident that may occur.

The Department (NDOH) is working in conjunction with the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health (Lead) and SA Military Health Services (SAMHS). Services provided include primary health care, emergency medical services, hospital preparedness, environmental health, communicable disease and port health services.

Objectives:

- Port Health Services at all Ports Of Entry

- Emergency Medical Services are provided at HQ Hotels/Venues

- Medical Room established at event CTICC

- EMS pre-deployed to Staging Area in the event of a mass casualty situation

- Hospitals were prepared and placed on standby

- All accommodations & conference venues at accredited in terms of Environmental Health best practices

- Communicable outbreak response and management systems are placed on standby.

Security:

- Cooperation with South African Police Services (SAPS)

- Team Security

- Security at Team Base Hotel

- VIP Security

- Spectator Safety

- International Cooperation

SAPS will provide Team Security Liaison Officers (TSLO) during the NWC. The names of the TSLOs must be submitted.

A TSLO will be assigned to each participating country and will stay with the team throughout their stay. It is the team's point of contact for all security-related issues. It is in close contact with the local police services and is under the command of the head of police operations at the respective Venue Authority Centre (VOC).

A constant exchange of information between the TSLO, the Team Liaison Officer (TLO) and the Team Transportation Manager (TTM) should be ensured. The TSLOs will stay in the Team Base Hotel and accompany the team on all its journeys.

International Cooperation

The LOC informed that the participating countries would be requested to send their country's police liaison officers to act as spotters and liaison officers.

NATJOINTS will, in conjunction with the OC, establish an international liaison centre. Focus Areas:

- Hooliganism

- Terrorism / political extremism

- Fan support services

- Human Trafficking and Forced Prostitution

- Prevention and detection of fraud

International Liaison

The Safety and Security Division will conduct a presentation to DIRCO and embassy representatives of the 16 participating nations. It is noted that some PMAs have requested OC and SAPS to address PMA-specific accreditation requirements.

There is an ongoing one-on-one engagement with some of the PMA security representatives. 

The Intelligence Coordinating Committee is involved in Country and PMA-specific risk analysis, and corresponding security levels have been agreed to.

SAPS is establishing an International Cooperation Centre in which the Intelligence Services of the 16 PMAs will be represented.

Ticketing

The Board and WN approved the ticketing strategy. Its primary objective is to achieve revenue projection while considering price points enabling wide accessibility and affordability.

Tickets sold in sessions:

- Two games x 27 sessions (54);

- Three games x 2 sessions (six);

- Generating approximately 108 000 seats - less complimentary/entitlement tickets estimated 81,000 tickets AFS;

- CTICC one (arena one) - 5000 seat capacity, and CTICC 2 (arena two) – 1 200 seat capacity;

- Phase two ticket sales will be on sale from 10 February 2023.

Safeguarding

The LOC stated that safeguarding works to provide:

- A fair and respectful environment for all;

- Free from all non-accidental violence such as harassment, abuse, corruption, anti-doping, and manipulation of competitions;

- It results in a fun and enjoyable experience for all.

Objectives:

The safe sports team provides a holistic approach to safeguarding all participants, volunteers, and LOC at the games. 

The emphasis is on:

- Minimising the risks by reviewing existing game policies to ensure they deal with safeguarding procedures;

- Educating and empowering all participants, volunteers, and LOC about their rights;

- Protecting all stakeholders through proper systems and procedures;

- Providing a 24-hour reporting system;

- Managing reported incidences;

- Submitting a final games report.

Match Schedule

The LOC presented the match schedule as follows:

Phase one (preliminary stage):

- Four round-robin groups of four teams from day one to day three

- There will be two sessions per day.

Phase two (cross-over stage): 

- Three round-robin groups from day four until day seven.

- Group E: bottom place teams from A, B, C and D 

- Group F: six teams being the top three from groups A and B 

- Group G: six teams are the top three from groups C and D. 

Phase three (final classification games):

- Day seven and day eight 

- Playoffs matches 

- Semi-finals and finals 

Hospitality 

LOC said the VVIP partner's hospitality area would be used for partners and key stakeholders. 

Based on demand and relative expenses, they will offer their partners, on a first-come-first-serve basis, the opportunity to purchase additional hospitality packages for their various partners and staff and utilisation at their discretion.

Key Dates

- 100 days to go: 19 April 2023 

- The arrival of Trophy: 23 May 2023

- 50 days to go: June 2023 

- NWC2023 Precinct: 21 July 2023(teams and officials arrival)

- Meetings and Functions: 21-27 July 2023 

- WN Board: 25 July 2023

- WN Congress: 26-27 July 2023

- Candlelight Ceremony: 26 July 2023

- Welcome Dinner: 27 July 2023

- NWC2023 Competition begins: 28 July 2023 (Opening Ceremony)

- NWC2023 Competition ends (Medal Ceremony- 06 August 2023)

Commercial Funding

The LOC highlighted the critical points of the Ticket Sales Revenue.

Total ticket sales are anticipated, and they will not be sold as day tickets but as session tickets instead, to boost revenue. This kind of income accounts for 58% of all commercial funding. Even though the initial round of ticket sales only included the first five days of December 2022, there was significant demand for tickets.

Regarding sponsorship, 25% of all commercial funding comes from this source of income. Several sponsors have already been contacted for proposals on both cash and value in kind to alleviate the burden of budgetary constraints. The title sponsor and other tier-one sponsors have already been confirmed.

The LOC will ensure they get the most out of the business partners through their commercial agents.

The Netball World Cup competition's available inventory provides sponsors with various advantages.

Other revenue sources include merchandising and licensing, accommodation commission and travel rebates, hospitality and fan parks are some additional revenue streams for commercial support. Most revenue above streams will be established with partners like provincial governments, municipalities, and sponsors.

Total Expenditure

The LOC provided a breakdown of the total expenditure.

The World Netball's guidelines and handbook are the basis for the costs associated with planning and executing a successful Netball World Cup event.

The following sections comprise the strata of the expenditure budget:

- Business Operation costs - 20% of the entire budget is allocated to costs, which include operational and support service expenses.

- Tournament Operations costs comprise 58% of the entire budget and represent the primary planning and delivery activities.

- Personnel Costs – eight percent of the total budget comprises salaries and benefits.

International Hosting Fees - 15% of the budget comprises the fees for hosting the Netball World Cup.

[See the presentation for further details]

Discussion

The Chairperson thanked the Department and LOC for the presentations. She then opened the floor for Members to engage them.

Mr T Mhlongo (DA) posed a series of statements and questions to DSAC. 

He expressed concern that the Committee Members were not invited to the Legacy Programme events. The Committee needs to be involved as the parliamentary oversight. He asked who would maintain the legacy courts following the Netball World Cup, and what the budget for the maintenance is.

He said that promoting grassroots communities is critical. He provided an example of the need for netball courts in his constituency in Orange Farm. 

On the Sports Trust, he asked DSAC to clarify why the Sports Trust is finalising a new supplier for the projects, and why this needs to be managed internally in the Department. He also asked when the Financial Head would be appointed, and what recruitment plans were implemented. 

To LOC, he asked for an overview of how many members of the LOC were present in the meeting. He mentioned concern about the ongoing uncertainty of the relationship between LOC and Netball SA. 

He referred to the training venues and ticket sales. He asked LOC to confirm how many wooden floors will be utilised for the Netball World Cup. How many tickets have been sold to date? 

Ms R Adams (ANC) referred to DSAC's presentation on the earmarked funding of R9 million for hosting the world cup, which includes mobilising six million people to participate in the public view programmes. She asked the Department to clarify how it would manage a more significant number of participants. 

On provincial activities, she asked whether support would be based on the interest of provinces to participate. What are the nomination and selection criteria? 

Regarding the Sports Trust, she requested whether there were challenges with the previous supplier.

On LOC's briefing, she commended the safety preparations. She asked LOC to confirm the timeframes for finalising the safety preparations.

She noted that ticket sales are sold out for the opening ceremony. She asked the LOC to advise on measures to cater for additional ticket requests. 

Mr M Zondi (ANC) commended LOC on the publicity and community outreach improvements for the Netball World Cup. 

On ticket sales, he asked for a projected timeline for the completion of ticket sales. 

Ms V Van Dyk (DA) referred to the Netball World Cup financial report discussed at an IMC meeting, that the budget is in a deficit of R34 million. She asked the Department to confirm this and how the matter will be addressed. 

On the appointment of the DSAC's Director-General (DG), she asked the Department to clarify why a third DG was appointed. 

On the countdown launch of the Netball World Cup, she asked the Department to confirm the total cost and the number of persons invited to attend the launch. She also asked how many countdown clocks were purchased and at what cost. Where and how were the clocks distributed? 

Regarding the umpire's appointment panel, she asked the Department and Netball South Africa to provide a report on the loss of accreditation of Ms Annie Kloppers. 

On the appointment of an oversight official, she asked what the cost implications for the appointment were. Who selected the official? Is the appointment permanent or on a contract basis? 

On audited financial statements, she asked the DSAC to provide a report on the administrative, meeting, and travel expenses. She also asked whether the Committee may receive the recordings of the board meetings. 

Ms V Malomane (ANC) noted concerns about pending sponsorship and the lack of certainty regarding the conclusion of this matter. 

On the ticket sales, she asked how many tickets were sold beyond the less complimentary/entitlement tickets. She also asked whether tickets for children under 17 years would be on sale.

On trophy tours, she asked the Department to provide a provincial roadmap. 

Ms D Sibiya (ANC) referred to the vacancy of the Financial Officer. She asked whether the post was advertised.

Mr D Joseph (DA) cited the minutes of the Committee's previous meeting, namely Minister Mthethwa's closing comments on the importance of marketing and public relations. He asked for an update on the progress made on marketing and public relations activities for the Netball World Cup. 

He said that the previous minutes provided a surplus of R27 million. He requested an update on the reported surplus.

Regarding volunteers, he asked for an update on the placement of volunteers. 

On DIRCO, he asked how this DIRCO is supporting the participation of African countries in the Netball World Cup.

He asked the Department and LOC to provide feedback on the teambuilding process. 

The Chairperson noted the considerable efforts and achievements in preparation for the Netball World Cup. She requested the Department and LOC to provide a comprehensive report on the state of readiness for the Netball World Cup per province. 

On publicity, she said that efforts should be increased to improve the visibility of the Netball World Cup. In particular, this should be prioritised in the provincial schools. 

Responses

Netball South Africa

Ms Blanche de la Guerre, NSA's CEO, responded on the issue of wooden sprung floors. She said wooden floors are an international and health requirement. NSA and the other African netball associations were the only participants without wooden floors. Thus, NSA purchased the first wooden floor in 2005. In 2018, the world cup bid preparation process necessitated South Africa to fulfil this requirement. NSA incorporated the provision of wooden floors for all provinces.

Ms Priscilla Masisi, NSA's Tournament Director, added that NSA ordered two wooden sprung floors. In total, 13 wooden floors were ordered. Of the 13 floors, the four match floors cost R3.5 million each. The remaining nine floors, the training floors, costs R1.75 million each. 

She emphasised that there needs to be a budget for the maintenance of the floors. Provinces are required to provide a budget for maintenance. 

On ticket sales, approximately 20 000 tickets were sold. The majority of tickets purchased are for matches of the top five countries. 

In terms of sponsors, agreements are in the process of finalisation. The NSA is collaborating with World Netball to fast-track the agreements. 

On the trophy tours, the NSA requested provinces to provide their plans. A meeting with provinces was held on this matter. 

Regarding volunteers, the NSA is in the process of finalising the screening, vetting, interview and allocation processes. 

She said the NSA is engaging DIRCO on the involvement and support of other African countries. DIRCO is also assisting with marketing processes through abroad missions in African countries to improve the sale of tickets. 

Mr Thabang Moses, acting chief financial officer of the local organising committee, responded on the issue of the deficit. He stated that the IMC had instructed all stakeholders to resolve the deficit. The NSA placed the expected value in kind on the top part of the budget, namely the revenue streams. 

In evaluating the budget, the fundamental guiding question was how realistic the foreseen amounts and the impact thereof were. When the value in kind amounts was removed, a deficit of approximately R30 million was noted.

The NSA had to reconsider the budget to ensure that the revenue on top could be raised or cut the fact that it is below. A technical IMC meeting was held to discuss and resolve the matter. 

Ms Patience Shikwambana, Chairperson, 2023 Netball World Cup Board, specified that the board consists of seven members. Regarding the attendance of the meeting, four members were present. She noted the apologies of the Deputy Chairperson from the meeting.

The board meets fortnightly to discuss critical issues, including targets and milestones.

The board also meets on an ad hoc basis to address urgent matters. Ms Shikwambana also referred to the minutes of the previous meeting, namely Minister Mthethwa's commendation on the improved oversight. 

DSAC

Ms Khan apologised for the event invitations not being shared with the Members. She assured the Committee that this omission would be corrected, and all invitations would be extended to the Committee and other Members of Parliament.  

On the issue of the Sports Trust, she emphasised that it is a non-profit organisation. The Sports Trust was established in 1994 after discussions and recommendations with the late President Mandela and Minister of Sport, Mr Steve Tshwete, to incorporate sport as a vehicle to help bring about positive change and social cohesion in disadvantaged communities. 

The multi-purpose courts were launched in 2010. To date, 117 courts have been built, including the legacy projects. The Department indicated that they would provide a provincial breakdown of the courts. 

The maintenance of courts is essential, as the courts have a lifespan of 20 years, and extraordinary maintenance services must be procured internationally. 

Regarding the Sports Trust, there were challenges with the previous supplier, as the supplier needed more time to secure the procurement processes. The new supplier is a subsidiary of the manufacturer. 

The Netball Friday initiative led by NSA is a critical priority in the mobilisation strategy. A merchandising and licensing agent was appointed to manage the intellectual property. This will facilitate the mass production and distribution of t-shirts. The Department engages with the commercial agent to ensure the mobilisation commences effectively. 

In cooperation with the Netball World Cup Board, the Department asked the Committee for their support. In particular, they note that this is the first time South Africa will host the Netball World Cup. 

Follow-up questions

Ms Van Dyk reiterated her request concerning the umpire's appointment panel. She asked the Department and Netball South Africa to provide a report on Ms Annie Kloppers’ loss of accreditation.

Mr Mhlongo raised concerns about the expensive cost of the wooden sprung floors. He asked for a full report of the names of the international suppliers. 

Responses

Ms de la Guerre responded that the NSA would provide the Committee with a full report of the wooden sprung floors and the names of the suppliers.

Ms Khan added that the wooden sprung floors are essential, as they meet international standards and reduce the risk of injuries. 

The Chairperson thanked the DSAC, NSA and LOC for their attendance. 

Consideration and adoption of minutes

The Committee also considered and adopted outstanding minutes of the Committee. The draft minutes of the previous meetings held on 29 November and 02 December 2022. The minutes were unanimously adopted as a true reflection of the meetings. 

The meeting was adjourned.