Question NW3494 to the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

Reply:

South African Rugby provided the following information in response to the question;

There are no deaf rugby clubs in South Africa, all deaf rugby players play for amateur clubs in their area of residence, which is understandably problematic. SADRA’s aim is to implement more programmes in future to enable player numbers to grow and to establish their own clubs.

The South African Deaf Rugby Association (SADRA) has a footprint in the following provinces:

1. Eastern Cape
2. Free State
3. Gauteng
4. KwaZulu-Natal
5. Limpopo
6. Mpumalanga
7. Northwest
8. Western Cape.

The relationship with SADRA is governed by a memorandum of agreement entered in 2018. SADRA has their own governance structures and is responsible to source its own money, sponsors, and partners. SADRA is responsible for their own development and building its footprint. SA Rugby assist SADRA on their request. The following is the support provided by SA Rugby to SADRA.

1. Ensures access to BokSmart training programs and courses for all SADRA members. It was made accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
2. Ensures SADRA participants have access to SA Rugby/World Rugby Coaching, Referee and Club administration courses.
3. Supports SADRA events.
4. SA Rugby provided SADRA with funds in 2022. This support will be repeated in 2023.
5. SA Rugby has applied for funding to the Department for Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) for a grant in aid (Funding) on behalf of Deaf Rugby.
6. SA Rugby is assisting SADRA with an application to the Lotto. Due to governance reasons at SADRA prior to the appointment of their new President, this is currently work in process.
7. SA Rugby is committed to contributing certain items (kit) for the men and female teams for the 2023 World Cup Sevens in Cordoba, Argentina 2023.
8. The participation of the female team is under consideration and subject to the availability of player resources that is currently being investigated by SADRA.