Hansard: NA: Mini-plenary (Debate on Vote 37)
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 09 May 2023
Summary
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Minutes
UNREVISED HANSARD
MINI PLENARY - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TUESDAY, 9 MAY 2023
VOTE NO 37 – SPORTS, ARTS AND CULTURE
PROCEEDINGS OF MINIPLENARY SESSION – GOOD HOPE CHAMBER
Watch: Mini-Plenary (Debate on Vote 37)
Members of the mini-plenary session met at Good Hope Chamber at 14:01.
The House Chairperson Mr C T Frolick took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayer or meditation.
APPROPRIATION BILL
Debate on Vote No 37 – Office of the Chief Justice:
[No audio recording]
The MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE: ... U20Rugby World
Cup will be held in Cape Town. The Commonwealth Judo Championships will be held in Gqeberha. The inaugural Down Syndrome World Gymnastics Championships will be held in the City of Tshwane.
In 80 days ... [Sound cut off.] ... from today, South Africa plays host to the Netball World Cup from 28 July to 06 August 2023, demonstrating the commitment to the advancement of sport, particularly for women in the country. This is another historical moment as it is the first time that the event is hosted on the African soil.
This all-women event will also have an all-female television crew. Major progress has been made with the preparations for the Netball World Cup with the milestones already celebrated, such as the launch of Netball Fridays.
The Netball World Cup 2023 trophy tour will kick-off in KwaZulu-Natal on Africa Day, 25 May 2023, travelling through all Provinces and ending in the Western Cape, Cape Town, on the 12th of July.
In addition to the above hosted events, the international sport calendar for 2023-24 will be busy with South African teams participating in the following international events:
FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand; Commonwealth Youth Games to be held in Trinidad and Tobago; Rugby World Cup to be held in France, where we are defending our world championship title, to be held from the 8th of September to the 28th of October; the 13th African Games to be held in three cities in Ghana, in March 2024.
During the 2022-23 financial year women athletes dominated the international scene which saw the department recognize Banyana Banyana for their excellent performance as they were crowned Champions of the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations.
The ultimate recognition of excellence was during the 16th edition of South African Sport Awards recently held at Sun City, in North West, where history was made as the Sports Star of the Year award went to the female football athlete, Ms Andile Dlamini.
The department will continue to collaborate with the gsport Foundation in recognizing South African women in sport through the gsport Awards held annually during Women’s Month.
Whilst celebrating the milestones achieved, the department pledged dedicated financial support to Cricket SA, CSA, over the next three years to establish a women’s cricket league which will go a long way in the professionalization of women’s cricket.
Clubs are the fundamental building blocks or primary units in sport development continuum. Coming as they do at the lowest rank of the hierarchy of sport structures, they are in the closest proximity and in the most advantageous position in any community to add value and to make difference in the lives of citizens.
A club is generally regarded as the foundation of structured sport in South Africa. A blueprint will be developed, that will guide all provinces on the Club Development Programme. We currently invest over R118 million of the Conditional Grant Allocation towards the Club Development Programme. National Federations, NFs, must take responsibility to ensure that growth of their sport is supported by a well-developed club system.
We are firm in our belief that for any country to prosper in sport it must be rooted in the strong foundation of development at grassroots and as such, sport in schools is the bedrock of our sport in South Africa. We had allocated
R229 million from the Conditional Grant to school sport.
The memorandum with the Department of Basic Education, DBE, has been finalised, in this regard, Chairperson. The Minister of DBE and myself will sign this memorandum soon.
Through Sport Ambassadors Programme we hope to see the school sport leagues being fully rolled out and mentored by our sport ambassadors, which will fully participate to assist these learners.
I’m pleased today that one of the sport ambassadors has joined us as we present this budget vote, Mr Lucas Radebe.
We were able to successfully host a Winter Championships in July 2022 in seven sporting codes and two Indigenous Games. The Winter Games had 52% male representation and 48% female representation. The total number of athletes with disability
who took part at the Winter Games was 322, representing 17% of the total participants.
The Summer Championships took place in December 2022 with provinces competing in sporting codes and two Indigenous Games. It was pleasing to note that 52% were female athletes with 42% of male athletes. These games were so inclusive that although the national prevalence of people with disability is 7,5%, the summer games had a total representation of 28% athletes with disability.
All nine provinces sent their top schools who competed to represent the country at the Confederation of African Football, CAF, Schools Football Tournament. The winners of this segment were Edendale Technical School for girls and Clapham High School for boys team. We wish to congratulate both schools for winning the National Tournament and further representing South Africa at the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations, COSAFA, and CAF Schools Tournament.
They went all the way to the finals losing on penalties against Guinea. We say well done Clapham High School for
flying the South African flag high. We are indeed proud of you and in you we see the future Bafana Bafana and global stars.
In 2024 we hope to increase learners’ access to sport at schools by supporting 75 000 learners to participate in district school sport championships and 5 000 learners in the national school sport championship and by providing equipment and attire to 2 500 schools, hubs and clubs. Over the medium- term, 275 000 learners would have participated in District School Sport Championships and 20 000 in National School Sport Championships by March 2024.
To ensure the existence of an infrastructure enabling the achievement of our mandate in the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector, the department allocated R193 million to 16 entities to implement infrastructure projects ranging from construction, upgrading, refurbishment and maintenance of their facilities. Beyond the transfer of these funds for entities, the department also provides construction project management support to ensure effective implementation of their infrastructure.
One of the beneficiaries of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, MIG, funding is the Umlalazi Local Municipality. A project approved in this municipality is the construction of Tap-Tap Makhathini Boxing Centre, which is an initiative to honour a well-celebrated, local living boxing legend Mr Elijah Xulu, affectionately known as Tap Tap Makhathini. His dream is to contribute to the development of boxing, especially in his community and to promote it as one of the most attractive and preferred sporting codes. Consultations with Mr Xulu and stakeholders started from as far back as May 2022. We are delighted that the department has made an allocation of
R15 million for this project.
Ten outdoor gyms and children play-parks will be built this financial year and the majority of these will be in rural areas under the jurisdiction of traditional authorities to ensure that rural communities are not deprived of opportunities and services offered by these facilities. I will be launching the first of this kind in KwaNdamase, eNyandeni Great Place in June of this year, which is next month, with a total budget of R5 million that has been allocated for these facilities. KwaNdamase is under King Ndamase ka Ndamase.
Over and above, the provision of outdoor gyms, my department, in consultation with the kings and queens, will be declaring great places as heritage sites of historic significance.
Whilst the 2020 mapping study shows that the direct impact of the Cultural and Creative Industry, CCI, in 2018 was
R74 billion, which accounts for 1,7% of South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP. In 2022 this contribution is
R161 billion.
Cabinet approved the Cultural Creative Industry Masterplan in August 2022. Following that, the department conducted provincial sessions in all provinces to enable all stakeholders to input into the Implementation Plan. This has been finalised and the short to the medium term as depicted in the Masterplan will be implemented this year.
I am happy to announce that the Business Arts SA, BASA, debut programme has produced 24 solid creative arts entrepreneurs, with 300 creatives being exposed to this programme.
Film and documentaries involves highly creative activities wherein a task is given to arts practitioners to produce 10
documentaries of unsung African heroes and heroines. Last financial year this culminated in the production of an anthology titled: Not all heroes wear Capes. These documentaries will be showcased during the Heritage Month in the current financial year. A budget of R5 million has been allocated to this.
There is a National Academy of Africa’s Performing Arts, which is the initiative of Caiphus and Letta Semenya and is almost complete with minor touch-ups on construction, supported by this department. It will offer the professional arts training in music, dance and drama. The other programme is run by the veteran, Sello Maake ka Ncube. The other programme is run by Thato Molamu, a young creative director and a celebrated actor who refers to himself as a social entrepreneur. The other programme is the Mambazo Mobile Academy; is run by the multiple Grammy Award winners, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, which was the brainchild and vision of the late Joseph Shabalala, amongst others.
Once again, the department is pleased to announce that it will take South African authors to participate at the 2023 Gothenburg Book Fair in Sweden; following the 2022 successful
participation as guest of honour at the Book Fair, where more than 20 authors and publishers from SA participated. Amongst those authors are the following: Prof Wally Serote, Sindi Magona, Ntandokayise Kunene and Thokozani Dyosini. The latter are young co-authors of the book ‘Cory in the Universe’, a children’s book on COVID-19.
The department has been allocated a budget of R462 million this financial year to continue creating jobs within the cultural and creative industry. And a total of 40 000 jobs will be created through employment multiplier model used to create jobs in this industry.
Celebrating our own, I have recently recognised Grammy Award Winners for their work that raised the South African flag high amongst the nations of the world. The recognition was not only for the latest winners but since the first recipient of the award, the late Mama Miriam Makeba.
I have instructed my department officials to develop creative industry awards similar to sport awards. Further, the department is pursuing opportunities to bring the Grammy
Awards to South Africa to profile artists and create market access opportunities.
To this end, the Recording Academy has subsequently submitted a Memorandum of Understanding, which we are consulting on with relevant stakeholders.
The importance of these issues, as I raise them, Chairperson, among others, through community conversation our social cohesion advocates will continue to engage communities in pertinent social cohesion issues. One issue that has been raised is the outstanding two Bills that are before the select committee of the NCOP.
I am pleased to announce that there is a commitment from select committee that the Performance Amendment Bill and the Copyright Amendment Bill would be finalised by the end of this month, May 2023, in two weeks’ time; which will bring an end to exploitation by producers and agencies. And this will also help to regulate the industry. Thank you very much, Chairperson. I’m left with one second.
Ms N B DLULANE: Good afternoon ...
IsiXhosa:
... molweni. Ninjani?
English:
Let me take this opportunity to greet you, hon Chairperson, hon Minister Zizi Kodwa, the Deputy Minister Noqawe Mafu Nonzamo, hon members, our guests and everyone who are listening to this debate of today. The ANC vision for the South African Arts and Culture is guided by the Freedom Charter that “The doors of learning and culture shall be opened where the government shall discover, develop and encourage national talent for the enhancement of our cultural life.” The sports and arts are important for social cohesion and nation building. It is also critical for our wellbeing.
The 6th Administration has not been without its challenges that have negatively impacted the country’s vision towards attaining its goal as enshrined in the National Development Plan of 2030. In 2020 we were confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic which had devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of others and artists. We saw artists occupying the National Arts Council demanding accountability on the distribution of relief funds and the presidential stimulus
package to the creative sector. As a caring Parliament we took a stance to meet with the affected artist to listen to their concerns. As a committee we took zero tolerance to any form of poor governance and maladministration and therefore applied pressure on the department to implement corrective measures.
A forensic investigation was launched into the matter and the responsible parties were relieved after their responsibility. This is in line with the ANC commitment of combating corruption and addressing poor governance. Significant strides have been made by the department ensuring that over 4 700 schools and clubs were provided with sports equipment and attire in the last financial year and over 100 000 learners participating in these sport tournaments. This needs to be greater efforts in ensuring that majority of our 12 million scholars have an opportunity to participate in the sport and arts.
Sports not only benefits their long-term physical health and wellbeing of a child but also improve their cognitive ability, teamwork, leadership and many more life skills they will use when they reach adulthood and in their future careers. The underfunding of national federation remains a concern from our
side as over 70 national sport federations have to share only R100 million of the annual budget. This underfunding limits the federation efforts in achieving their transformation targets. We therefore, call for more funding for national federations to ensure that they expose their sport codes in townships and rural areas.
Hon chair, the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide continue to destroy our society where we see women being attacked, sexually assaulted or even killed. Such incidences are immoral, in humane and need to be combated in our society. We call on the broader society to ensure that they work together with all the stakeholders in sport and creatives sector and ensure that gender-based violence, GBV, awareness campaigns form part of all the sport and arts and culture events.
Another notable achievement that we applaud the department is for implementing guidelines and ensuring a proper and safe return to sport post COVID-19. Today we can attest that sport has return to preCOVID-19 levels. We are proud to also announce that South Africa continues to be a trendsetter in terms of hosting international events. In 2023, we have
successfully hosted World Indoor Hockey Championships, the Women’s Cricket World Cup in Cape Town, the city of Durban is also about to host the World Table Tennis Championships and also we look forward to the much anticipated Netball World Cup that will take place in Cape Town in the next month.
I wish that one day before the July, we can have a snap debate about that. We recognise the South African Football Association, SAFA’s, interest in bidding for 2027 Women’s Football World Cup of which we have no doubt that we will make it a success, hon the Ministry. We support those efforts as the sports economy is a significant and growing economic sector. It promotes sports tourism which is good for job creation. We welcome this continuous progress by the government. We again applaud the government for the full distribution of the social relief funds in the presidency for availing the fourth batch of the presidential employment stimulus package whereby funds will be distributed to the artist and their organisation to create and maintain employment in the creative sector.
As I have said above, I was contributing that immediately when we have seen that the first one it did not go well, we as the
committee at large we took that and through the department we have seen the culprits who manipulated that and they have been taken to book. In 2023-2024 the department aims to create
12 000 job opportunities across the work stream and cultural development programmes of the Mzansi Golden Economy strategy and 40 000 job opportunities through the presidential employment initiative. The majority of sport codes internationally generates revenue through the sale of the broadcasting rights and would like to make call to the national broadcasting, SABC to secure their rights to broadcast our national teams live on TV.
The equitable distribution of sports sponsorship for women is our concern which requires a social combat. We would like to congratulate our young athletes on dominating the African Junior Athletics Championship win in Zambia recently. The team came first by winning the most medals at the championship. The committee has recommended that the department together with the National Economic Development and the labour council should ensure that this combat is urgently signed.
The department should heed the recommendations of the Auditor- General of South Africa to improve audit outcomes across the
portfolio. The department should revisit its engagement with the Davis Tax Committee for the inclusion of the arts into section 18(a) of the Income Tax Act encouraging donation to be setup. We are hoping that all what we were asked and proposed as a committee, our Ministry will not disappoint us.
IsiXhosa:
Xa ndihlala phantsi kule nyanga ekuthiwa yinyanga yama-Afrika, ndikhe ndabona Mphathiswa into ethi kucelwa iholide yezinyanya Mna ke njenoMaDlomo, uSopitsho, uNgqolomsila ...
English:
... as an individual I can fully support that.
IsiXhosa:
Thina siyi-ANC siyayixhasa le Voti yoHlahlo Lwabiwo-mali (Budget Vote.) Amandla!
Mr T W MHLONGO: Chairperson ...
IsiZulu:
... sanibonani ...
English:
I would like to congratulate Athletic South African for the winning of Championship of Confederation of African Athletics under 18 and under 20 championships. We call upon the Minister to ensure adequate support is provided for our athletes in order to prepare for 2024 Olympics.
Minister, we congratulate you on a stand for school sport. This vital that we see the implementation of school sports in South Africa and the outcome therefore. We will monitor that and we will see that.
Minister, we hope that your speech is not a talk show speech. It’s just an implementation speech. You have just arrived, Minister, and I hope you will implement this because your predecessor Baba Mthethwa has never implemented school sport at all. Nonetheless, we hope that you will do that. Minister, these are the issues that you can run with and you will have my support. If you fail, we will call for the red card for you. But nonetheless, it is important for us to have soccer indaba. It’s so important that we have soccer indaba. Check, the Premier Soccer League, PSL, has boycotted the SA Foodball association, Safa. What is happening? Bafana Bafana are not
performing well, chief executive officer has resigned today, the next day you get a new chief executive officer. You are running Safa like a spaza shop. What is happening? Its uncalled for and is wrong Minister. You run with those issues, you will have my support. We don’t need dictatorship in sports. We don’t need censorship in sports. What we need is good governance especially in Safa.
Chairperson, R40 million has been directed to Love Life and we believe that money must be redirected. Today, the Minister of Health spoke about Love Life. They received money from sports. They received money from Health and other departments. An amount of R40 million can redirected to school sports. You say you love sports and is your priority, we will see that.
Chairperson, you can implement this. Minister, send the money to school spots. For example, have fields stadium in Bisho, Lusikisiki and other rural areas. For the past 10 years the department has failed us by using this money to the Love Life. I think this Love Life ... Maybe Minister, you must investigate. Maybe they are link to the ANC. They are getting more money – no service delivery. Its uncalled for. But nonetheless, Minister, I see one of your priorities is youth development but there is no allocation ... [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Continue, hon member.
Mr T W MHLONGO: Minister, please, can you explain what is happening with the Mzansi Golen Economy, MGE, funding. People have applied but they don’t get response. For example, Mr Majakathata has applied. He is not a beneficiary to date. It is uncalled for.
One of the things that you must note, tell your colleagues, for example, the Minister Pandor must apologise to our artists. It is totally wrong to say art is not important.
Now the ANC shows that they don’t care. Arts is so important. You spoke on your speech that it creates jobs. But nonetheless, let me go to Boxing South Africa. Let me go to Boxing South Africa. We need Boxing South Africa leadership. There is lack of leadership in Boxing South Africa. We have acting people in Hollywood. Its uncalled for. We need a permanent chief executive officer in Boxing South Africa and must regulate boxing sector and review their money. I think we need more money for boxing in South Africa.
Minister, there are approaches whereby people from Soweto they don’t benefit but they have applied. There is a project called Take a Child to the Theatre. It creates an awareness for young people to experience theatre at that level but they don’t benefit. And for your information they have applied and they did not benefit.
Wellness for our artists, it is shocking, Chairperson, to see that our artists are not taken care of. You have just appointed a new company which is linked to the ANC work force. There was a company called Indinglizi. The Indinglizi made it. It was a pilot project and to date there is nothing happening. I can tell you. Two directors are ANC big shots. This is ANC linked company and it is uncalled for not making sure that our artists are benefiting. For example, Indinglizi had a three- year contract. They have performed but don’t have a closing report. Are you telling us that you appoint a new form of company without experience. For example, this workforce, they don’t have experience on wellness. I went to their site and is uncalled for. ANC must care for our artists.
One of the things that I want to put to you, Chair, the DA understand what is service delivery. uMngeni Municipality has offered a ... [Inaudible.] ...
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member, your time has expired.
IsiZulu:
Mnu T MHLONGO: Ngiyabonga.
Mr B S MADLINGOZI: Chairperson, honest power to the fearless leadership of the EFF, the commissar, fighters, down forces, everyone ...
IsiXhosa:
... eNdlwini, molweni.
English:
Chairperson, for the past 29 years the ANC has not had a single original idea of what exactly needs to be done to reimagine the role of the artists in this country nor have they developed a single coherent plan for the development of sports in the country. Today, this very same House is still
unsure of what is exactly needed to be done to protect the interest of creatives who have sped no sweet or blood in pouring themselves and their talents in service of a creative industry in this country.
The department has shown little interest in tightening the protections for artists in the Bill in front of this Parliament and those leaderships have allowed the industry to dictate the levels to which the Bill in front of this House must provide protections to creatives. Many of our veteran creatives are now languishing in poverty. Take shows such as Yizo Yizo, for instance, which is now showing on Netflix. Ask your selves who is benefiting from Netflix deal. It is surely not the artists but a few of those who control and manage the production companies. The actors see themselves on TV and they are benefiting nothing. The same goes for shows such as Sgudi Snaysi and many others.
The department has not done anything to come to the assistance of all those creatives old and new. Chairperson, it is a reality that ever since the COVID pandemic creatives are still in a very serious crisis mode. Money is meant to aid artists and other creatives have disappeared through this parks
initiatives. This factor is riddled with litigation. The department is forever fighting against covering its entities against accusations of money mismanagement and embezzlement.
The Robben Island Museum is thoroughly mismanaged and there has been no grand imagination of what that side could be used for in advancing not only our knowledge of history but also to nurture a sense of national pride and rededication to the ideal of decolonisation of society. But the museum as with many others under the department is thoroughly mismanaged and used for political point scoring. Jafta Masemola stand 30 years in that island but because he was from the PAC he is not talked about much and that island is made to seems it only housed the freedom fighters from the ANC.
This year marked 150 years since Chief Maqoma was killed in that island for fighting against colonial land dispossession. His name is relegated to the dustbin of history by those now in power.
Chairperson, the less said about sports the better. This department has not done a single notable thing to develop sport in the country. Rugby and Cricket remain untransformed.
Boxing has been systematically collapsed and football is degenerating every single year. It is an open secret that whites will still prefer to have all white players in sporting codes that previously were dominated by white people.
The department is here to implement the White Paper that was introduced during the Fifth Parliament. This White Paper would have helped to position the arts and culture sector in a much better speed than it is today.
Chairperson, this department has more acting officials than permanent ones. None of these acting individuals can be held accountable thereby social deliveries suffers. We need to urgently reimagine the role played by this department. It is not serving any of the emergencies it is meant to service. The cultural landscape in this country is still dominated by Dutch and English settler influences. Our languages are still treated as second class languages and colonial monuments are celebrated at the expense of our own. The EFF therefore, reject this budget. Thank you.
Mr B N LUTHULI: Chair, good afternoon everybody, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture over the past years has
been made infamous for the poor quality of programmes that it has intended to fund. Initially the controversy started with the proposed R32 billion flat project that it destroys any hopes of South African citizens having in the government ability to make the right decision within the public fund in ways that they actual creation and enabling environment for investment growth and social coherent. Statement like this within the public space are dangerous and fact. It does against the very green and social cohesion initiative.
The programmes emanated from the department seems to be out of touch with the need of the South African population as it was announced that South Africa will be investing in the United Kingdom Football Club. This happened at the time South Africa had start tightening their belt as they prepare to make of the worse economy period the country has faced since democracy.
In dealing with the budget on the department we are left with very little hope as the current and the new Minister had been left to toe the line of the poor legacy. It is disappointing that the department has yet to prioritise many sport federations especially as we are coming up on the Olympic qualification.
Earlier this year, I wrote to the department on behalf of the gentleman Mr Moses for funding in order to take part and captain the Blackball Nation Cup held in England and the response by the department is that there is no funding available.
Hon Chair, these are initials that the government could be be looking to support where our own citizens feel that the taxpayer money are spend in in a constructive way for the people benefit. This need to be tangible programme that actually give back to recognise and grow our local talent.
The IFP remains concern that the spending of the department in promotion of sport, art and culture will indeed turn to vain. We must encourage the department to ensure that building Boxing South Africa and karate remains at the top of the priority list of this institute can be set on as part of running independent and take this decision for their own interest. On the other hand, the IFP support the initiative to fund more programmes that promote diversity such as gender representation. To make the change, we require to this department, the Minister and the staff to take note of the recommendation made by the Auditor-General and work towards
rebuilding confidence of the people of South Africa. The IFP support. I thank you.
Mr W W WESSELS: House Chair, getting rid of Nathi Mthethwa was probably the best thing that has ever happened to sport, arts and culture in this country. His legacy Chairperson, is money that was misappropriated stolen that was intended to provide relief to artists as the hon Chairperson of the Committee pointed out. His legacy is failed school sport infrastructure projects. His legacy is failed sport bodies, mismanaged sport bodies and athletes especially disabled athletes that are excluded from participation in sport codes internationally because of the mismanagement by his department under his leadership.
Chairperson, but even better things that could have happen to sport, arts and culture in this country is if we get rid of ANC entirety. For then we can start building a department that respect the cultural history of all South Africans. A department that support the art without stealing the very bread from those artists’ mouths. It could be a department makes it its business to oversee the proper maintenance and protection of our heritage site because, hon Minister, it
doesn’t help that you declare new heritage sites whilst your department and government in its entirety are destroying and allowing the destruction of current heritage sites.
Chairperson, we also need a department that has and that protects art institutions such as museums and theatres and sport facilities and ensures that they are properly run and were funds are properly allocated and are not mismanaged.
House Chairperson, it could be possible if we have a government that is a really custodian of sport, arts and culture for all South Africans out there.
Chairperson, if we look at the department’s mandate, we see that amongst other it is to provide leadership to the sport, arts and culture sector to accelerate its transformation oversee the development and management of sport, arts and culture in South Africa legislate on sport participation, sport infrastructure and safety and to improve South Africa’s international ranking in selected sports. Move towards transformation is also included. They need to promote participation of disabled persons on all levels of sport, arts and culture promotion. But you can’t trust, Chairperson, to
this shining over promising mandate. Disabled athletes are barred from taking part in international competitions and the world records are not recognised because this department cannot ensure the proper management of sport bodies like the United School Sports Association of South Africa, Ussasa. This is a shame and the department should acknowledge of this. The former Minister did not use his powers of oversight to intervene and to ensure the participation of these athletes. I really hope Minister Kodwa that you will not follow your predecessor’s example but you will be serious about the mandate of your department.
Afrikaans:
Agb Voorsitter, sport in Suid-Afrika is onder beleg as gevolg van onnodige politieke inmenging. U sien, die regering moet nie by sport inmeng nie maar moet sorg dat daar ontwikkeling plaasvind, en dit is veral op skoolvlak. Ons verwelkom die feit dat daar wel fondse bewillig word vir fasiliteite vir al die mees arm gemeenskappe maar dan moet daardie projekte uitgevoer word en moet daar nie toegelaat word dat daar net gesteel word nie. U sien, sport kan regmaak wat politiek breek, maar ongelukkig op die oomblik is politiek besig om sport te breek. Ek dank u.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE: House
Chairperson, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Hon Goodenough Mcediso Zizi Kodwa. Deputy Speaker present here, Deputy Ministers present, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Sport, Arts and Culture, hon Beauty Dlulane MaDlomo, hon members, chairpersons and chief executives of public entities, distinguished guests, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen. The budget here today is being presented in the context of the Africa Months and the two important historical anniversaries.
First, the 30th anniversary since the passing of our struggle icon Tata Oliver Reginald Tambo. Secondly, the untimely departure of the beloved son of the soil Chris Thembisile Hani, who also left us 30 years ago; just as we were set for the all-important general elections in 1994. Today, as we commend this budget to the House, it is appropriate that we pause and remember them!
In this budget vote, we report on progress against commitments made in the preceding financial year and spell out plans for 2023-2024 financial year.
In the area of heritage preservation and promotion, the department made great strides. Firstly, I am delighted to report to this House that we have completed restoration of the Winnie Madikizela House in the Free State and have installed an exhibition in a town now known as Winnie Mandela. Upon completion, the department has handed over the House Memorial to the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
This newly completed museum is being equipped with modern state of the art Information and Communication Technology equipment. The Province now, is in the process of operationalising the memorial as a museum.
As part of the second phase, the department has appointed a service provider who is in the process of preserving and protecting the clinic that was bombed in the 80s by the apartheid government. The bombed clinic will be part of the interpretation space that will narrate the life and experience of Mama Winnie in the then Brandfort. The Clinic will be completed in this current financial year. For that purpose, an amount of R5 million has been set aside.
The construction of the OR Tambo Garden of Remembrance was completed. The department is finalising the installation of the ICT equipped library that will serve as a resource service centre to the local communities. The beneficiaries in the main will be learners and out of school youth in the community as well as those in the neighbouring communities.
The challenge however has been around ensuring that the site is fully operational. In that regard, the current plan is that it would be incorporated into the management and operations of Nelson Mandela Museum for a period of three years, while its actual launch is scheduled for October this year.
In 2022 the Council for the Iziko Museums of South Africa approved for the integration of the Nelson Mandela House complex located at the former Victor Verster prison, now known as Drakenstein Correctional Centre.
In 2020, Liliesleaf had to close due to COVID-19 pandemic. The closure was also necessitated by perennial operational challenges at the time. Given the situation, the department engaged the National Treasury who granted the department permission to provide relief assistance of R12 million.
Liliesfield Museum is currently fully operational and for the current financial year, an allocation of R8 million has been made towards operations through Freedom Park.
In consultation with the relevant provinces and the National Heritage Council, the department is in the process of implementing recommendation of the feasibility studies for design and installation of exhibitions in Bisho Massacre site, Waaihoek Wesleyan Church and Victor Verster Nelson Mandela Prison House. The Department has set aside an amount of
R6 million for the design and installation process of the three sites.
Regarding transformation and preservation of our heritage landscape, the department will ensure finalisation of the construction of the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance in Hankey in the Eastern Cape and allocation of R82 million has been put aside.
The second capital project is the upgrading of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning and fire protection system at the National Archive Building in Pretoria, and this project is allocated R55 million, and the last project is Enyokeni
Cultural Precinct in Nongoma and here an allocation of R57 million has been made.
Cabinet has approved the country to country approach for repatriation of human remains of the fallen liberation fighters and the construction of monuments to recognize and appreciate the contribution of other countries in its liberation struggle.
In this current financial year, the department will embark on a process for identification, survey and mapping of heritage sites including graves in the Southern Development Community, SADC, Region and R3 million has been set aside for this purpose.
Hon members, in terms of digitization of archival records, phenomenal work was done with some noteworthy achievements. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission audio tapes target was 90, the department was able to digitize not less than 1700.
There was also a set target of 150 Treason Trial Dictabelts to be digitized and the department was able to digitize 463.
Against the set target of 30 000 general archival records, the Department was able to digitize 106 773 which included paper records and photographs.
The overachievement in this area was made possible by the employment of Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme interns, departmental interns, as well as partnerships with other institutions.
For the current financial year, the target for Treason Trial Dictabelts is 200; the TRC Audio Tapes is 100 and the general archival records is 30 000.
On the 29 targeted libraries, the department was able to support 31 newly built and/or modular libraries. In this current financial year, the department will support 32 newly built and/or modular libraries to the tune of R1,5 billion.
The funds will be utilised for infrastructure projects among other library services implemented by the provinces, including, for example, library material, information and communication technologies infrastructure and equipment,
compensation of employees, establishment of visually impaired services and reading programmes.
Hon members, the department continues with the project to transform South Africa’s naming landscape. During the
2022-2023 financial year three gazettes were published with geographical names that were standardized and changed.
The notable names changed are from the Eastern Cape namely; KwaMaqoma from Fort Beaufort, Enxuba from Cradock, and then Solomon Linda from Pomeroy in KwaZulu Natal.
We need to create more awareness with our constituencies so that more colonial and apartheid names are changed in order to reflect the languages and cultural heritage of the majority of the people of South Africa.
It is worth noting that books on living human treasures were published. And these human treasures were: Dr Thomas Chauke, Oom Petrus Vaalbooi, Mr Themba Magaisa, Ms Grace Masuku and Vho Esther Sinyengwe.
House Chair and hon members, please join me in congratulating one of our past candidates of Human Treasures, Mama Noria Mabasa, on being conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Arts and Design by the University of Johannesburg on the 19th of April. We are encouraged by this.
The department will also be in consultation with Gauteng Province in ensuring that the planned memorialization projects of the three women struggle icons are on track. These are: Mama Margaret Gazo, Mama Francis Baard and Mama Charlotte Maxeke.
We must always remember, one of our main targets is to make sure that the language, particularly the indigenous languages are supported. In support of this initiative, we have launched the roadmap of milestones which will assist us in tracking our progress.
We embrace the African Union, AU, Assembly of heads of state and government decision to adopt Swahili as an AU working language and the communication language extended to the whole continent. This is one of our contributions towards the
decolonization and regeneration of the African continent - A better Africa and the Better World!
National symbols are a marker of a country’s national sovereignty and are collectively used as a rallying point for national unity, cohesion and national pride. South Africa has a collection of statutory national symbols, which came during dawn of democracy and we must make sure that we popularize this. For this financial year, we put aside R2 million for this work.
The women in sport policy has been developed to make sure that it redresses inequalities for girls and women in the South African eco sport. Cabinet has approved this policy.
I want to echo Minister’s earlier words by the Minister when he was recommending the Proteas Women’s cricket team which amassed the highest number of spectators in Women World Cup history. They raised the bar and I want to commend the Local Organizing Committee, LOC, Chairperson Ms Ntambi Ravele this kind of work.
Please allow me to also pay tribute to one of their stars who has just retired from international cricket, Ms Shabnim Ismail, a good work you have done.
We have to recommend and make sure that as we know that Banyana Banyana are going to be participating in the World Cup. But we must remember that throughout this challenges we must take the opportunity congratulate another woman of first Ms Lydia Monyepoa on her appointment as the first ever female Chief Executive Officer of the South African Football Association. Malibongwe!
As indicated earlier, 2023 has been a great year for women. Let us pause and congratulate Ms Kirsten Neuscafer who made history by becoming the first woman to win the Prestigious Golden Globe round the world race, becoming the only female sailor to contest the race without the use of modern technology.
This is another historical moment, as it is the first time that we will be hosting the Netball World Cup in the country, at first for the African continent.
The Department has committed and is providing R30 million per financial year, for three years, for this world cup to make sure that it is a success.
In that regard, it is my singular honour and privilege to acknowledge the President of Netball SA, Ms Cecilia Molokwane and her leadership team, the Chairperson of the Netball World Cup Board, Ms Patience Shikwambana as well as her other members of the Board, the Local Organising Committee, the Captain, Ms Bongi Msomi and the rest of the players and the broader Netball family. I would also like to appreciate the
co-operation between the department, the province and the City of Cape Town in ensuring this event becomes the success that we all want it to be.
Collectively, they shall carry the aspirations of our nation, carry our flag high and make us proud! Thank you House Chairperson, I now wish that you can support the budget. Thank you.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): The next speaker is supposed to be hon Zungula but I’m informed that there was an agreement in
the Chief Whips’ Forum. I would want to get a sense from the Deputy Chief Whip.
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Chairperson,
indeed there was an agreement that all portfolio committee members, including the members of the executive, that will be participating in their Budget Votes must be present in the venues of their debate. If it happens that for some reason a member is unable to attend physically, prior arrangements should be made. So, if there is nothing on the desk of the Chairperson then it means that, that member will forfeit his or her participation in this debate. I thank you.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Guided by that, we should then move to the next speaker.
Mr V ZUNGULA: Chairperson?
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Let’s listen to him first before I rule on the matter. Hon Zungula?
Mr V ZUNGULA: My team made an arrangement that I will be participating virtually. I am not a committee member of this
portfolio committee. I have other committees that I am part of. That is why it makes sense for me to participate virtually. Thank you.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Hon members, I’m advised that there was a belated arrangement made, and critically it would be very difficult to deny a member the right to speak. There was a belated arrangement. Can I allow hon Zungula to take the floor? Before that, can I hear you, Deputy Chief Whip?
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: I’m not
overruling your ruling, hon Chair, but we should be informed on time about this. Thank you.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): I think we have noted that. Hon Zungula?
Mr V ZUNGULA: Firstly, as the ATM we support the budget. Minister, this is one of the most important departments as it is tasked with building the character of the country and defining our national identity. The unfortunate reality is that our country is defined by crime and social ills. We are a country that seemingly does not have a positive attribute that
defines us. In the absence of progressive social programmes, substance abuse is the order of the day. The department must work together with Basic Education to ensure that young people take part in character-building programmes such as sports and arts.
Grassroots sports and arts development programmes will ensure that South Africa is internationally competitive, by nurturing talent from an early age. Such development programmes must not only cater for private schools but also township and rural schools where social ills are more prevalent.
Local football associations remain underfunded, making it difficult for them to operate, whilst on the other hand the Gauteng Development League is reserved for those with the financial means.
The department must devise programmes for local sports coaches to enhance their skills so that they may be able to transfer these skills to young underprivileged youth. These local sports coaches dedicate their time and limited resources to keep our children off the streets, with very little to no incentives at all and this has to change. Minister, there is a
need for swimming programmes in communities to address the rising cases of children drowning in dams, rivers and swimming pools.
Minister, in the nineties and early 2000s there were various educational and community-building programmes such as practical work, self-defence programmes and we were exposed to educational TV programmes such as Soul City. In the present day, our TV screens are filled with sex, drugs, alcohol, crime and violent entertainment programmes. Therefore, the unfortunate events such as the Enyobeni tavern tragedy cannot come ss a surprise. The same goes for the high teenage pregnancy rates and the normalising of drug abuse by calling people nyaope boys. This is as a result of the type of content that is consumed on our TV screens, which diminishes our society.
Minister, you need to engage the entertainment industry so that we may have more TV programmes that are educational and contribute to nation-building. We need TV programmes that educate and inspire citizens to be patriotic, love one another and have ubuntu, despise all forms of criminality, and most importantly, programmes that will encourage citizens to strive
to make our country better. There are individuals such as Mam Nwabisa Gxothiwe, Tatu Celebration Mntungwa and others who can contribute in this regard. There needs to be deliberate programmes to advance our native languages. This can’t be a
21 September event. Thank you.
Afrikaans:
Me V VAN DYK: Agb Voorsitter en lede van die Huis, die DA wil eerstens vir Kirsten Neuschäfer wat geskiedenis gemaak het deur die Golden Globe seilwedvaart te wen, gelukwens. Ook vir Pretty Yende met haar optrede by Koning Charles III se inhuldiging en SA Vrouekrieket met hul Vroue T20 Wêreldbeker eindstryd vertoning. Ons hoop vir ’n groter belegging in vrouekrieket.
Hoe die agb Kodwa bevorder kon word tot ’n volle Minister nadat hy geimpliseer was by staatskaping, maar Ndlovu, 'n digter, filmmaker en vervaardiger, wat ook daarvan beskuldig word, se Nasionale Orde toekenning teruggetrek is, bly ’n raaisel.
Minister Kodwa het ’n reuse taak. Hy moet die kultuur van die departement, met ’n vakaturekoers einde 2021-22 van 19,7%,
verander om kommunikasie op te knap en werklik te luister na die bekommernisse van die bedryf. Daarmee verwys ek nie na die swak terugvoering wat ontvang word op skriftelike vrae of briewe aan die departement, die SA Sportkonfederasie en Olimpiese komitee, Saskok, en federasies soos Netbal nie.
Daar is reeds R136,3 miljoen belê in die aanbieding van die 2023 Netbal Wêreldbeker-toernooi en R9 miljoen van die 2023-24 Active Nation subprogram is ook daarvoor geoormerk. Tog is daar geen dringendheid om ernstige kwessies soos die misbruik van mag en onbillike prosedures wat mense se toekoms in hierdie en ander federasies raak, te hanteer nie.
Suid-Afrika het ongelukkig die Statebondspele vir die skaakkampioenskap aanbieding in Gauteng verbeur. Die departement en Saskok ignoreer regspraak en weier om die wettige Skaak SA bestuur te erken. Hulle is geskors, wetend dat die onwettige groepering nie hul finansi?le state beskikbaar wil maak nie. Geen finansi?le ondersteuning aan die wettige groepering maak dat skaak vir baie onbekostigbaar en uitsluitend is, net soos figuurskaats waar die maandelikse huur van ysskaatsbane die totale jaarlikse minimale toedeling oorskry.
Die Minister se voorneme om op skolesport te fokus word verwelkom. Ontwikkeling en blootstelling aan ’n verskeidenheid sportkodes op voetsoolvlak, met die uitsondering van sokker en netbal, is werklik gebrekkig, wat lei tot swak transformasie. ANC munisipaliteite versuim egter om sportfasiliteite wat deur die Municipal Infrastructure Grant, Mig, gebou is, in stand te hou. Federasies is verder so onderbefonds dat hulle nie in staat is om verskillende sportkodes binne gemeenskappe in te stel nie. Meer moet gedoen word om gestremde sport te bevorder.
Minister, ons hoop u kyk met ’n nuwe bril na die Mzansi Nasionale Filharmoniese Orkes. Dit is ongelooflik dat hierdie departement geen probleem het met die moontlike botsende belange van een persoon wat die hoof uitvoerende bestuurder is van die Nasionale Orkes KwaZulu-Natal, sowel as die Johannesburg Filharmoniese Orkes, ondervoorsitter van die Nasionale Kunsteraad én ’n befondsingsmodel het met geen kriteria of monitering daaraan gekoppel nie. Die DA se kommer dat die nasionale orkes die volhoubaarheid van die streeksorkes negatief sal beïnvloed word bevestig deur ’n klag van die Johannesburg Filharmoniese Orkes musikante.
Die DA verwelkom die departement se bykomende R44,8 miljoen oor die mediumtermyn aan sewe museums om operasionele befondsingkostes aan te spreek. Kommerwekkend is dat sommige museums met voorheen skoon ouditmenings agteruitgegaan het.
Die totale verhoging in die begroting is R52,2 miljoen. Met inagneming van die geprojekteerde inflasiekoers van 4,9%, daal die begroting in reële terme en is die kumulatiewe groeikoers negatief. Die DA wil weer die departement aanmoedig om sy vroeër verbintenis met die Davis-belastingkomitee te hervat vir die insluiting van die kunste in artikel 18(a) van die Wet op Inkomstebelasting om skenkings aan die sektor aan te moedig.
Die Ouditeur-generaal het bevind dat gevolgebestuur – ondersoeke na bewerings van finansiële wangedrag deur departementele amptenare nie gedoen word nie. Ook nie monitering oor nakoming van toepaslike sleutelwetgewing nie. Onreëlmatige uitgawes aan die begin van 2021-22 was
R389,9 miljoen en ’n verdere R59,7 miljoen is in die tydperk onder oorsig aangegaan. Minister, die DA hoop dat u as nuwe besem inderdaad skoon sal vee.
Ms R C ADAMS: House Chairperson, let me first greet our members in the House, our Minister, Deputy Minister, and members of the portfolio committee, our staff of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and our guests, and lastly our viewers. The agenda to drive the transformation of the arts and culture is crucial for our social and economic empowerment. We have been in a difficult situation as a country, that has made this process to fall back, delay the transformative implementation and development of cultural development for the benefit of social cohesion and the priority of building a better nation.
It is now more than ever that we are on a stronger path to encourage our support, our craft industry, including the anti- participations that are dedicated to the arts and culture. We believe in impact tool, cultural diplomacy to empower, promote creative sector artist internationally. The department’s cultural diplomacy programme exposes our artists to various countries creative industry markets, and in the instance of local artists, we train internationally. We must support the African Union Charter for African Cultural Renaissance and Africa Union Agenda 2063, to move towards a united cultural
diversity and African renaissance through the department’s creative and cultural industries.
We note the key deliverables by the department to host cultural seasons with Egypt and Zambia, and the implementation of several international agreements. The support for the creative and cultural industry development is necessary to enhance the calibre of artists we have and the standard of an industry to produce the best artists. The department will support 15 local and international markets access and nine provincial community art development programmes. We welcome the department’s plan to have community engagements open on social issues. At least 20 community conversation and dialogue are targeted for social cohesion and nation building.
The provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture have set an annual target of 65 for the implementation of the community dialogues. We are pleased to see that the department will have programmes such as 22 capacity building projects for financial support youth focus artists development programmes, and
gender-based violence and femicide awareness projects. The portfolio committee noted that there are programmes run in support of a number of initiatives against gender-based
violence and femicide. Some of the contributors of anti- gender-based violence initiatives such as Silapha Wellness Intervention Programme which is dedicated to provide physio- social support. We are in full support of the initiatives or
... [Inaudible.] ... programme to develop the necessary content and programme vetted, advocate against GBV&F and all newly complete legacy programmes by the department.
Secondly, the focus of the exhibition at the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance must include the promotion and the protection of the vulnerable and advocate against GBV&F. We appreciate the department’s intervention and investment in the creative economy. The Mzansi Golden Economy programme has been able to provide economic deliverables of job creation opportunities to 12 000 and 36 000 from the Presidential Employment Stimulus programme for impact. The Mzansi Golden Economy will support 340 artists to be placed in schools per year. This is important for the professional development of our artists and is therefore progressive in the transformation of the arts of our artists. We can note the research and development of our South Africa cultural observatory, which is an important aspect.
Research work and statistics get us to the measure and how we and where are we and where we want to be. Therefore, it is crucial to always invest and budget for research base interventions and they improve the department’s planning and decision making. The department support film and documentaries telling stories of the history of liberation and heritage. We need others and projects that aim at dealing with national agendas such as songs and films that deal with grief and social cohesion, transcending our socio national boundaries as well.
We are pleased as the committee with the rise of a number of projects supported in the creative industries through Mzansi Golden Economy programme. The committee has been deeply concerned with the delays of the social cohesion and nation building, social compact, even after numerous consultation has taken place. The social partner should be encouraged to sign a social compact in order to strengthen the transformation and development part of the sport, arts and culture. The department has acknowledged that the social cohesion and nation building compacts is indeed crucial and as the department they were consolidating best as they could. This is
appreciated by the department, and we hope the compact will be able to be signed and the department to give feedback.
The department plays a critical role in the promoting of literally work through various library services and the promotion of indigenous languages. The promotion of a reading nation is critical if we are to empower our nation’s social and cultural capital. Understanding our history and promoting our ... [Inaudible.] ... serving our national heritage will define who we are as a nation. I thank you, House Chairperson. The ANC supports the Vote. [Time expired.]
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Noting the agreement in the Chief Whips’ Forum, and a right a member has to freedom of speech, I will permit hon Hendricks to speak from the virtual platform as there has been an arrangement with the Table staff, though it came late. But because of the earlier ruling, I will allow hon Hendricks. Over to you, hon Hendricks.
Mr M G E HENDRICKS: House Chair, thank you very much for this opportunity and consideration. There is an extreme lack of sport facilities in South Africa’s public schools. So, public schools must be run by teachers and not by sports
organisations if you want to bring about the changes. The lack of sports facilities is more common in rural areas. National government must play a more effective oversight role in our provinces allocated budget for sports, arts and culture facilities.
The Western Cape will soon be hosting the July-August Vitality Netball World Cup 2023. This will be a white Netball World Cup because rural areas have been neglected. In rural areas such as Drakenstein, it most likely that poor netball clubs will not benefit from this world class tournament. Poor netball clubs cannot even afford to attend any of these tournaments.
Poor sporting clubs need more support to establish themselves and should not be left behind because of financial constraints.
Al Jama-ah has written to the hon Minister to invite him to visit Drakenstein in Paarl area where young girls are playing sports on open and unsuitable land because they cannot afford to travel to the former white areas to make use of suitable facilities there. We have also asked the hon Minister to sponsor poor netball clubs from some rural areas to experience
the excitement of the Netball World Cup to be held in Cape Town.
I cannot understand how the previous Minister and this Minister leaves it to the Western Cape and the City of Cape Town to make sure that there is an adversity for attendance at the world cup and legacy projects will benefit the rural areas. You cannot leave that to a city and a province that wants to be the 55th country in Africa. We are celebrating the
... [Inaudible.] ... this weekend at the ... [Inaudible.] ... and District Six is very close to the cause and it needs to be a heritage site. Minister must look into it because if it was heritage earlier on, Israel would not have continued with their force removals and take it to another level.
I want to also say that we know that South Africa has a plight to hold the Soccer World Cup for women in the years to come.
But at the moment we find that there are no soccer stadiums just for women. They have to share it with the males. Women don’t have the keys to the gates of any stadium in the country. They are dependent on the mercy and the generosity of male soccer players. That needs to change. Again when it comes to netball, there are no dedicated facilities for netball in
rural areas for villages and even in towns. So women sports, I have about the so-called Cabinet decision, but that is all thunder but no lightning because we find that women don’t have the keys to the gates of stadiums where they can be in charge and where they can be in control. But we support the budget.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: House Chairperson, I thought you were going to take away the keys to the gate very quickly but ... [Laughter.] ... but anyway, in supporting the Budget Vote tabled here today, the NFP wants to make some recommendation and, of course, the first and very important one is, let us not forget where we were and where we are and who were pivotal in that role of liberating us today.
Having said that, I think it is time that we recognise the contribution of the late Mama Winnie Mandela. We believe one of the ways to do that is - something that we have raised before - is to ensure that the statue bloc of Mama Winnie Mandela is placed on this very important parliamentary precinct ... [Laughter.] ... and then the second thing I think we owe recognition is to the first indigenous nation of South Africa the Khoi and San. We have also requested that the Cape Town International Airport be named after Princess Krotoa, the
mother of the Khoi and San nation. We think it is important that we do that.
Now, I want us to start on the issue quickly of culture before I go to sports. It seems that as a result of us moving away from our traditions and our culture and being influenced by the western way of life we are losing direction, we have a dysfunctional society, okay, gender-based violence is on the increase and violence as a whole is an increase. We think that from a school level at grassroots level we need to reintroduce our tradition and cultures so that we can redirect our efforts into a better society than we have today.
On the issue of sports there is no doubt about it that women’s sports in South Africa lacks funding. You know, I want to give an example of the artistic gymnastics where a young Coloured girl from the North West - I think it is - won gold, Lichtenberg, but very little or nothing is said. This child won gold despite the fact that South Africa does not have any facilities for that kind of sport. We need to encourage these. However, very importantly we found the problem in introducing sports from grassroots level because Basic Education believed the budget belongs to them. They believe Sport, Arts and
Culture belong to them. You can’t work in silos, you need to come together, be united and work together.
South Africa has got a lot of talent; you see a lot of them in this House as well. Nevertheless ... [Inaudible.] ... I think what is important is for us to come together. Lastly, I want to ask the Minister to, please, investigate the legacy fund of the R1 billion from the 2010 World Cup. The NFP will support this Budget Vote. Thank you.
Mr D JOSEPH: Hon House Chair, hon Minister, Deputy Minister, hon members and officials of the department, Budget Vote 37 is aligned to Sport, Arts, Culture and need to create the environment for the department and its entities to implement government policies for 2023-2024 financial year, which include participation of an active sporting nation, a winning nation spirit, a creative and socially cohesive nation enhancing arts and culture. So, this budget of R6,3 billion for Sports, Arts, Culture from the overall government budget of over R2 trillion, is not enough.
Hon House Chair, let me start with acknowledgement of the South African jazz legend, Hugh Masekela, whose name has been
placed with other legends in the Ertegun Hall of Fame in New York, as well as Dr Katriena Esau who received the acknowledgement from the University of Cape Town, UCT, for keeping the Nluu language alive for the San people and her contribution towards the first Nluu children’s book.
One of the entities linked to sports, namely, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sports is highly valued at the World Anti-Doping Agency. The SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport maintains the integrity of sports and athletes via the respect for rules, fair competition, anti-doping education and to promote the general wellbeing of sports persons. Hon House Chair, the committee must inform Parliament of an emerging risk that is at stake in terms of the World Anti-Doping Agency and South Africa is noncompliant. South Africa has until May 2024 to amend and update the legislation to remain internationally compliant or we face far reaching implications whereby sport and South Africa will no longer compete under the SA flag.
We urge SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport, SAIDS, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, SASCOC, the department and Parliament to ensure that the new
legislation is passed before May 2024. The committee has been informed that doping - the use of illegal substances - is very high in South Africa compared to international standards and that the main transgressors are in some categories of sport are body building, distance athletics and rugby. There appears to be confusion over traditional medicine and we encourage all athletes to consult before using nonprescribed medication and not to use illegal substances to boost their performance.
Hon House Chair, on infrastructure, the following is important. Ministers Zikalala and Kodwa must come to this platform to apologise to the Khoisan people for the Sarah Baartman Memorial Centre which is still not open after 9 years and R169 million spent. Die Eerste Nasie Mense, the first indigenous people are recognised on paper according to Act 3 of 2019 without a budget, without resources and without recognition of traditional structures. The incomplete Sarah Baartman Memorial Centre as well as the derelict buildings at Robben Island is a true reflection of what the ANC government thinks about the first indigenous people. An embarrassment to the political heroes who sacrificed their lives on the island.
We note the increase of R32 million mentioned by the Minister as well as the R150 million that we saw on TV but it is actually money that will be overspent because you have already spent enough money on that project but the DA want an action plan to fix Sara Baartman and Robben Island. The Sport, Arts, Culture from the smallest rural town to the biggest metro, with big stadiums, from one person to a team effort, able and disable people contribute significantly, directly and indirectly to the economy and job creation.
I take this opportunity to thank all the Sport, Arts and Culture organisations, schools, the parents, the media and all provinces who week after week participate in mass sports that make South Africa a vibrant and a lively sports nation. Thank you.
Ms V P MALOMANE: Greetings to our Minister Zizi Kodwa and Deputy Minister Ms Nocawe Mafu, our lovely chairperson of the portfolio committee Ms Dlulane, portfolio committee members, fellow South Africans and our Deputy Chief Whip, good afternoon.
The 2023 budget was tabled under what the Minister of Finance in the Budget Speech assessed to be conditions that are characterised by slow paced recovery of the economy post COVID-19 and having to deal with normality.
The committee has had a deliberate interest in the ongoing transformation of sports, arts and culture.
IsiZulu:
Ngiyacabanga ukuthi uMadlingozi uyezwa ukuthi sikhuluma nge...
English:
... transformation. Through monitoring and scrutinizing the process of transformation for greater good of the people, as the ANC we have been highly concerned with the process of placing sports as a social and economic development sector.
Infrastructure development of sports and recreation facilities in communities and schools is a crucial programme in which we appreciate the department of being able to have this sub- programme to provide technical support when constructing facilities, renovating and repairing them. It is encouraging
to see work on sport infrastructure project for 50 targeted municipalities.
Hon van Dyk, I think this is where the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, MIG, that you are speaking about goes where they do infrastructure where sports facilities are built. You must come and debate in your municipalities when they are saying there is a debate for municipal budget. You must attend those meetings. That is where we speak about facilities. So if you don’t speak about those then there will be other facilities.
Hon Chairperson, the limitation of township and rural schools from participating in sports due to unavailability of sports equipment and attire has been a challenge for the ... [Interjections.] ...
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Hon members, you are drowning the speaker, please.
Ms V P MALOMANE: ... has been a challenge for the department pre COVID-19 and got worsened by it.
The strive for the department at aiming at 2 500 schools annually for sports equipment and attire deliveries to previously disadvantaged and have been helpful. We encourage more schools to be targeted for the participation in sports in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF. I hope the Minister will try and increase the schools especially in the disadvantaged areas.
We note and commend the 73 key construction of outdoor gyms that were installed since 2013. That is service delivery hon Madlingozi. Seventy-three key construction of outdoor gyms. That is service delivery that is under the department. There is an indication of 30 more to be constructed across the municipalities is an indication that the department has set key deliveries where ten are set to be constructed for this current financial year. Hon Minister, we should expand these programmes in order to develop a culture of exercising an active nation.
Hon Chairperson, the ANC has consent itself with encouraging an active nation for the promotion of provision of good and better health. We appreciate the department on the
facilitation of move for health commemoration that will take place tomorrow 10th May in Kayelitsha ...
IsiZulu:
...uzwile.
English:
Key deliveries in participation are increasing through sports organisation being one of the ways. We will be promoting lifestyle for healthy living with the department and community members.
On health commemoration day, we also have plans to take the opportunity to promote the upcoming Netball World Cup that will take place on 28th of July 2023 in Cape Town. All those who have t-shirts must note that Fridays will be netball Friday and we must wear our t-shirts.
In addition to the key programmes mentioned, we know that the department has several health programmes or projects that are going to have a positive impact on building and encouraging an active nation. Some of the notable being Ms Khawula, the Big Walk which attracts over 25 000 participants on the day of the
event annually. This day is noted to take place on the first Sunday of October which is declared by Tafisa.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Hon members, please, the speaker must be allowed to speak.
Ms V P MALOMANE: Tafisa which is The Association for International Sports for All. It does not discriminate, for. All. As World Walking Day, ordinary and non-straining exercise like just being able to walk are to be considered extra ordinary as they can push the nation to healthier paths.
The Nelson Mandela Sports, Arts and Culture Day plays a role in the promotion of national building. The Nelson Mandela Day embodies peace, reconciliation and unity in rainbow nation and diversity. Holding sports tournaments on Mandela Day and promoting them for cohesion helps unite our diverse nation.
Hon Chairperson, there about 295 000 people who are actively participating in organised sport and active creation. To us, these numbers are an indication of the strive made to achieve and realise participation in sports and recreation.
We believe that we can get millions of active participants through social mobilisation at community level. We believe that the numbers will keep rising and with the necessary rise, and for this to happen the alignment of the budget can increase such efforts.
Hon Chairperson, the department’s plans to assist with the afterschool programmes for school sports through having formal professional players of athletics, football, rugby, netball and boxing will be great initiatives in school sports. That’s the initiative when it comes to sports.
The Minister has appointed 21 sports ambassadors to execute this great task. The skills that the sports ambassadors will bring the committee is to pop to communities that are well vested in sports structures. These initiatives are critical to keep our children out of the streets. Are you listening hon van Dyk? With less exposure to alcohol and drugs.
Hon Chairperson, we as the committee have the presentation and briefing from the SA Institute of Drug-Free Sport with the department has been financially supporting and ensuring that
commitment for the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Regional Anti-Doping Agency are appalled annually.
IsiZulu:
Ngiyacabanga ukuthi ilungu elihloniphekile uZungula liyezwa laphaya ekhaya la lihleli khona.
English:
Hon Chairperson, sports transformation prioritization in support of indigenous games is pivotal. Investment and promotion of the indigenous games festivals are greatly appreciated and commended by the department where 2 800 participants are recorded to take part in embracing and cultural aspect and African renascence. As the committee we understand the importance of indigenous games and so we are looking forward to the games to witness cultural diverse gaming.
Hon Chair, the inclusion of indigenous games in school sports is giving us hope for the transformative process and is progressive. We intend to support the national youth camp for its promotion on activism, social cohesion and nation building among our youth.
In that, using sport to achieve this, we continue to strive and updating social ills for the youth. And so, the delegation of 120 learners per province to the weeklong camp by the department is essential for their empowerment.
However, the department must strive to ensure that it can be able to make such programmes to be implemented provincially, regionally, and ensure that as much youth as possible are not left behind.
Hon Chair, the department supports the youth 100% for the athletes programme supported by scientific support. A total of
18 youths have been supported through the progressive programme. This is the youth programme that we are talking about hon Mhlongo.
In conclusion Chair, sport is an important sector of the economy which creates livelihoods of many South Africans, and today’s budget illustrates the government’s efforts.
Mr T W MHLONGO: Chair, can I ask the member a question?
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Can you take a question hon member?
Ms V P MALOMANE: I don’t have time; I have time to speak to South Africans.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Okay, thank you, proceed.
Ms V P MALOMANE: Thank you. Hon Mhlongo, as a member of the portfolio committee, you know exactly what we are talking about when it comes to school sports. The department is busy with the Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with the Department of Education which has been signed.
The other matter is that, when we speak about the department’s service delivery, the sports infrastructure. Yes, the department has budget and it goes to the municipalities. Our main focus as a committee is to do oversight and ensure that the budget that has been transferred to the municipalities and the provinces is used accordingly as MIGs.
I think the Municipal Infrastructure Grant ... we need to ensure that as Members of Parliament we do our monitoring over
it so that we can see the facilities that are built by the ANC government. The ANC supports the budget.
The MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE: Hon Chairperson, just to announce a gesture of good will, can I make this call to the House that as you leave this House, through you hon Chairperson as well, there are netball T-shirts that are outside the door. To make sure that we indeed as Members of Parliament we lead. However, a special thanks to all members.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Hon members, please, order.
The MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE: My special thanks hon Chairperson to all members of this House.
Ms E N NTLANGWINI: Hon Chairperson, on a point of order.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Hon member, what is the point of order?
Ms E N NTLANGWINI: Hon Chairperson, I want to challenge the hon Minister, that we as Members of Parliament do not need
those T-shirts. The Hon Minister must take them to kids in Khayelitsha.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): That is not a point of order, hon member. Hon Minister, you may continue.
The MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE: I want to thank the hon members of this House for their positive and constructive inputs from both sides of this House.
One of my experiences is that in a short time I have met with the portfolio committee; it is one of the portfolio committee regardless of their political formations, they understand the role of sport. You can hear by their inputs those who are members of the committee when they stand here. I want to sincerely thank you on behalf of the department and many others who listened to you.
I must also agree with the hon Joseph, to the extent that we take serious to the point I made earlier. However, the budget allocated to the department is not enough. When one looks at the expected mandate of the department, it is not enough.
Therefore, what I would expected from the hon member Sandile
Ringo Madlingozi, would had been in spite of the challenges, but you cannot therefore reject this budget. For you do acknowledge in your input to which I agree full well, hon Madlingozi, because you come from that sector, that you do need more budget. I think if you were to participate not as a politician, but as a creative activist, you will make a lot of positive contribution. However, I do understand where you come from, Vader [Father.]
The position of the director-general, DG, hon members, the advert went out this past weekend. We have taken a decision to fill all the vacant funded posts, including the one of the DG. We will soon have the director-general in the department. Our agreement with the Love Life is under review and some of the issues that have been raised would be considered in that context.
We are concerned about the state of boxing in South Africa. This is the point that was made by hon members. We had already had an engagement with the Chairperson of Boxing SA. We will be meeting with them soon. Not only the issues but on the issues of stability and the appointment of the chief executive
officer, CEO, of boxing because we think this sport, is a very responding sport in South Africa given where it comes from.
Hon members, yesterday, we were in Robbin Island. Robbin Island is the sole of South Africa’s democracy. Therefore it was important that we go to Robbin Island. We must report that there is progress in terms of governance structures and in terms of oversight and accountability. We are happy what we heard and saw yesterday that indeed there is progress.
Hon Malomane, I am pleased to announce to you that as part of the programme to celebrate the life of our First democratic President Tata Nelson Mandela, the inaugural Mandela Marathon this weekend will take place in a place called Qunu which links Mvezo as part of celebrating the 10th anniversary since the passing of our dearly beloved President. Our sincere thanks to other members who have joined us. Like I said earlier Mama Lillian Dube, Florence Masebe, these are the people who are pioneers about these Bills to be finalised at the end of this month. They are acknowledged. Thank you very much to members of the senior management that is sitting here in this room. Thanks very much to the Deputy Minister for all your support. I am sure, working together with the members of
the portfolio committee, we will continue to lead South Africa and lift the spirit of South Africa and lift the mood of this country, to make sure that South Africa becomes the winning nation. Thanks very much for all your support. [Appluse.]
Debate concluded.
The mini-plenary session rose at 15:55.
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