Tourism, Hospitality & Sport Education & Training Authority briefing on Annual Report 2006, & briefing by X-Professional Players
Sport, Arts and Culture
24 October 2006
Meeting Summary
A summary of this committee meeting is not yet available.
Meeting report
SPORT
AND RECREATION PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
24 October 2006
TOURISM, HOSPITALITY
AND SPORT EDUCATION AND TRAINING AUTHORITY BRIEFING ON ANNUAL REPORT 2006,
& BRIEFING BY X-PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS (PTY) LTD
Chairperson: Mr B Komphela (ANC)
Documents handed out:
Tourism, Hospitality
& Sport Education & Training Authority Annual Report 2006
Theta Report to Sport
& Recreation Portfolio Committee
SUMMARY
The Annual
Report from the Tourism, Hospitality & Sport Education & Training
Authority was tabled and considered. An unqualified audit report had been
achieved. The Authority still had a limited budget. An outline was given of the
various areas in which training was being offered, and the targets for each
area. It was noted that some government departments had not paid the fees due by
them.
Members were concerned about the apparent lack of any mechanism to track
whether learners did in fact find employment. The targets set seemed too low as
the report indicated over-performance. The need for training sports officials
was highlighted. It was questioned if the training provided was appropriate to
the job market.
A presentation was given by X Professional Players (Pty) Ltd, a company formed
to look after the interests of retired football players and their children.
Negotiations with the 2010 World Cup organising committee had led to a
commitment to employ a thousand drivers, who should be ex players during the
tournament. A stake had been obtained in
a cement company, and the delegation requested the Committee’s support in
supplying cement for World Cup related building projects. Another aim was to
have ex-players taking control of provincial bodies and being in charge of
coaching initiatives.
The members supported this initiative. It was suggested that this project be
linked with the proposed Hall of Fame. Lottery funding should also be
considered. The Committee would inform the Minister of this initiative.
MINUTES
The
Chairperson said that the Annual Report of the Department of Sport and
Recreation (SRSA) would be dealt with at a later stage.
Briefing by Tourism,
Hospitality & Sport Education & Training Authority
Mr Mike
Tsotetsi, CEO, Tourism,
Hospitality & Sport Education & Training Authority (Theta), said that it was a
pleasure to interact with the Committee, to reflect on the past year, and to
show how the plans introduced to the Committee in November 2005 had borne
fruit.
The Auditor General (AG) had qualified the 2005 Annual Financial Report, as
Theta had not being living within its budget. The 2006 Annual Report was
unqualified. The organisation would never again exceed the 10% threshold over
budget. Constraints had been placed on spending. The previous AG report had
indicated non-compliance in terms of procurement policy and the supply chain.
Processes were now in place to address these issues.
Mr Tsotetsi said that Theta had limited financial resources, despite public
misconception that they had reserves. Sums of money had been accumulated due to
various companies having produced faulty documentation. This had resulted in a
book surplus. The money had to be disbursed at an appropriate time. Claims for
the training levy had gone up. Companies were now conducting training and
levies would be claimed on this basis. There was in fact a reduction in the
accumulation of the surplus. Money was being spent on projects, which were
consistent with the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS). Critical areas
were being addressed.
Ms Maureen Mashabane, Sports Chamber Co-ordinator for Sport, Recreation and
Fitness, Theta, summarised Theta’s programme regarding the NSDS, future plans
and challenges. Projects included sports facility management, racing and the
equestrian sector, foreign language training for tour guides, computer
literacy, management development, casino courses and service provider capacity
building. Theta tried to cover all nine provinces. Some projects were
restricted geographically, such as the racing and equestrian project that was
presented only in KwaZulu-Natal. A high percentage of this work would occur in
the rural areas.
Various learnership programmes were listed. She said that it seemed Gauteng was
getting a large share of these programmes. The progress report indicated
assistance from small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMME’s). 2152 SMME’s had
assisted in the various provinces. Nineteen skills development advisors had
been used. Their responsibilities included workplace and implementation
planning. The goal was to prepare employers for the implementation of learners.
This list did not include the Free State and Northern Cape provinces, but they
would be addressed in future planning.
Ms Mashabane listed collaborations with 15 FET colleges and noted that Theta
would try to increase its work in Free State. Memorandums of Understanding
(MoU) had been concluded with these colleges. A skills audit had been conducted
in all provinces, and Theta was working with provincial authorities. A
breakdown was given of 50 learners in Limpopo, and 30 in the Western Cape, who
had received training. The National Skills Fund was funding projects in the
Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga. In the Northern Cape, 24 tour guides had been
taught German and French. In the North West a team had participated in
provincial skills development meetings.
Ms Mashabane listed the numbers of unemployed learners that had benefited from
learnership programmes. Half of these were in the rural areas. Equity of gender
had been achieved. The ratio of black to white learners was 1463 to 11. Nothing
had happened in the Free State. She listed the future plans, which included 21
programmes in all the provinces, mostly dealing with sports facility
management. This would enhance the skills of South African women and men
leading up to 2010. These programmes covered a four year period, and some would
be starting in the middle of November 2006. Theta was in the process of
finalising a MoU with SRSA. It was also looking at signing a MoU with the SA
Local Government Association (SALGA) and were talking with the SA Football
Association (SAFA) and others. The programmes would target some 19 555 learners
and an amount of R 214 million was budgeted. Targets were set out, involving
180 unemployed learners. Gauteng would not participate, to allow more learners
from other provinces to do so.
Ms Mashabane then mentioned the challenges facing Theta. Firstly, there was the
exemption of paying levies granted to SMME’s. More than 80% of the companies
being dealt with by Theta were SMME’s. Secondly, the tourism BEE scorecard was
a problem because of the demand that was being generated for more learnerships
to meet targets. A third challenge was the transformation strategy for sport.
The final challenge was the mounting pressure on Theta due to the expectations
of 2010.
Discussion
Mr R
Reed (ANC) referred to the separation of the Garden Route and Mossel Bay, and
stated that he believed that Mossel Bay fell within the Garden Route. He asked
about training in a province like the Northern Cape, and if this was reserved
for future emphasis. He thought that more work was needed there as the province
was huge, yet was being marginalised. The same applied to the Free State.
Mr Tsotetsi said that he was not sure why Mossel Bay was not grouped together
with the Garden Route. He agreed that the Northern Cape was a vast area.
Peculiar circumstances prevailed in the province, which suffered from a lack of
training providers. Service providers had to be trained to handle training.
Theta could not rely on mobile providers to do this, and the provinces should
be independent. A skills audit had been held in the Northern Cape recently. A
white paper on tourism had been produced through the different regions in the
province. It was a sad situation that sport had not been included in this
study. This would have made life easier for Theta.
Mr M Dikgacwi (ANC) referred to the challenge of transformation, and asked for
more detail on this and the sports strategy.
Gen B Holomisa (UDM) asked if there was a mechanism to monitor if trainees got
jobs. He noticed that training seemed to be confined to colleges.
Mr Tsotetsi said that Theta was aiming to enhance the capacity of public and
private service providers. A tracking mechanism was needed. For the past two
years Theta had been ensuring that training did take place, but could not track
whether learners were finding employment. This was now being done by conducting
follow-ups with learners and employers.
Gen Holomisa asked Theta to be aware of a group called Tutuga, which had been
formed five years ago. Tutuga produced study guides in various subjects with
the aim of developing black chartered accountants, and targeted students who
could not find a place in universities. Their work was funded by the Skills
Fund. There was some synergy in the work being done by Theta. The structures
were well developed. In six provinces 24 tons of written material had been
distributed, apart from the syllabi. They were only looking at Grade 12
learners. Theta should be aware of this group.
Mr Tsotetsi knew that Tutuga was in place. If the skills audit were to show the
need for this, Theta would not hesitate to allocate resources. Sports and
tourism were not attractive industries as wages were low. Most people involved
were there because of their passion for these activities and their last consideration
was their salary. This could become a barrier to the sectors as a career.
Prospective sports professionals would have to see the benefits before
committing themselves to the industry.
Mr J Masango (DA) queried the NSDS targets listed under items 2.8 and 3.1 of
the presentation. He also queried the amounts spent in Gauteng, as he had
thought that most unemployment was in the rural areas.
Mr Tsotetsi stated that the NSDS indicators were explained in the Annual
Report. To make training practical in the rural areas there had to be a cycle
of learner, trainer and employer. While this was lacking, learners would
continue to migrate from rural to urban areas. Opportunities must be made
available in the rural areas. This was being done under trying circumstances,
and there was some funding from the Department of Education (DoE). Theta had
visited several areas and was still going out to the people.
Mr Masango noted that in planning the spending for 2010 Theta needed to know
how many trainees would be identified. He asked how the figure of R9.9 million
was informed. Mr Masango stated that the progress report showed what Theta
wanted to achieve. He noted the figures, but asked where the targets were.
Mr Tsotetsi said that Theta was aiming to enhance the capacity of public and
private service providers. A tracking mechanism was needed. For the past two
years Theta had been ensuring that training did take place, but could not track
whether learners were finding employment. This was now being done by conducting
follow-ups with learners and employers.
Mr Tsotetsi replied that the performance of this SETA was detailed in the
Annual Report, in Appendix 1. The Department of Labour (DoL) had conducted an
audit, and agreed that the figures were correct. This had been done after the
publication of the Annual Report. The DoL report would be made available to
members of the Committee.
A skills audit was currently being carried out throughout the organisation in
terms of sport and tourism. A study had been commissioned in August and a brief
report had been provided. A meeting had been held to discuss this the previous
week. He said that a tracking system was in place, but was not yet yielding
results. It was a work in progress.
Mr Tsotsetsi said that the projects regarding 2010 had to be seen in context.
There was a list of projects, most of which were sports related. The Board of
Theta had been convinced to put sufficient resources into sport.
Mr Tsotetsi said that youth coaching should be undertaken both in and out of
school contexts. Some of the officials who needed training were club owners.
Proper administration skills were needed. Training was needed on both
administrative and technical issues.
He pointed out that 2010 was just around the corner. Facilities managers had to
be up to speed, and a pilot study had been conducted with 60 learners in
conjunction with the University of Pretoria. More studies were needed.
Discussions were also being held with Boxing South Africa. A one-stop service
would be needed to deal with 2010. Theta needed an indication as to where it
could get involved. If the co-ordination required was in place then Theta could
make interventions where needed. They had asked the Local Organising Committee
(LOC) where the needs existed. It must get involved now, so that it was not too
late to react to the challenges.
Volunteers were needed to drive the mass participation program (MPP). Learners
must not struggle to find jobs, and their experiences with the MPP should make
them more marketable. Discussions with SRSA still had to happen, and they must
guard against duplication of efforts.
Mr Tsotetsi added that work had to be done in the area of media liaison . It
would be sad if the country had to rely on foreign commentators. Co-operation
was needed with another SETA for this, and discussion had to be held. Facility
management also fell within the sphere of the SETA responsible for local
government. These were pertinent interventions.
Mr William Chuene, Skills Development Manager, Theta, explained that Theta’s
workers operated in specific areas. One person was tasked to service the area
around Mossel Bay and George. In the operational environment there was a
constant juggle to engage people across all sectors. The revenue from the
sports sector was between R9 million and R 11 million. The budget still
outweighed income. The tourism sector was critical. He understood the synergy
between the two sectors but this did not seem to be happening. At international
level a MoU had been concluded between the sports and tourism sectors, but this
was not happening in South Africa. A comprehensive approach was needed. The
SETA had to benefit in the light of best practices.
On the issue of the BEE scorecard, the South African Sports and Olympic
Committee SASCOC board had been asked where the transformation document was. A
question was how far transformation had progressed. This would show the way
forward for Theta. In terms of the budget numbers, some of these were detailed
in the Annual Report. These could be made available. Some 384 coaches were
being trained. Thirteen federations were to benefit from this training, with 25
coaches from each code involved. Football had a higher allocation of 60
coaches. The numbers for each project were clear. There were 1500 learnerships
in question. He agreed that the figures had perhaps not been elevated enough.
Gen Holomisa surmised that Theta must be a large institution. He asked if
training was outsourced, and if so who was responsible for accrediting the
institutions. If some codes were assisted, he asked if Theta dealt directly
with the responsible associations, or if anyone could make use of the training
opportunity. There was a need to integrate sport and tourism, and he thought
that this process should also include the environment. Litter was a problem.
There was a need to inculcate a culture of ownership. This was perhaps not in
Theta’s brief, but Theta needed to give the matter some thought.
Mr Tsotetsi replied that Theta was a small organisation based in the ivory
towers of Rivonia. They did not conduct training themselves, but merely
facilitated the process. Employers conducted the training and then claimed back
their expenses from Theta. The report only reflected the number of companies
who did reclaim money. A surplus was accumulated from the levies of companies
who did not do their own training. He asked what should happen with this money.
Tenders were submitted by public and private training providers. The playing
fields needed to be leveled.
Ms W Makgate (ANC) was a little worried about the challenges that Theta had
listed. Theta was looking at learners, but she was not sure of the quality of
their education. Learners were trained, but thereafter faced an uncertain
future. A mechanism was needed to monitor the service providers. She asked if
their certification was recognised.
Mr Tsotetsi replied that service providers would normally be accredited.
Non-accredited providers were only used on rare occasions. Theta conducted its
own accreditation process, and it was a painstaking procedure. Quality was
needed in delivery. Federations should be encouraged to be trained themselves
in order to become accredited providers. Sixty learners were on course in
Johannesburg to study the development of learning material. There was a
disturbing trend of large companies producing licenced material, which was sold
to the public for huge prices.
Mr Reed asked if it would be possible to train the officials of national
federations. This was a problematic area as some were not qualified for the
jobs they were doing. Regarding the tourism sector requirements for 2010, he
noted that there would be a host of other needs for the various positions
required to run the tournament.
Mr T Louw (ANC) stated that if it was possible to train federation officials,
then SAFA would be high on the list. When training learners, he asked if Theta
was liaising with business sectors. The skills taught needed to match the jobs
that would be done.
Mr Tsotetsi said that Theta would talk to the federations regarding their
needs. The process had started, and a fourth meeting would be held soon.
Federations were to identify people needing training. SAFA was a big
stakeholder. It was correct that federations needed to come on board, and their
academies would be ideal platforms. Some had the necessary equipment and
infrastructure. Theta would incur costs to make sure the product was
acceptable. Four were now in the programme, and there was great enthusiasm in
the Free State.
Ms M Ntuli (ANC) wanted clarity with the youth coaching referred to on page 9
of the presentation. She asked what the criteria were. She noted that tour
guides had been trained in foreign languages, but said that other people such
as vendors also needed this kind of training.
Mr Tsotetsi commented that, on the issue of sport versus tourism, raised by Gen
Holomisa and Ms Ntuli, the environment should indeed also be on the agenda,
both at national and provincial level. There was another SETA which would deal
with the issue at local level. Discussions had been held with the SA Local
Government Association (SALGA) and the Local Government SETA, and environmental
issues were being taken seriously.
Generally, he commented that the fees payable by government departments had
been endorsed during 2001. These were set at 10% of 1% of the budget. This was
not happening.
Theta had deployed foot soldiers who were on the road checking on the training
providers. Chamber co-ordinators checked with the learners.
Some national federations were conducted as businesses. Funds could be well
used. He would report back on who these federations were. It was critical that
training was consistent. Theta needed to check if learners were passing at the
various levels.
Mr Masango commented that he had now found the targets that he raised in an
earlier question in the Annual Report. He noticed that Theta had performed
above their targets in some areas. He suggested that higher targets should
therefore be used. In looking at the Board members, he noticed that the Sports
Commission (SC) was still represented, even though this organisation had been
disbanded some time previously. He noted that in the attendance register for
Board meetings, use was made of either the word ‘absent’ or dashes. There were
a lot of these. The word ‘absent’ should rather be used than a dash.
Mr A Mlangeni (ANC) commented that no full titles were indicated for some of
the acronyms or abbreviations used, and this made it difficult to read the
document. In reading the NSDS targets, he asked what the figures such as 3.1
meant. It seemed that the number of learners trained in the last year was on
target.
Gen Holomisa told Mr Mlangeni that the abbreviations were explained in the
Annual Report.
Perspective was needed on the targets achieved, Mr Tsotetsi said. The NSDS had
been determined in March 2005 by the DoL. SETA’s had been instructed to achieve
targets. These had been divided proportionally amongst the various SETA’s, and
each was running with its own agreement with the DoL. These agreements had been
sealed by agreements in terms of the Public Finances Management Act (PFMA) and
in service level agreements. He agreed that some targets were low, but
performance had been dismal in some areas in contrast to the good areas. The
skills audit would determine the literacy level of the industry. A proper base
had not yet been set out. Negotiations were being conducted regarding Theta’s
agreement with the DoL for 2007/08 and a baseline would be on the agenda.
Mr Tsotetsi said that the provision for an SC member on the Board was a
constitutional requirement. This had been amended on 11 August 2006. The new
Board had come into place on 11 October without an SC representative. SASCOC
had been invited to attend. Theta had been careful not to embarrass members who
had been absent from Board meetings.
Mr Chuene said that there was a new project to train 450 youth coaches. Four
sessions would be held. There would be three or four sessions with SAFA. The
NSDS defined five objectives, which were success indicators. The numbers in the
presentation were references to these objectives, and were explained in the
Annual Report.
The Chairperson said that language literacy should also be given to arts and
crafts vendors.
Mr Chuene said that the Media, Advertising, Packaging and Publishing SETA was
responsible for this training. Their clientele did not think about
demarcations. They were also responsible for sports commentators. The other
SETAs were working together with Theta. The mismatch between skills and jobs
was a huge concern. A forum was being established to discuss this problem.
The Chairperson felt that it was necessary to follow up on this.
Ms Makgate asked if learners would be employable. She compared the Annual
Report to the AG’s report, and asked what Theta was doing to report on the
differences.
Mr Louw was concerned over the general performance of SETA. The Minister of
Labour had indicated a reluctance for companies to train staff. The feeling was
that they were only doing this in order to reclaim levies. He asked how many
companies were involved in skills training, and how many of these were former
members of the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut. He was concerned over the
reluctance of some companies to do training. He asked how effective the
training was.
Mr Tsotetsi replied that companies were willing to train. They were claiming
grants. They would depend on reports to assess the situation. He was pleased to
announce the declarations of companies in tourism and COSATU to reach common
objectives. Companies were committed to training in accordance with the
National Qualification Framework. He was very excited above this. Placement was
an issue. Tracking systems would reflect the situation.
Mr Louw noted that the salaries of staff members were tabled in the Annual
Report. He asked what the item under the heading of Social Contribution was
for; if it was an earning or a donation. It was the first time he had seen such
an item.
Mr Tsotetsi said that the item under Social Contribution was a contribution
towards Theta’s pension fund. It was only payable to full time members of
Theta. The figures given were transparent
The Chairperson said that the Annual Report for 2005 had not been pleasing, but
he was greatly encouraged by this Report. Theta had heeded the advice that had
been given. He asked if sports clubs were not being controlled, as there were
no indications that they were claiming levies back. There was no spending on
skills development, and he asked if there was any progress in this regard.
He expressed a concern that on page 55 of the Annual Report 26 members of the
Board were listed, but on page 56 fourteen Executive Committee members were
named (Gideon Sam of the SC excluded). This was not correct.
He had understanding of the role of Theta in the rural areas. The presentation
indicated a bias towards poor rural areas. Excuses were not valid, and the
situation in the Northern Cape was an example of a situation that demanded
addressing. There was a percentage of rural people quoted, and he wanted to know
where this came from. He had a different understanding in his own context. He
said that Theta had done well not to give attention to Gauteng.
The Chairperson said that the report was by and large correct. In the
challenges listed he found one shock regarding the expansion of SMME’s. No
solution was provided on the expectations of 2010 and the skills development
targets. Cabinet had taken a decision in 2001 regarding the payment of levies
by government departments. He wanted a list of these departments by the end of
the week as they were flouting the Cabinet decision. He would then engage with
the Chairpersons of the respective Committees.
The Chairperson said that officials of an entity must not present the budget,
but only the Chairperson of the Board should do this. The Chairperson should
lay down the ground in any presentation, after which the CEO could be called on
to give technical details. The Chairperson of the Board must set policies and
must answer for any irregularities.
Mr Mlangeni queried the comment that Chairpersons were to present the Annual
Report of his entity rather than the CEO. In most institutions he felt that the
Chairperson knew far less than the CEO about the operation of the institution,
as this was the CEO’s daily work.
The Chairperson said that the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport had
arrived with both their Chairperson and CEO. The Chairperson had led the
report. This was correct in terms of the Committee rules. He had then left the
technical matters to the CEO. Where government funds were an issue, the
Chairperson would be subjected to interrogation. The Minister was not an
accounting officer, but he was still expected to present his report personally.
In terms of rules and laws, the accounting officer was separate to the
Chairperson. The CEO understood the nuts and bolts of operations.
Mr Louw echoed the Chairperson’s sentiments. The Chairperson led the Board, and
so must lead the delegation.
Briefing by X
Professional Players ((Pty) Ltd
The
Chairperson welcomed the delegation from X Professional Players (Pty) Ltd,
which had been set up to look after the interests of retired football players.
South African soccer lovers were excited to see that the game was coming back
to the fore. Many ex-players had suffered health problems or unemployment.
These idols and veterans had a role in transferring interest and getting people
back to the game. They needed to have a sustainable life once their playing
days were over. Only a few were able to do something after retirement. This
association had to work hard to make a success of its endeavours.
Mr Butityi Konki, Co-Ordinator, X Professional Players (Pty) Ltd, expressed his
deepest gratitude for the opportunity to address the Committee.
Mr Jomo Sono, Chairman, X Professional Players (Pty) Ltd said that he and Mr
Kaiser Motaung had discussed the plight of ex-players both in South Africa and
the rest of the world at the funeral of Ace Ntsolengoe. Some had benefited from
the policy of divide and rule, but many had nowhere to go. He had seen the
opportunity with Mr Motaung and some of the other players who had carried the
flag during the apartheid days. The X Professional Players company had
therefore been established to look after the needs of retired soccer players.
They had also decided it was also necessary to care for the children of
deceased players.
X Professional Players had got Match, a FIFA affiliate, to come on board with
them. A thousand drivers would be employed during the World Cup as part of this
partnership, and these would all be ex-players. There would also be a
partnership regarding the staging of the SoccerEx exhibition, which would be
held in the country until 2010. They were waiting for a proposal, which would
include activities such as driving and the raising of sponsorship. They had
also held negotiations with one of the oldest funeral parlours and had a 25%
holding in a cement company. They would like to see 20% of the cement used in
World Cup building projects, whoever the builders were, supplied by this company.
Many jobs might be created. Ex-players could deliver their labour, and would go
forward as a result.
Negotiations were also being held with a large insurance company. This would
look after the comrades. He said that skill, guts and luck were all necessary
for a prospective player to cross the bridge to success. The company was not
about making money.
Mr Sono said that the company would also talk to the SETA about development.
Teachers loved the game and were coaching children, but did not always have the
necessary coaching skills. Players had talent, but their skills had to be
redeveloped when they came into contact with professional coaches. Development
had to start at the bottom. Ex-players should be used to coach the youth. There
was no continuation at the moment, and co-ordination was needed.
He expressed a wish that by 2008 all provincial officials would be ex-players.
Administrators who did not have a playing background were unable to talk
football issues.
Mr Sono said that national coaches had no option but to use overseas-based
players. Local children developed bad habits due to poor coaching. Many clubs
had started academies, and attracted the best young players. His club, Cosmos,
had an academy that provided accommodation and schooling for children. However,
the politics of provincial selection often forced players to disguise their
links with the clubs. A delegation from England was coming to the country soon,
and local coaches would be accredited with English diplomas and licences to coach.
He would invite the Committee to meet with this delegation.
Mr Sono noted that the funding held large opportunities, and players must have
their fair share. This was his company’s mission. Help was needed, but only in
the form of support and not money.
Discussion
Mr Louw
remarked that the previous Chairperson of the Committee had never forgotten to
mention the ex-players. This remembrance had now become a reality. This was not
only a concept for 2010. The delegation must tell government how its various
departments could help. He quipped that members of the Committee had much in
common, as ex-parliamentarians had the same plight as the ex-players.
Mr Dikgacwi said that he was grappling with one thing. Ex-players needed to
take over the leadership of controlling bodies. He asked what was being done to
achieve this, and what the status of the players was. There had to be
confidence in the people, and he did not see the need for foreigners such as Mr
Trevor Phillips to run local organisations. The team had to reach out as far as
possible into the deep rural areas. Many players returned to their home
villages after retiring.
Mr Reed shared these views. This was what sports people had been waiting for
for some time. There had been similar concerns with boxers. This initiative
should include all players. He asked if the vision included broadening the
campaign to other codes. There had been great players during the isolation age
who were denied the opportunity of playing on the international stage.
Ms Ntuli expressed her thanks for the initiative by Mr Sono and his team. It
had touched her heart that they were looking after the children, as the
families of the retired players were often forgotten. She was a little worried
that some ex-players had not been exposed to better incentives in their playing
days. It was a good thing that this had started, but politics might interfere.
She asked what strategy was being used to communicate with the ex-players. She
noted that the bridge to success was narrow.
Mr B Solo (ANC) said that a vision and concept were awaited. He had a passion
for sport and had been impressed by the presentation. He asked where the impact
would be, both in terms of quality and quantity. There was a gap between
government institutions and people on the ground. The SETA’s had been established to run
training through various agencies. His own experience of this process was
pathetic. He asked if it would be proper for the SETA to prioritise ex-players
as a core group when looking at target groups. This concept should also be
extended to other sports.
He said that there had not been a fight to merge into white teams and
federations. Black structures and clubs had been accepted in their own right.
He asked if this group would have any influence on the way things were run in
the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and SAFA. Foreigners were active in these
spheres, and imperialist ideas were creeping into the country. These people
were not prepared and did not appreciate the national agenda. The X Professional
Players company was getting the locals involved. The mass participation program
worked within communities to a large extent. Ex-players should be part of the
training program, which should produce disciplined players of quality.
Mr Mlangeni applauded the efforts of the company. He repeated the comments of
his colleagues. Ex-players would be assisted, some of whom were sickly. It was
not the idea to run football associations, but rather to raise funds to help.
He asked what the qualification criteria would be, and what the starting point
would be in terms of the age of players. He also asked if there was any
consideration for foreign players who had enjoyed their careers in South
Africa.
Mr R Bhoola (MF) shared the company’s sentiments. One child in sport was one
out of court. He reminded the members of the concept of the proposed Hall of
Fame. This was overwhelmingly satisfactory.
It would be a platform for the masses in the rural areas to showcase
their talents. It was a wonderful idea, and the end product was important. He
asked what strategy would be used to ensure that people in the dense rural
areas were reached. He was amazed to hear that an institution approached the
Committee for support only and not for funding. He asked what was kind of
support was expected. He needed clarity on the referees and coaches coming from
England. He wanted to ensure that South African ex-players would be on board,
and asked if they were lacking in coaching skills. He wondered if the concept
relating to coaching in schools would not impinge on the work of SRSA.
Gen Holomisa agreed that this initiative was a good idea. In terms of business,
the company clearly wanted a slice for the ex-players. His advice was not to be
complacent with the backing given by FIFA. He suggested that they contact the
LOC immediately, as this was the body that would administer the stadium
tenders. If these were issued, they would need to consider the women and youth
sectors. There would be a need to emphasise this new body, but they were running
out of time. Therefore the planned cycle would have a key factor of time
management. Tenders had already gone out. Certain big companies would also be
involved in the catering, tourism and environment sectors. It would be
wonderful if the ex-players representatives could negotiate a piece of this
action. FIFA had shown themselves to be champions of the environment, and had
insisted on the greening of stadiums. The company should not rest on its
laurels but get involved with the LOC, Departments of Public Works and
Transport. SRSA could provide moral support but had no budget. Honest opinions
should be shared. The real money was being invested in transport and the public
works program. The Committee would lobby for the company behind the scenes.
Ms Makgate asked about the age of the thousand drivers. He asked if age would
be a consideration. In the schools development programme the teachers were
taking the initiative but were not being recognised due to a lack of structure.
She echoed Mr Sono’s concern about players having to disguise their
affiliations in order to win selection for representative teams. Players had to
go to Gauteng to make a name for themselves.
Mr Konki replied that they had traveled this route a few weeks previously. A
summit had been held and all players had been invited. Mr Sono had been
appointed as Chairperson. A briefing on labour had been held with COSATU. Two
meetings had been held with Mr Danny Jordaan of the LOC. Guidelines had been
given and a way forward mapped out. They had also met with Match, which would
be responsible for World Cup hospitality, hotels and ticketing activities. This
was a most important venture. They had been told to give a thousand drivers. A
deal was being done with Avis, which would provide rental cars and the
identified ex-players would be dedicated drivers. They would be able to talk
football with the visiting dignitaries. FIFA would pay for this. He agreed that
it was too late for tenders. Acquisitions by the state would account for
between 20 and 40% of procurement.
Mr Sono said that white people were involved in the administration of the PSL.
The public was crying out for some who were not serving in the PSL. Some of the
administrators were not connected with the clubs. Some did not care for whom
they voted as long as they continued to get their allowances. Football was in
trouble. Support was needed, and he would be going to the Department of Trade
and Industry using this Committee as a reference. A meeting had been arranged
with the Department of Transport. There would be trouble with the building of
stadiums, and his company would have to be given a slice of the cement
procurement. They could not do anything about the running of SAFA at present,
but might be able to influence this body in two years. Sugar-Ray Ncula was
serving on the Committee and Bernard Hartze was Chairperson of a committee.
Regional chairpersons had been appointed and would spread the gospel around the
country. A roadshow would be conducted in December.
Mr Konki said that a meeting had been held with the city managers of the host
cities in Johannesburg on 18 October. He had been warmly welcomed on this
occasion.
The Chairperson extended his congratulation to the delegation for their efforts
in looking after ex-players. The role of the ex-players had to be appreciated.
The new democratic government must not appear to be uncaring. He would refer
them to the necessary places and people to hold discussions. Lottery funding
should also be considered, as millions of Rand were available for noble
objectives.
An important message from the members was that “local is lekker”. It could not
be right for foreign coaches to dominate the sport. He was unhappy with the
patterns of professional teams, who seemed only interested in winning the R4
million at stake in one competition. A building process was needed to repair
the public’s dented confidence. It might be acceptable to appoint a foreign
head coach, but there was an unacceptable discrepancy between the foreign and
local assistant coaches in terms of skills and payment.
Mr Komphela said the ex-players should be part of the Hall of Fame. The idea
was linked to Mr Sono’s presentation. They must inform the Committee quickly to
report on their progress. He would inform the Minister, as there was a similar
initiative for rugby players. He also mentioned the monthly meeting between the
Minister, the provincial MEC’s and Heads of Department. This meeting should be
sensitised to the company’s plans. Their programme for 2006 was complete, but
Mr Sono must be given a chance to brief this meeting in the new year.
The meeting was adjourned.
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