Sport federations to sign transformation agreement

Sport, arts and culture

South African sports federations will soon sign a national agreement on transformation.

The Minister of Sport and Recreation- Minister Fikile Mbalula, who made the announcement, said he had already received transformation plans from the South African Rugby Union, South African Football Association and Cricket SA, and would soon receive the transformation plan from Athletics South Africa.

He was speaking at the announcement of a partnership with Nestlé South Africa, through its Milo brand, as the official sponsor of the School Sport Programme.

“We are a few months away from signing the national agreement on transformation, so I’m not only optimistic, I’m over the moon about the progress we are making when it comes to the transformation agenda in South Africa,” said the Minister.

Federations are expected to reintroduce racial quotas, requiring that a certain number of ‘players of colour’ are included in the national teams. “We are on track and within the trajectory of a developmental state and transforming society,” Minister Mbalula added.

He said there would be consequences should sporting federations not implement the transformation agreement.

School Sport Programme

The School Sport Programme aims to develop football and netball skills among school-going children under the age of 13. The programme, which started in January, aims to reach 15 000 learners across the country by December this year.

Basic Education Director for Sport, Arts and Culture Nozimpho Xulu said the department was committed to getting children to participate in sports.

“We are really committed to getting the number of schools that are in the rural areas and townships to make an impact under this programme. Those are the main beneficiaries of the school sport programme.”

Nestlé South Africa’s Business Manager for Dairy Mpho Toolo said: “This partnership further strengthens our commitment to promoting active and balanced lifestyles among children and will enable us to create an awareness about the importance of physical activity and good nutrition at an early age.”