Question NW2682 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
26 October 2023 - NW2682
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1) What development programmes does the Government have in place to encourage the sport of swimming in the Republic. (2) whether the Government is reliant on swimming clubs and schools with swimming pools to provide the swimming development programmes; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) programmes are in place and (b) financial assistance is given to (i) clubs and (ii) schools to run the programmes. (3) whether he has found that the funding provided is sufficient; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3071E
Reply:
(1). Where there are facilities, Club development, learn to swim in schools and communities, inter-school swimming leagues for primary and secondary schools, which is an extra-curricular activity are offered as development programs.
Schools participate in both recreational and competitive leagues; In-school swimming takes place in the first and fourth term, during life skills/life orientation/physical education lessons at schools that have access to facilities.
Swimming South Africa (SSA)’s qualified swimming teachers have been placed at community pools in townships where Foundation phase learners from adjacent schools attend lessons during physical education lessons. Water safety education takes place during the winter months at identified schools. Capacity building programs
are offered to educators for learn to swim, introductory coaching and coaching level one. These programs are funded by DSAC and NLC.
(2). Yes, as government, we are mostly reliant on school and club facilities when offering swimming development programs. This is due to the lack of functional swimming pools in many municipalities in provinces, especially in townships.
(a) Programs that are offered include learn to swim in quintile 1 – 3 schools during physical education; learn to swim in communities; club development; splash polo and artistic fun.
(b)i. Development clubs receive funding for coaches & swimming teachers, as well as administration, and athletes that are selected for national teams are assisted financially.
b(ii). Schools administer their own inter-school programs during extra-curricular activities. However, the Provincial Departments of Sport, Arts & Culture support schools’ swimming championships or trials, water safety education in schools in some provinces and provincial teams that are selected for S.A. Schools Championships.
(3). It is well established fact that funding for sport and recreation in general is insufficient, this is equally true for programs aimed at promoting and facilitating access to swimming in communities. A collaborated and integrated approach to the development of swimming by Local, Provincial and National Government is required.
Furthermore, it is important that local Government ensure that existing facilities are maintained, and new swimming pools are built in township and communities where there are no facilities.
THANK YOU