Question NW2855 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
11 December 2020 - NW2855
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
1. Whether, with reference to the Republic’s women’s soccer team, Banyana-Banyana, which has once again made the Republic proud by winning the seventh Women’s Championship title of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations on 7 November 2020, and noting the worrying reports that the players were not paid throughout the tournament, he will confirm the veracity of the reports; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the details of the circumstances that led to the non-payment of players; 2. what (a) measures will his department put in place to ensure payment structures are fairer for the players in future and (b) initiatives has his department undertaken to deal with the lack of adequate sponsorship for Banyana-Banyana?
Reply:
1. My department has noted the concern of players not being paid throughout the COSAFA tournament, however, it should be understood that remuneration of players is an administrative matter, which falls within the ambit of the Federation.
Involvement in such administrative matters by the Ministry is provided for and guided by section 13 of the National Sport and Recreation Act. The South African Football Association (SAFA) has also indicated that the payment and contractual relationship with the Team is an internal matter they are seized with.
(2)(a). Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13 of National Sport and Recreation Act, DSAC is in the process of developing a National Policy to address carious affecting Woman Sport in general, not only in football.
(b). The Department does not deal with code specific matters as this falls within the administrative ambit of the respective Federations. However, SAFA has indicated that the lack of financial support for Women Sport in South Africa is well known and documented. The National Policy developed by DSAC seeks to address such issues, including sponsorships for Women Sport.